{"id":2836,"date":"2022-08-25T14:41:48","date_gmt":"2022-08-25T14:41:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdhf.staging.not4prod.com\/?p=2836"},"modified":"2023-03-23T20:28:21","modified_gmt":"2023-03-23T20:28:21","slug":"the-importance-of-managing-stress-for-people-who-suffer-from-ibs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/the-importance-of-managing-stress-for-people-who-suffer-from-ibs\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Managing Stress for People who Suffer from IBS"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stress can negatively affect your body in many ways. This is even more true if you suffer from GI disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS<\/a>).  According to a study conducted in 2017<\/a>, both anxiety and depression not only increase the chances of developing IBS but also cause a worsening if symptoms; 34% of individuals in this study suffered from anxiety and 84% from depression. 1<\/sup><\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no known specific cause, IBS is a cycle of increasing psychological and physical symptoms that make day to day life extremely painful, embarrassing, and difficult. Some experts suggest people who suffer from IBS have a colon that is more sensitive and reactive to certain foods and stress. This makes sense as the colon is in part controlled by the nervous system, which responds to stress.  Evidence also suggests that the immune system, also responding to stress, plays a role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are ways you can reduce stress in your life and decrease the chances of your IBS symptoms flaring up.  But first, if you haven\u2019t already, push for a firm diagnosis.  Diagnosing IBS is difficult and can take some time for many individuals. A firm diagnosis from a doctor will help you to properly treat the disorder and help put your mind at ease and prevent you from becoming overly stressed about the unknown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ways to reduce IBS related stress:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Reducing stress factors in your life will not cure IBS, but it will certainly help you manage symptoms, and you will find yourself feeling better more often. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be open about your condition<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many people with IBS tend to suffer in silence due to the embarrassing nature of their symptoms. The stress of worrying that people are judging you when you\u2019re constantly running to the bathroom can worsen your symptoms. Tell friends, family and colleagues about your diagnosis, and educate them on the types of things you struggle with<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find that most people are understanding. It\u2019s not your fault that you\u2019re going through this, and they\u2019ll likely support you and applaud you for being so brave and honest. This will reduce the stress of worrying that colleagues think you\u2019re avoiding work or meetings when you need to take time off and keep you from worrying that your friends and family think less of you when you\u2019re unable to attend planned events. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Push for a firm diagnosis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Diagnosing IBS is difficult and can take some time for many patients. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and take a complete medical history that includes a careful review of your symptoms. If you\u2019re experiencing extreme bloating, gas, abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea or constipation, see a doctor. Letting these symptoms go undiagnosed can lead to internal stresses. You\u2019ll be left wondering what\u2019s wrong with you, is it serious? Could your health be at risk? A firm diagnosis from a doctor won\u2019t just help you to properly treat the disorder, but it will help put your mind at ease and prevent you from becoming overly stressed about the unknown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exercise<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Exercise is proven to improve your overall health. It also helps a great deal with stress management and aids in proper digestion.  By stimulating normal contractions of your intestines, exercise helps relieve depression and stress, and can help you feel better about yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We all know exercising is good for everyone, but if you have IBS, you have even more of a reason to stay active. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some tips for making exercise a more routine part of your day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n