IBS and how it relates to mental health?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a common condition affecting the digestive system, often characterised by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, or constipation. While the exact cause of IBS isn’t fully understood, we know that it’s a functional disorder, meaning the gut appears structurally normal but doesn’t function as it should. There’s a significant connection between IBS and mental health due to the gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication system linking our gut and brain. Stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns can intensify IBS symptoms, creating a challenging cycle where digestive discomfort heightens stress, and stress, in turn, exacerbates digestive issues. For many, it can feel like a “vicious circle,” but with the right support, people can break free from it.
How does stress or anxiety impact someone with IBS?
Stress and anxiety directly impact IBS by activating the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, which slows down or speeds up digestion in ways that can trigger symptoms like cramping, bloating, diarrhoea, or constipation. For those of us living with IBS, even minor stressors can provoke uncomfortable reactions in the gut. This is because stress causes the body to release certain hormones and neurotransmitters that can disrupt normal gut motility, sensitivity, and even the balance of gut bacteria, leading to flare-ups. Over time, this heightened sensitivity can make it feel as though we’re on edge not only mentally but physically too.
Biological mechanisms that might link anxiety and IBS
One key aspect linking anxiety and IBS is the gut-brain axis. This complex network involves the central nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, and the enteric nervous system (also called the “second brain” in the gut). Through this axis, the brain and gut communicate via neurotransmitters, hormones, and even immune responses. For instance, stress hormones like cortisol can influence gut motility and alter the microbiome, while serotonin—a neurotransmitter known for regulating mood and present in large quantities in the gut—plays a role in gut function. Disruptions in this balance can lead to a hypersensitive gut and intensified IBS symptoms. It’s fascinating and complex, but we’re learning more all the time.
Gut mobility or microbiome and the brain
Gut motility and the microbiome play pivotal roles in digestive health, and both are influenced by the gut-brain axis. Gut motility refers to how food moves through our digestive system, and it can be affected by both physical and emotional states. For example, anxiety or stress can lead to increased gut motility, causing diarrhoea, or decreased motility, resulting in constipation. Meanwhile, the microbiome—the collection of trillions of bacteria and other organisms living in our gut—also impacts our mental and physical health. Certain strains of gut bacteria can even produce neurotransmitters that affect our mood and resilience to stress. A balanced microbiome supports healthy gut function, while an imbalance can contribute to both digestive discomfort and mental health challenges. It’s truly a two-way street.
How can somebody with IBS improve their symptoms, what are the treatment options?
Managing IBS symptoms involves a holistic approach tailored to each individual, as triggers and responses can vary widely. . Treatment options often include dietary adjustments, such as identifying and avoiding trigger foods, or following a low-FODMAP diet to reduce symptoms. Beyond diet, techniques like mindfulness, stress management, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have shown positive results in managing IBS by reducing the stress that often worsens symptoms. Regular exercise, gut-directed hypnotherapy, and medications to regulate bowel function can also be effective. By combining these treatments and focusing on sustainable self-care, people with IBS can experience meaningful, lasting relief.
Written by Tina Wright – Ple Health Clinician
