For about 10 or more years now, we have been hearing in the health news how emotional distresses can affect the intestines negatively and how the food absorption rate influences our brain, our hormones, and then of course every other system in the body. Given how closely the gut and brain interact, it might seem obvious that the pair often influence each other. Some people feel nauseated before giving a presentation; others feel intestinal pain during times of stress. In any case, emotional and psychosocial factors play a role in functional gastrointestinal disorders. When the digestive system is running smoothly, we tend not to even think about it. Once trouble begins, your gut — like a squeaky wheel — suddenly demands your attention. Here are some of the major sources of gastrointestinal distress: irritable bowel syndrome, gastric reflux, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, and excess gas.
Stress-related symptoms felt in the gastrointestinal tract vary greatly from one person to the next, and treatment can vary as well. For example, one person with gastroesophageal reflux disease might have an occasional, mild burning sensation in the chest, while another experiences excruciating discomfort night after night. As the severity of symptoms varies, so should the therapies, medications, self-help strategies, or even surgeries used to relieve them. Please consult a health practitioner before embarking upon any protocol.
Many people have mild symptoms that respond quickly to changes in diet or medications. If symptoms do not improve, a clinician may ask more questions about your medical history and perform some diagnostic tests to rule out an underlying cause. For some people, symptoms improve as soon as a serious diagnosis, like cancer, has been ruled out. That is how strong the emotions can play a role in our health. A doctor may also recommend symptom-specific medications. Sometimes treating the symptoms are not enough. As symptoms become more severe, so does the likelihood that you are experiencing some sort of psychological distress.
Often, people with moderate to severe symptoms, particularly those whose symptoms arise from stressful circumstances, can benefit from mind directed therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques. Some people are reluctant to accept the role of psycho-social factors in their illness. It's important to know that emotions cause genuine chemical and physical responses in the body that can result in pain and discomfort. Behavioral therapy and stress reduction treatments help manage pain and improve other symptoms in ways that are different from how drugs act. The goal of all therapies is to reduce anxiety, encourage healthy behaviors, and help people cope with the pain and discomfort of their condition.
Engaging in mindfulness base exercise like yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, and walking with intention can be a big help too. Dancing provides lots of feel good hormones. Playing with kids can bring back joy, humor, and connection to one's youthful and carefree memories.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
SuperiorSelf on YouTube
Stress-related symptoms felt in the gastrointestinal tract vary greatly from one person to the next, and treatment can vary as well. For example, one person with gastroesophageal reflux disease might have an occasional, mild burning sensation in the chest, while another experiences excruciating discomfort night after night. As the severity of symptoms varies, so should the therapies, medications, self-help strategies, or even surgeries used to relieve them. Please consult a health practitioner before embarking upon any protocol.
Many people have mild symptoms that respond quickly to changes in diet or medications. If symptoms do not improve, a clinician may ask more questions about your medical history and perform some diagnostic tests to rule out an underlying cause. For some people, symptoms improve as soon as a serious diagnosis, like cancer, has been ruled out. That is how strong the emotions can play a role in our health. A doctor may also recommend symptom-specific medications. Sometimes treating the symptoms are not enough. As symptoms become more severe, so does the likelihood that you are experiencing some sort of psychological distress.
Often, people with moderate to severe symptoms, particularly those whose symptoms arise from stressful circumstances, can benefit from mind directed therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques. Some people are reluctant to accept the role of psycho-social factors in their illness. It's important to know that emotions cause genuine chemical and physical responses in the body that can result in pain and discomfort. Behavioral therapy and stress reduction treatments help manage pain and improve other symptoms in ways that are different from how drugs act. The goal of all therapies is to reduce anxiety, encourage healthy behaviors, and help people cope with the pain and discomfort of their condition.
Engaging in mindfulness base exercise like yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, and walking with intention can be a big help too. Dancing provides lots of feel good hormones. Playing with kids can bring back joy, humor, and connection to one's youthful and carefree memories.
Blessings,
KJ Landis
SuperiorSelf on YouTube
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