Health · Mental Health · 7 hrs ago
Emotional state can shape symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome can cause symptoms such as bloating, discomfort and pain.
Gastroenterologist Flavio Steinwurz said a person’s emotional state can affect how they respond to food, which may trigger symptoms.
He gave the example of someone drinking wine comfortably on a calm holiday but feeling unwell after drinking it during a stressful workday.
A low-FODMAP diet limits certain fermentable foods that can increase gas, including onions, garlic, beans, lentils and some fruits.
Psychiatrist Arthur Danila said digestive symptoms can also make people anxious about eating foods linked to earlier episodes of discomfort.
That worry may lead people to avoid social events or bring their own food, and, without proper care, anxiety or depression may develop.
The discussion did not specify a treatment plan or next steps for patients.
Flavio Steinwurz said emotional state is the main factor in irritable bowel syndrome, while food can trigger flare-ups depending on a patient’s emotional state.
He illustrated the link by describing how the same person might drink wine without discomfort on a calm holiday but experience bloating, discomfort and pain while drinking it during a busy workday.
Steinwurz discussed the Low FODMAP diet, which targets fermentable food groups that studies link to increased gas and worse symptoms.
Psychiatrist Arthur Danila said intestinal symptoms can also increase anxiety and harm mental health.
He said anticipating symptoms after eating certain foods can lead people to avoid social events and, without appropriate support, may progress to anxiety disorders or depression.
- Who
- Gastroenterologist Flavio Steinwurz and psychiatrist Arthur Danila discussed the condition.
- What
- They described how emotional state and food can affect irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and how symptoms can contribute to anxiety.
- When
- 2026-10-12, the article’s publication date.
- Where
- The discussion was on CNN Sinais Vitais with Dr. Roberto Kalil.
- Why
- Steinwurz said emotional state can shape how a person experiences food and symptoms. Danila said symptoms can also intensify anxiety.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Depending on the emotional component, you will have a different interpretation of that food that caused the problem.
If I ate broccoli and felt sick, then I will always start looking to see if that dish has broccoli.
Sometimes a person ends up isolating themselves, no longer attending social settings because they do not want to put themselves in situations where they cannot control what food they will have access to.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Emotional factor
- Steinwurz described it as the main factor in irritable bowel syndrome.
- Diet approach
- Low FODMAP diet, developed by a researcher at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
- Possible trigger foods
- Onion, garlic, beans, peas, lentils, some fruits, sweeteners and certain nuts.
- Mental health
- Danila said symptoms can increase anxiety and may lead to social isolation.
Sources
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