Not Just Food: How Stress Can Trigger Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Ways to Treat It

While the irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic disorder of the large intestine that causes a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, it is not just triggered

by the foods you eat. According to a new study, IBS - considered a gut-brain interaction disorder- can also happen due to high stress levels. A report published in The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology says that behavioural therapies should now be considered as a treatment. “Some, such as IBS-specific cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or gut-directed hypnotherapy, have specific techniques and, therefore, are in their own class of brain–gut behaviour therapies. Others, such as stress management or relaxation training, are common or universal techniques that are present in most classes of brain-gut behaviour therapy,” the authors said.

How does stress cause IBS?

When your stress levels increase, your body releases higher amounts of a stress hormone known as cortisol, which is also partly responsible for your body’s fight-or-flight response to life-threatening situations. This often affects your hormone levels and many bodily processes to help you deal with the threat, including digestion, which is why stress causes constipation and diarrhoea, associated with IBS. According to experts, high cortisol levels also cause the colon to spasm, which makes you experience stomach cramps and discomfort that trigger your IBS symptoms. Cortisol affects the levels of good bacteria in your gut to cause IBS. It may even affect other organ functions that support the large intestine.

What are the signs and symptoms of IBS?

According to doctors, symptoms of IBS can appear frequently or may occur during flare-ups. While you may not always experience symptoms, these may go away at times and return at other times. Signs and symptoms of IBS include:

• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Excess gas and bloating
• Diarrhoea and constipation
• Mucus in your poop
• Feeling like you are unable to empty your bowels after pooping

Ways to beat and avoid stress

While stress is a normal part of life and cannot be avoided at all times, you can adopt certain practices to manage and prevent it. Doctors say the most effective way to avoid stress is to live a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, eating healthy and nutritious foods, and sleeping regularly. It also involves changing your life in ways to avoid certain things that cause stress. While there are no medications to treat stress, if you have anxiety, your doctor can discuss your options for medications that reduce it. Also, to reduce the risk of IBS from stress, you must indulge in productive physical therapy, which includes exercise and workouts. Moderate-to-high-intensity workouts are natural stress relievers as they release hormones known as endorphins. Avoid smoking, using drugs, and drinking alcohol when you are feeling stressed. All these substances can worsen stress and increase your risk for anxiety and depression.