How can stress trigger IBS?

Because the brain and the digestive system are connected, stress can cause your body to release hormones that disrupt the regular functioning of your gut. This can cause a flare-up of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), causing symptoms including abdominal pain and diarrhea.

When you experience high levels of stress, the connection between your brain and gut can result in several symptoms, such as:

• nausea
• constipation
• frequent bowel movements

IBS treatment options include taking medications and managing high stress levels that may trigger an IBS flare.

What is the gut-brain connection?

Because your brain and digestive systems are connected, your body may react to stress by releasing hormones. This can create changes in your body, including how your digestive system works.

These changes may trigger an IBS flare-up or increase the severity of symptoms you may experience, like abdominal pain and bowel movements.

A 2021 study on nurses in Korea found that most nurses with IBS presented higher stress levels than nurses who did not have this condition.

IBS may also impact a person’s mental health. While anxiety, stress, and depression can trigger IBS flare-ups, IBS may cause more stress. This potentially debilitating cycle of increasing stress and IBS episodes can disrupt the work and social life of a person with this condition.

But, eating an appropriate diet, reducing stress levels, and following a doctor’s recommended treatment plan can often help people with IBS to manage their condition.

Treatment methods for IBS

Treatment options for IBS include medications and alternative remedies, such as probiotics. But a doctor may begin treatment by ensuring you have had adequate hydration.

Medication for IBS

The medication options can vary depending on the symptoms you have been experiencing. Firstly, a doctor may suggest medication that can help to soften the stool, such as polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX).

Fiber supplements, such as psyllium husk, can also help to bulk up stools. A healthcare professional can determine which treatment options may be best for you.

If you experience abdominal cramps and bloating, doctors may prescribe medications such as:

• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), such as citalopram (Cipramil) and paroxetine (Seroxat)
• low doses of tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and clomipramine (Anafranil)
• peppermint oil capsules

If you experience frequent bowel movements, such as diarrhea, doctors may recommend you take anti-diarrhea medications, including:

• eluxadoline (Viberzi)
• rifaximin (Xifaxan)
• alosetron (Lotronex)
• loperamide (Imodium)

If you are experiencing constipation as a symptom of IBS, a doctor may prescribe medication to relieve bloating and help with bowel movements. Examples include:

• lubiprostone (Amitiza)
• plecanatide (Trulance)
• linaclotide (Linzess)

If you find that IBS symptoms are interfering with your daily life, consider speaking with a healthcare professional who can help identify if medication could help.

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Probiotics

Doctors may also recommend you take probiotics. These come as supplements but are also present in foods such as yogurt. Probiotics are microorganisms like yeast and bacteria that naturally live in the human gastrointestinal system.

Probiotics may help restore the natural bacterial balance in the gut, reducing the severity and frequency of bowel movements and IBS flare-ups.

Treatment for stress

It can be beneficial to treat the root cause of stress-related IBS symptoms. Various treatment options for stress are available, but these may vary depending on its severity and cause.

According to the UK charity Mind, treatment for stress may include:

• medications, such as antidepressants
• talking therapy
• aromatherapy
• yoga and meditation
• tai chi
• acupuncture

A doctor can help recommend you the most appropriate treatment for stress.

Prevention

To prevent stress-induced IBS, doctors may recommend physical exercise and talk therapy, which may help reduce general stress that causes IBS flare-ups.

According to Mind, physical exercise can have several benefits, such as:

• improving muscle relaxation
• reducing stress levels
• boosting your overall mood

Physical exercise for IBS may include:

• yoga
• swimming
• running
• walking

Talk therapy may also reduce your stress levels thanks to various techniques, including:

• Relaxation training: This type of treatment help relax your muscles. Relaxation techniques may include meditation and deep breathing.
• Gut-directed hypnotherapy: Hypnosis is a trance-like state that can increase your focus or relaxation. This may help to improve IBS symptoms.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This therapy helps you change your thought patterns and behavior. CBT may help reduce stress and improve IBS symptoms.

You can also do other activities that may help reduce and prevent stress. These may include:

• taking time to do things you enjoy
• avoiding or limiting alcohol
• reducing your caffeine intake
• taking time to connect with others, such as family and friends

When should you speak with a doctor?

If you find that IBS symptoms are impacting your day-to-day life or if dietary changes are not improving your symptoms, consider speaking with a doctor.

A doctor may suggest some other treatment options, or they may make some changes to your medications. They may also refer you to a specialist for additional advice.

Summary

Treating and preventing stress can significantly reduce the risk of IBS flare-ups. Treatment for stress may include talk therapy, exercising regularly, and making time to do activities you enjoy.

A doctor may prescribe medications and supplements such as laxatives and probiotics to improve your bowel movements. They may also recommend taking medications to reduce your abdominal discomfort, including peppermint oil capsules and antidepressants.

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