This topic is from a question a commenter asked about IBS and anxiety. IBS is 'Irritable Bowel Syndrome'. It is not technically a disease, in that no one has found an organism or a single structural deformity that causes IBS. IBS is a group of symptoms that people may have, without any recognisable cause. Stomach pain, constipation and/or diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea, lack of appetite, and anxiety or depression are all symptoms of IBS. Someone who has IBS may have some of all of these symptoms.
Anxiety is a common symptom of IBS. Any illness, especially digestive illness, makes living life harder, and that increased difficulty can often come out as anxiety. When you are sick it is no surprise you are anxious or depressed! One thing to remember is many neurotransmitters in the brain were 1st discovered in the digestive system, and have functions there as well. There are more connections between nerve cells in the digestive system than there are in the brain. It is no surprise then that your digestive state has an effect on your mental state, and vice-versa.
Many people get caught in the trap of looking for the 'magic bullet' supplement (or drug) that will cure all their issues. That is always a recipe for failure. Some people will see benefit from a single herb or supplement for a while, then they will lose that improvement, or get to a point where they feel better, but not 100%, or will feel bad the moment they stop the supplement. The best way to treat IBS, and any illness, is a whole body approach. Treat the person, not the illness. By looking at your specific situation, we can create a program specifically for you and your concerns which will improve your health, your mood, your energy, your digestive system, your sleep, your ability to focus, etc. As you move along this path, you will see your IBS symptoms and issues dissipate, and as you keep going on your path to health, you will feel better and better, and be able to do all the things you love, without fear of suddenly relapsing. That is what true health is about.
As always, feel free to continue to bring up any topics you would like me to discuss.
Anxiety is a common symptom of IBS. Any illness, especially digestive illness, makes living life harder, and that increased difficulty can often come out as anxiety. When you are sick it is no surprise you are anxious or depressed! One thing to remember is many neurotransmitters in the brain were 1st discovered in the digestive system, and have functions there as well. There are more connections between nerve cells in the digestive system than there are in the brain. It is no surprise then that your digestive state has an effect on your mental state, and vice-versa.
Many people get caught in the trap of looking for the 'magic bullet' supplement (or drug) that will cure all their issues. That is always a recipe for failure. Some people will see benefit from a single herb or supplement for a while, then they will lose that improvement, or get to a point where they feel better, but not 100%, or will feel bad the moment they stop the supplement. The best way to treat IBS, and any illness, is a whole body approach. Treat the person, not the illness. By looking at your specific situation, we can create a program specifically for you and your concerns which will improve your health, your mood, your energy, your digestive system, your sleep, your ability to focus, etc. As you move along this path, you will see your IBS symptoms and issues dissipate, and as you keep going on your path to health, you will feel better and better, and be able to do all the things you love, without fear of suddenly relapsing. That is what true health is about.
As always, feel free to continue to bring up any topics you would like me to discuss.