Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 5 hrs ago
Stress and Anxiety Can Trigger Diarrhea Through the Gut-Brain Connection
Stress and anxiety can trigger diarrhea because the brain and gut affect each other.
This connection, known as the gut-brain axis, helps explain why emotions can change bowel habits.
Stress hormones and changes to gut bacteria can affect digestion, though the effects vary from person to person.
People with IBS or inflammatory bowel disease may have flare-ups when stress worsens their symptoms.
The Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated iceberg lettuce has ended, but some people may still have stomach trouble for other reasons.
Addressing the source of stress may help; temporary options include over-the-counter medicines, probiotics and avoiding foods or drinks that irritate the stomach.
Persistent diarrhea or warning signs need medical attention, especially blood in the stool, fever, severe abdominal pain or unintended weight loss.
Stress and anxiety can trigger diarrhea through the connection between the brain and the gut.
Stress prompts the body to release cortisol and adrenaline, which can affect bowel habits.
Stress may also affect gut bacteria and digestion.
People with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease may experience stress-related flare-ups.
Managing stress, avoiding foods that irritate the stomach and using some over-the-counter medicines may help.
- Who
- People experiencing stress or anxiety may develop diarrhea. Those with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease may be more prone to flare-ups.
- What
- Stress and anxiety can affect bowel habits and trigger diarrhea through the gut-brain connection.
- When
- Not stated
- Where
- The effects occur through the connection between the brain and the gastrointestinal system.
- Why
- Stress can trigger the release of cortisol and adrenaline, affect gut bacteria and influence digestion.
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- Hormones
- Stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline.
- Gut-brain system
- The enteric nervous system connects the brain and gastrointestinal system.
- Possible symptoms
- Stress may cause diarrhea, constipation or bloating.
- Conditions
- Stress and anxiety can trigger flare-ups in people with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Warning signs
- Bloody stool, fever, severe abdominal pain or unintended weight loss are reasons to see a doctor.
What people are saying
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