By

Elaine A. Malec, PhD

There is growing evident that our gut health and our mood instability are related. IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome is associated with problems with abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation, cramping and other discomfort. Although not life-threatening, it can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. In addition, IBS is often correlated with anxiety. An article by Katharina Star, PhD (Sept, 2020) The Link Between Panic Disorder and IBS (www.verywellmind.com/irritable-bowel-syndrome-and-panic-disorder) lays out some of the reasons these two disorders seem to be related.

One of the reasons IBS and anxiety disorders appear to happen together is the tendency for individuals with these symptoms to have a hyper-aroused “fight or flight” sympathetic nervous system response. When a person has a fight or flight reaction or what is called a stress reaction, changes occur in almost all aspects of the body including the release of a stress hormone called cortisol. The gastrointestinal system also goes through changes due to these underlying biochemical changes, which can include inflammation of the gastrointestinal lining and changes in the microbiome. It is speculated that the vagus nerve which runs from the brain through the body is affected by all of this assault on the body. The vagus nerve runs from the lower area of the brain through heart, lungs, spleen, liver, stomach, kidneys and the intestines. Once the vagus nerve is irritable, it can caused chronic problems with anxiety and gut problems.

We may not be able to identify which came first, IBS or anxiety, but we know we can improve both simultaneously. Solutions for anxiety and IBS include improving our ability to create a nurturing environment within our mind and body. When we strive for a balance between relaxation and exercise, creating a good diet that reduces foods that cause gut inflammation and mastering our psychology to enhance our ability to adjust to challenges in our lives, can go a long way to reducing both IBS and anxiety.

The information provided here is for educational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment for any condition, requires an evaluation by a qualified medical provider.