Is Stress Messing With Your Stomach? The Link to IBS - AI Podcast

Story at-a-glance Approximately 10% to 15% of Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by unpredictable symptoms that disrupt daily life Recent research reveals that psychological stress trains your body to misidentify safe foods as threats. This rewires your immune and nervous systems to produce pain responses in the gut Stress increases mast cell activity in the gut, which leads to nerve hypersensitivity and immune system changes that trigger IBS symptoms like bloating, pain, and altered digestion When stress becomes chronic, hormones like cortisol and CRF impair digestion, damage the gut lining, and throw off your microbial balance, worsening IBS symptoms Managing IBS involves comprehensive lifestyle strategies, including stress reduction techniques like mindfulness, exercise, improving sleep, and supporting gut health through diet and potential supplements