The Brain-Gut Connection

Have you ever felt “butterflies in your stomach” just before going up on stage for a presentation? Have you been told to just “go with your gut” when it comes time to make an important decision? These expressions are made to describe the clear relationship we have between our strong emotions or thoughts and our digestive system.

A Deep Dive Into The Brain-Gut Connection

This connection is formed by the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is part of the autonomic nervous system that controls involuntary physiological processes in the body. The ENS controls digestion, from swallowing to releasing enzymes to controlling blood flow that helps us break down food and absorb nutrients from our digestive tract. The ENS communicates back and forth with our brain’s central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, the nerves in the gut can cause changes in the brain, and anxiety or strong emotions can cause exaggerated responses in the gut. In individuals diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), this connection may cause even more exaggerated and dysfunctional responses.

What is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common diagnosis among more women than men. Its prevalence ranges between 10-15% of adults being affected in the United States. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and change in bowel habits, including constipation and/or diarrhea. These symptoms may worsen with increased stress or with the consumption of certain foods. The causes of IBS are still unknown, but research shows that it is likely to be multifactorial and complex.

How is IBS related to the Nervous System?

Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow neurons to talk to each other. An important neurotransmitter that was found to be a pillar in this brain-gut connection is serotonin. One study explored the levels of serotonin in individuals with diarrhea and constipation and found that people with diarrhea had higher levels of serotonin in their blood following a meal, whereas people with constipation had lower than normal levels of serotonin. This allows for potential treatment options that impact serotonin levels in the body.

Some Helpful Tips

The understanding of the strong connection between our brain and our gut allows for many new horizons for treatment of IBS. Relaxation techniques to calm the body’s physical response to stress could help calm the gut responses as well. These can include daily mindfulness or meditation practices. In some cases, treatment with mind body therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or medical hypnotherapy can be helpful to soothe the gut.

It may be worth stepping away from the gastrointestinal symptoms and be mindful of other factors that may be directly affecting your gut.

We Can Help!

Physical therapists are the first line of conservative treatment for individuals with IBS and can help alleviate many symptoms. Body Harmony Physical Therapy provides one on one treatment with trained pelvic health physical therapy professionals. After a comprehensive evaluation treatment may include but is not limited to:

• Breath Work including relaxation techniques
• Manual techniques
• Intrarectal balloon manometry
• EMG
• Patient education
• Use of biofeedback
• Stretching program
• Strengthening program

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References

1. https://gi.org/topics/irritable-bowel-syndrome/
2. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/stomach-liver-and-gastrointestinal-tract/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
3. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection
4. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-brain-gut-connection-in-ibs-1945286
5. https://journals.lww.com/co-endocrinology/Abstract/2009/02000/Serotonin_in_the_gastrointestinal_tract.11.aspx