Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by chronic digestive symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, there is growing evidence suggesting that there is a strong connection between the gut and the brain, and that stress and emotional factors may play a significant role in the development and exacerbation of IBS symptoms. In my clinical experience, I have seen an undeniable link to stress, breathing, diet and symptoms of IBS. The greater the stress load, the more disrupted the breathing, and the more likely we are to eat inflammatory foods. Improving any one of these markers creates a cascading positive effect on one's health and happiness.
On of my favorite books on the topic, "When The Body Says No" by Gabor Mate explores in depth the causal relationships between IBS (as well as many other chronic Autoimmune diseases), and our emotions as guided by our personality. See my last blog on "Managing Stress Effectively: Knowing Your Emotional Expression or Repression" to get a more in depth view of how each Enneagram personality type expresses or represses emotions. In his book "When The Body Says No" Mate argues that our emotional experiences and stress levels can have a profound impact on our physical well-being, and that chronic stress can contribute to the development of a range of illnesses and diseases, including IBS. He makes the bold assertion, which I give a standing ovation to, that the medical industry needs to accept the fact that the growing epidemic of autoimmune diseases like Alzheimer's, Crohn's, IBS, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Cancer cannot be solved with more advanced tests, drugs or technology. These are conditions that have a direct and predictable relationship with one's emotional state, and more succinctly, our expressive or repressive tendencies. One can interpret from the book, that managing your personality can greatly impact your ability to heal your autoimmune condition.
This is not medical advice. If you have a serious medical condition, consult your health and medical team.
The gut-brain connection refers to the bidirectional communication between the gut and the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord and plays a vital role in regulating bodily functions, including digestion. The gut contains its own nervous system, called the enteric nervous system (ENS), which consists of a complex network of neurons that communicate with the CNS. This bidirectional communication between the ENS and the CNS is crucial for maintaining the balance and harmony of the digestive system.
Research has shown that stress and emotional factors can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms such as those seen in IBS. When we experience stress or negative emotions, our bodies release a range of chemicals, including cortisol and adrenaline, which can impact the digestive system. Cortisol, for example, can reduce blood flow to the gut, which can slow down digestion and contribute to constipation. Adrenaline can stimulate the release of digestive enzymes, which can speed up digestion and lead to diarrhea. When we are in a state of emotional distress, and do not have the coping skills to dissolve that trigger, and snap out of the emotional trance we have created, then this state becomes perpetual, habitual and chronic. For long term health, it is critical to manage your triggers, by getting to know yourself and how you can most effectively deal with these emotions.
Furthermore, stress and emotional factors can also impact the gut microbiome, which refers to the trillions of microorganisms that live in our gut. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining our digestive health and immune system. Stress can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, leading to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and an increased risk of developing digestive symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain. Lacking emotional expression, and connection to our inner world leads to further disruption of our gut health. The next time that you really want to say something, but don't, pay attention to the feeling that creates in your gut. You will notice a restriction, perhaps a nervous or anxious energy in your gut. The longer, and more frequently we create that gut energy, the more disruption to our emotional and digestive state we will experience.
In addition to stress and emotional factors, there are other lifestyle factors that can contribute to the development of IBS, such as diet and exercise. The foods we eat will determine the level of good and bad gut bacteria in our body. Choosing high quality foods for your body is a must. A diet that is high in processed foods and low in fiber can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiome, leading to an increased risk of developing IBS. Exercise, on the other hand, has been shown to improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing inflammation in the gut.
In conclusion, the gut-brain connection plays a significant role in the development and exacerbation of IBS symptoms. Stress and emotional factors, as well as lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise, can impact the delicate balance of the gut and contribute to the development of digestive symptoms. Understanding the complex interplay between the gut and the brain is crucial for developing effective treatments for IBS and improving the quality of life for those living with this condition.
If you have been floating in that zone between pain and injury and have yet to discover the missing piece to feeling happy and healthy, I'd love to hear more about your situation and how we can help. You can be our next success story who finally found what was missing after trying everything that didn't work.
I don't treat symptoms, I coach people who have symptoms, and that's why it works and medicine rarely does.
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Much Love,
Coach Jerry