The Impact of Stress on IBS | Gleneagles Hospitals Malaysia

Topics

An Overview of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

How Stress Impacts IBS

The Role of Gut Motility in IBS

Mental Health Affected by IBS

Effective Stress Management Strategies for IBS

Frequently Asked Questions about IBS

Schedule an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Find out how stress affects Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and explore stress management techniques to ease symptoms. Get expert care at Gleneagles Hospitals.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder impacting millions of people globally. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation characterise this condition. The causes of IBS remain greatly unknown, but research has shown that stress is a contributing element to the development and exacerbation of IBS symptoms. This article reveals how stress impacts IBS and offers strategies to manage this condition.

An Overview of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a digestive system disorder that mainly affects the colon. The precise cause remains uncertain, but abnormal gut motility, heightened gut sensitivity, and changes in gut microbiota are believed to be involved. Stress is a trigger known to possibly flare up or worsen IBS symptoms. IBS can affect a person’s quality of life, constantly drifting to anxiety and depression, leading to a cycle of discomfort that is tough to break.

How Stress Impacts IBS

Stress directly affects the digestive system, initiating different physiological changes that can worsen IBS symptoms. The brain delivers signals that impact the gut when the body is going through stress, constantly leading to heightened sensitivity and changes in gut mobility. This connection is called the brain-gut axis, a two-way communication system between the brain and gastrointestinal tract.

Stress can cause stress hormones to overproduce, such as cortisol, which impacts the gastrointestinal system. This can cause gut permeability to increase, leading to inflammation and discomfort. In addition, stress can change the balance of the gut microbiota and lead to dysbiosis, which is connected to symptoms of IBS.

The Role of Gut Motility in IBS

IBS is constantly associated with abnormal gut motility. The gut contracts more forcefully or less effectively than usual due to stress, causing symptoms such as diarrhoea or constipation to occur. Changes in motility brought on by stress can exacerbate the cramping and discomfort linked to IBS, increasing bloating and gas.

Mental Health Affected by IBS

Stress and IBS do not just have a physical relationship with each other, but psychological as well. Anxiety and stress can occur when living with IBS, leading to an agonising cycle. People with IBS may be concerned about possible flare-ups occurring in public places, which can lead to higher levels of stress and a higher possibility of experiencing symptoms. This psychological stress can worsen the physical symptoms of IBS more, making it more difficult for people to manage their condition.

In addition, it is common for people with IBS to experience anxiety and depression, as they constantly feel isolated because of the disorder’s unpredictable nature. Stress and mental health management are important in managing IBS successfully.

Effective Stress Management Strategies for IBS

Managing stress is an essential part of managing IBS. Several techniques can help reduce stress and improve symptoms of IBS:

Mindfulness and Meditation	Mindfulness and relaxation exercises boost a state of calm, which is why they can help you reduce stress. Practices such as yoga and meditation aid in managing your body’s stress response, decreasing cortisol levels, and improving digestion. Studies have revealed that mindfulness can notably decrease IBS symptoms by calming the gut-brain link.
Frequent Exercise	Engaging in physical activity aids in decreasing stress, and improves gut motility. Exercise helps stimulate endorphin production– the body’s natural mood elevators, and manage bowel movements. A frequent exercise routine can notably improve both psychological and physical IBS symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)	CBT is a psychological treatment effective for IBS. It helps people determine and alter negative thought patterns related to stress and anxiety, decreasing the psychological burden of IBS at the end of the day. CBT has been revealed to lessen both the frequency and seriousness of IBS symptoms by strengthening the mind-body connection. Dietary Changes: Specific types of food can worsen IBS symptoms, and stress can cause the sensitivity of the digestive system to be higher toward these triggers. A balanced diet avoiding high-fat, spicy, and gas-producing foods is important for management of IBS. In addition to this, fibre-rich foods and probiotics can aid in maintaining gut health and decrease IBS symptoms. Sleep Hygiene: Poor sleep can worsen stress and initiate IBS flare-ups. Creating a constant sleep schedule, practising relaxation techniques before sleeping, and establishing a peaceful sleeping environment can improve mental health and symptoms of IBS.

Frequently Asked Questions about IBS

1. Is IBS similar to IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?

No, IBS is a functional disorder that impacts gut-brain communication, while IBD involves chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

2. Is IBS a severe condition?

IBS is not considered fatal, but it can notably impact a person’s quality of life. Anxiety and depression can result from the potentially disruptive symptoms that cause emotional distress.

3. How does IBS vary from food intolerances?

Food intolerances such as lactose or gluten intolerance involve having problems digesting certain types of food, while IBS is a more general disorder with different types of triggers.

4. Can IBS symptoms be similar to other conditions?

Yes, IBS symptoms can appear similar to those of other digestive conditions such as celiac disease, lactose intolerance, or IBD. An appropriate diagnosis is important.

Schedule an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Stress can notably affect Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), trigger, or exacerbate symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements. If you have these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical advice at an early stage. Effective stress management and personalised treatment plans can help decrease IBS flare-ups and improve quality of life.

If you have concerns about IBS or need guidance on managing stress, visit our website to book an appointment or download the MyHealth360 application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. . Our expert team is here to provide professional advice and support for managing IBS and stress.