The Impact of Stress on the Digestive System
- Dr. Mélanie Robinson
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Introduction
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I discuss digestive health with almost all of my patients as it plays a vital role in our well-being. It can easily be impacted by numerous stressors – emotional, mental, physical, and social. Have you ever noticed how your digestion feels when you are under stress? I can almost guarantee that your stomach is not feeling optimal when exposed to either acute or chronic stress. You may notice some of these symptoms - softer stools, mild stomach pains, nausea, heartburn, or even a loss or gain in appetite.
What Is The Digestive System Composed Of?
The digestive system is composed of two main parts: the gastrointestinal tract and the accessory digestive organs. The tract includes the following organs: the mouth, esophagus (tube joining the mouth and the stomach), stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. (Tortora et al., 2006) The accessory digestive organs include the teeth, tongue, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. The main functions of the digestive system include ingestion, secretion, mixing and propulsion, digesting, absorption, and defecation. Various parts of the digestive system can be impacted by both acute and chronic stress. Common digestive complaints include acid reflux, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and stomach pains. In my practice, I have seen these worsen when your body is stressed. Ongoing exposure to stress can exacerbate already diagnosed digestive disorders such as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), and IBD (inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s). (Konturek et al., 2011)
The Impact Of Daily Stress On The Digestive System
Stress can affect people on a daily basis. Common stressors include financial, work, poor lifestyle habits, relationships, and life transitions. These can impact our bodies emotionally, mentally, as well as physically. When we are exposed to stress, cortisol and adrenaline are released from our adrenal glands to help our bodies respond to the stressor. This system is not meant to be activated on a regular basis; however, it is commonly triggered in our Western world. Increased cortisol can lead to symptoms such as a fast heartbeat, sweating, fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, insomnia, weight loss or weight gain, poor immune health, as well as digestive health concerns. (Tortora et al., 2006)
The Impact Of Acute Stress On The Digestive System
During periods of acute stress, there is less blood directed to our digestion and digestive organs, as our body is prioritizing its supply to our extremities to “run away” from the stress. (Tortora et al., 2006) This is called a “fight or flight” response. Imagine being chased by a bear in the forest. You would want your body to focus its energy on getting your legs to run as quickly as possible rather than focusing on digesting your food. Unfortunately, the body has a challenging time distinguishing between the different stressors’ importance (i.e., being chased by a bear or running late for a meeting). This means that the stress hormones are released no matter what the stressor is or if it is indeed life-threatening. Patients struggling with IBD may be at higher risk of developing symptoms of anxiety and depression. (Ge et al., 2022)
In my clinical experience, I have noticed that patients who are stressed for long periods of time tend to develop digestive symptoms. A review demonstrated there is strong evidence that IBS is impacted by stress, and the treatment focus should include stress management. (Qin et al., 2014) There is a strong connection between our brain and our digestive system called the “brain-gut axis”. Ongoing exposure to stress can negatively impact it, which can lead to the development of digestive disorders. (Konturek et al., 2011)
How Can I Improve The Health Of My Digestive System
In my clinic experience, I have noticed that learning to better manage your stress will not only improve your digestive health but also support other systems in your body. I have found that establishing healthy lifestyle habits such as eating a whole food diet, limiting processed foods, staying hydrated, limiting/eliminating alcohol and caffeine, prioritizing sleep, moving your body, being involved in your community, and finding connection with others may improve stress management. I encourage you to bring awareness to your digestive system when under stress, as well as when you are feeling relaxed and calm. You may start to notice different symptoms in both of these situations. I also encourage you to start learning and practicing deep breathing techniques to help calm your nervous system.
In my practice, I recommend bloodwork and diagnostic testing, if it’s indicated, with my patients who are suffering from either chronic stress and/or digestive symptoms. The diagnostic testing may include blood, urine, saliva, and/or stool samples that are sent to accredited medical laboratories. Based on these results, I recommend a treatment plan to support their well-being that can include dietary changes, various supplements, as well as lifestyle modifications. When suffering from a chronic illness for months or even years, I do value the importance of testing to have a better understanding of the possible underlying root cause. Some of the patients I see in practice have been dealing with digestive symptoms for years without understanding or being able to identify the root cause. Several of them have also been under elevated levels of stress. I enjoy empowering my patients by educating them on their health and finding possible treatment plans that best suit their needs.
Conclusion
One of the ways I view the digestive system, and explain it to my patients, is by comparing it to the roots of a tree. When the roots are diseased, the entire tree is affected. It is vital to support the entire being by focusing on the root cause of the illness that can lead to the symptoms. If we think of a tree, it needs healthy soil that contains key nutrients as well as adequate water and sunshine to thrive. Our human bodies have very similar requirements to not only survive, but to thrive. I believe that nutrition, digestion, absorption, bacterial balance, and a healthy intestinal barrier all play interdependent functions in the health of the whole body. However, stress management and learning to regulate your nervous system can facilitate healing and a calmer digestive system. Cultivating healthy stress coping mechanisms while supporting a healthy digestive tract can improve your overall well-being.
If you’d like support with your digestive health, you can book a free virtual 15-minute Meet and Greet with Dr. Melanie Robinson, ND
*Disclaimer: The information contained within this post is for general educational and information purposes only; no doctor-patient relationship is formed. It is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute there for. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
References:
Ge, L., Liu, S., Li, S., Yang, J., Hu, G., Xu, C., & Song, W. (2022). Psychological stress in inflammatory bowel disease: Psychoneuroimmunological insights into bidirectional gut–brain communications. Frontiers in Immunology, 13, Article 1016578. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.1016578
Konturek, P. C., Brzozowski, T., & Konturek, S. J. (2011). Stress and the gut: Pathophysiology, clinical consequences, diagnostic approach and treatment options. Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 62(6), 591–599. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22314561/
Qin, H.-Y., Cheng, C.-W., Tang, X.-D., & Bian, Z.-X. (2014). Impact of psychological stress on irritable bowel syndrome. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 20(39), 14126–14131. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14126
Tortora G., Derrickson, B., (2006), Principles of Anatomy and Physiology 11th edition. Wiley.
About Naturally Inclined Health:
Naturally Inclined Health is an integrative health clinic located in the heart of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, proudly serving Albertans with comprehensive naturopathic care, acupuncture, IV therapy, and nutrition support with our on-site naturopathic doctors and registered dietitian. We believe every person is unique, and health concerns deserve an individualized, patient-centered approach.
Naturopathic medicine uses a wide range of evidence-informed assessment tools, healing modalities, and natural treatments to create customized care plans that evolve with your health needs. Our Naturopathic Doctors in Edmonton are highly trained clinicians with a holistic lens, addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.
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