The Gut-Brain Connection: How Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Can Affect Your Mood

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, IBS not only impacts physical well-being but can also have a profound effect on your mental health, mood, and emotions. The intricate relationship between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis, plays a crucial role in understanding how IBS can influence mood.

The Gut-Brain Axis

The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system between the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system (ENS), which is embedded in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. This complex network involves the brain, spinal cord, and an extensive web of neurons in the gut, working together to regulate various bodily functions, including digestion and emotional responses.

How does the gut affect mood?

1.  Individuals with IBS often experience psychological distress due to the chronic nature of their condition and the unpredictability of the symptoms. The persistent discomfort and uncertainty about when symptoms will flare up can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and even depression, especially when they may be told things like: “nothing is wrong”, “you just need to learn to cope with it”, “it must be in your head”. These types of comments can increase emotional distress and anxiety.

2. The gut produces a significant number of neurotransmitters, including serotonin (& up to 80% of our body's levels!!!), commonly known as the "happy hormone”. Changes in the gut environment in individuals with IBS can affect the production and regulation of neurotransmitters, potentially leading to imbalances that contribute to mood disorders and further changes in the way that the gut functions.

3. Chronic inflammation in the gut, a common feature of IBS, has been linked to increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These inflammatory molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger inflammation in the brain, impacting mood and cognitive function. Plus, they can prevent healing resolution and increase the pain we experience, which further impacts our mood.

4. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a key component of the stress response system, can be dysregulated in individuals with IBS. Chronic stress associated with IBS may lead to an overactive HPA axis, resulting in an increased release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can influence mood and exacerbate symptoms.

5. The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms residing in the digestive tract, plays a crucial role in the gut-brain axis. Imbalances in the gut microbiota, often observed in individuals with IBS, can impact the production of neurotransmitters and contribute to mood disturbances. For instance, studies have shown that an imbalanced microbiome produces far less serotonin (our happy hormone) and oxytocin (our love & connection hormone).

In my work with patients and members of my Tummy Rescue Hub membership, I focus on improving all of these areas, to give them the best clinical outcomes. Naturopathy has tools that can effectively address pain, support the nervous system, reduce and resolve chronic inflammation, and improve the composition of the microbiome.

If you have any questions about how I can help you, please book a free 15-minute discovery call here:

https://www.tummyrescue.com.au/free-15-minute-call

Or if you are interested in the membership, you can jump on the waitlist here:

https://tummy-rescue-hub.newzenler.com/courses/tummy-rescue-hub

If you want 5 ways to reduce your bloating, pain, and gas, get my FREE e-book right now!

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A bit about me!

 I am Danielle Elliott a qualified Naturopath and the owner of Tummy Rescue.

I have been helping kids & adults improve their health for over 16 years, with the last 11 years concentrating on helping patients with any kind of gut disorder. I began focussing on everything gut related after my husband was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. And lucky I did……as my husband and both our kids have Coeliac Disease and my daughter has a dairy allergy.

So…. I am well and truly where I am meant to be!

I love being able to help people to soothe and calm their symptoms, investigate the causes and support and improve their gut function.

I also get to write educational pieces to train practitioners and am often interviewed for podcasts and summits, which is another really rewarding part of my work. I love educating people (this is something I do in every consult), because I do believe knowledge is power. It gives you the tools to make the changes you need to!

So, when you opt-in to my E-book, you are beginning on a journey of learning and discovery, of how you can reduce your symptoms of bloating, gas & pain and improve your gut health.

I would be honoured to help you along the way.

Danielle xoxo