{"id":64032,"date":"2026-07-27T19:02:26","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T19:02:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/?p=64032"},"modified":"2026-08-10T13:06:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T13:06:18","slug":"the-mind-gut-connection-how-mindfulness-helps-manage-chronic-digestive-conditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/the-mind-gut-connection-how-mindfulness-helps-manage-chronic-digestive-conditions\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mind-Gut Connection: How Mindfulness Helps Manage Chronic Digestive Conditions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/the-gut-brain-connection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stress and emotions<\/a>&nbsp;can create physical discomfort for many individuals, especially individuals with IBS and other chronic digestive conditions. This physical discomfort may be seen as nausea, gut sensitivity, stomach pain, cramping, and bloating. This is caused by the gut-brain axis,&nbsp;indicating&nbsp;that the <a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/the-mind-gut-connection-why-anxiety-shows-up-in-your-stomach-first\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/the-mind-gut-connection-why-anxiety-shows-up-in-your-stomach-first\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">brain and digestive system simultaneously&nbsp;impact&nbsp;each other<\/a>. Research suggests this may be the reason individuals feel soreness or irritation within their digestive system during periods of stress.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, it is important to understand and use mindfulness practices during those periods of physical discomfort. Focusing on the present time rather than&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/diseases-and-conditions\/the-gut-brain-connection\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">anxious thoughts&nbsp;<\/a>regarding one&#8217;s past or future provides individuals with relaxation responses. Thus, decreasing digestive discomfort, symptoms, and managing chronic digestive conditions. In addition, it may decrease psychological symptoms that come along with the gut-brain axis during stressful periods.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"0-mindfulness-for-ibs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mindfulness for IBS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)&nbsp;<\/a>has a direct relationship with emotions and stress. An individual&#8217;s stress and emotional level can&nbsp;impact, as well as create&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs\/symptoms\/#:~:text=stomach%20pain%20or%20cramps%20%E2%80%93%20usually,sometimes%20need%20to%20poo%20suddenly\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">symptoms of IBS<\/a>. Therefore, mindfulness for IBS calms the nervous system through focusing on a person\u2019s awareness in the present time and where they are in that exact moment, pushing the body towards the \u201crest and digest\u201d state we want it to be at.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By increasing mindfulness in individuals with IBS, it can decrease the stress they may feel in the moment, which will allow the digestive process&nbsp;return&nbsp;to its normal function&nbsp;to speed back up after being slowed down&nbsp;in order to&nbsp;manage the current stressor. This can decrease digestive flare-ups, nausea, cramping, stomach&nbsp;pain&nbsp;and anxious thoughts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/the-mind-gut-connection-how-to-reset-your-nervous-system-during-digestive-flare-ups\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/the-mind-gut-connection-how-to-reset-your-nervous-system-during-digestive-flare-ups\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A few techniques may include:<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Timed and slow-paced breathing&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Light exercise, such as walking or stretching&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mindful eating habits, such as slow-pace eating&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meditation&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allowing the body to rest&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Timely sleep schedule&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These mindfulness techniques do not need to be intense or big. They just need to&nbsp;be&nbsp;small daily habits one can perform throughout the day to promote mindfulness along the way. Although mindfulness for IBS will not completely reduce IBS symptoms themselves, it can ease&nbsp;the physical&nbsp;discomfort and increase IBS support over time.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"1-managing-chronic-digestive-conditions-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Managing chronic digestive conditions&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchicagomedicineadventhealth.org\/blog\/7-most-common-digestive-conditions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chronic digestive conditions<\/a>&nbsp;may include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Functional Dyspepsia&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/irritable-bowel-syndrome\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20360064\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Diets, food choices<\/a>, symptoms, stress, and psychological well-being are all key components to focus on when&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7850201\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">managing chronic digestive conditions<\/a>. However, stress management is often overlooked. Since research shows stress increases symptoms for chronic digestive conditions because it activates the body&#8217;s \u201cfight or flight\u201d&nbsp;response,&nbsp;and&nbsp;creates imbalance&nbsp;to&nbsp;the \u201crest and digest\u201d state, it is helpful to understand small habits to perform in order to reduce chronic digestive condition symptoms.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A few habits may include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consistent meal and sleep schedules&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Staying hydrated throughout the day&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Simple physical activities, such as walking or stretching&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stress management activities, such as naming 5 things you can see in front of you&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Taking breaks during stressful situations rather than overworking your nervous and digestive systems&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each technique will feel different for every individual. Everyone&#8217;s symptoms may differ in pain and severity. Therefore, it is important to be aware of what works best for you. Additionally, it is also important to focus on diets and food choices depending on one&#8217;s chronic digestive condition. These techniques work simultaneously with managing individuals&#8217; digestive systems and emotions, as well as stress regulation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"2-mindfulness-and-gut-health\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mindfulness and gut health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through the gut-brain axis, emotional and physical signals intertwine, which may cause the intensity of one&#8217;s emotions to intensify physical pain or cause symptoms. Therefore, mindfulness and gut health can regulate one&#8217;s emotions and nervous system during stressful states, allowing better digestive processes.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Different ways&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7219460\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mindfulness<\/a>&nbsp;impacts&nbsp;gut health include:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Positively improving stress management and decreasing stress levels&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decrease in gut pain and discomfort&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Decrease in bodily tension&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emotional&nbsp;regulation&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Techniques that individuals may use include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Yoga&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stretching&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Meditation&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slow-paced eating&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2:1 breathing technique (the exhale should be twice as long as the inhale&nbsp;was)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/stanmed.stanford.edu\/cyclic-sighing-stress-relief\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Diaphragmatic breathing<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Naming items you can see and hear in the present time&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research suggests&nbsp;these small mindfulness&nbsp;techniques decrease physical discomfort and provide room for support&nbsp;regarding&nbsp;gut health. Although they may not be able to&nbsp;eliminate&nbsp;all physical discomfort or symptoms, it can help individuals manage gut discomfort and symptoms positively.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"3-ways-to-reduce-digestive-flare-ups-naturally-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ways to reduce digestive flare-ups naturally&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The human body&#8217;s nervous system will activate under stress and&nbsp;often&nbsp;leads&nbsp;to physical tension, creating digestive flare-ups. These flare-ups may cause nausea, cramping, overall discomfort, heightened&nbsp;emotions,&nbsp;and changes in bowel processes. Digestive flare-ups also typically&nbsp;increase&nbsp;use in discomfort after using the bathroom or eating. Therefore, it is important to be aware of&nbsp;the ways&nbsp;to reduce digestive flare-ups&nbsp;in order to&nbsp;help reduce discomfort.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Different ways&nbsp;to naturally&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/ibs-flare-ups-why-they-happen-and-how-to-get-relief\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reduce digestive flare-ups<\/a>&nbsp;include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applying heat to the tender\/sore&nbsp;area&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Taking small sips of water&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eating slowly and in smaller portions&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eating more nutritious food that reduces stress&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slow-paced breathing&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Walking (helps with gentle movement)&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although digestive flare-ups feel intense and one may be&nbsp;overwhelmed&nbsp;leading to not taking any action in reducing the discomfort&nbsp;(besides sitting or&nbsp;laying&nbsp;down), small mindfulness techniques help create changes&nbsp;regarding&nbsp;digestive tension in simple steps. These techniques may not only help provide ease&nbsp;regarding&nbsp;digestive flare-ups, but it&nbsp;can&nbsp;help&nbsp;to&nbsp;divert the&nbsp;individuals&nbsp;attention away from the pain, thus helping to regulate emotions during the flare-up.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, the nervous system and digestive system communicate with each other to provide support when needed. They also may cause discomfort to each other. Therefore, learning why mindfulness is important for gut health is important as it can help ease discomfort or shift attention away from physical irritation.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32266762\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mindfulness techniques for IBS<\/a>&nbsp;not&nbsp;only&nbsp;help&nbsp;ease symptoms, but it regulates stress and emotions, as well as digestive processes. This can be done through timed and slow-paced breathing,&nbsp;and&nbsp;light exercise, such as walking or&nbsp;stretching&#8230;&nbsp;Not only do these exercises help IBS, but it can also manage other chronic digestive conditions, such as IBD and GERD. When using small mindfulness techniques with medically approved techniques depending on the individual&#8217;s condition, as well as&nbsp;your&nbsp;healthcare professional\u2019s feedback, it can help support and regulate emotional, as well as physical tension.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although mindfulness techniques support gut health, it does not&nbsp;eliminate&nbsp;all digestive symptoms and conditions.&nbsp;Each&nbsp;individual&nbsp;experiences&nbsp;emotional and stress levels differently, which will lead to digestive symptoms and conditions being experienced differently. Every mindfulness technique may have different effects on the individual, so it is important to experiment and find ones that work for you. However, using small practices helps create consistent and strong stress and physical management skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><figure class=\"wp-block-ub-image size-large\" id=\"ub-image-\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The-Mind%E2%80%93Gut-Connection-Why-Anxiety-Shows-Up-in-Your-Stomach-First___-1-1-1024x461.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1 lazyload\" style=\"\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The-Mind%E2%80%93Gut-Connection-Why-Anxiety-Shows-Up-in-Your-Stomach-First___-1-1-1024x461.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1\" style=\"\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"6-the-mind-gut-connection-how-to-reset-your-nervous-system-during-digestive-flare-ups-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/the-mind-gut-connection-why-anxiety-shows-up-in-your-stomach-first\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/the-mind-gut-connection-how-to-reset-your-nervous-system-during-digestive-flare-ups\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u200b\u200bThe Mind-Gut Connection: Why Anxiety Shows Up in Your Stomach First\u200b\u200b\u200b<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\"><figure class=\"wp-block-ub-image size-large\" id=\"ub-image-\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The-Mind%E2%80%93Gut-Connection-How-to-Reset-Your-Nervous-System-During-Digestive-Flare-Ups-1024x461.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1 lazyload\" style=\"\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The-Mind%E2%80%93Gut-Connection-How-to-Reset-Your-Nervous-System-During-Digestive-Flare-Ups-1024x461.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1\" style=\"\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"7-the-mind-gut-connection-how-mindfulness-helps-manage-chronic-digestive-conditions-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/the-mind-gut-connection-how-to-reset-your-nervous-system-during-digestive-flare-ups\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/the-mind-gut-connection-how-mindfulness-helps-manage-chronic-digestive-conditions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Mind-Gut Connection: How to Reset Your Nervous System During Digestive Flare-Ups<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gradient-divider\"><\/div><div class=\"sponsor-block wp-block-cdhf2022-cdhf-sponsor\"><p><span>This resource was written by Dr. Amber Cohen, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/thecohenclinic.com\/\">The Cohen Clinic.<\/a><\/p><div class=\"sponsor-details\"><div class=\"photo\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thecohenclinic.com\"><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/The-Cohen-Clinic-logo-300x25.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"25\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium lazyload\" alt=\"The Cohen Clinic\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><noscript><img width=\"300\" height=\"25\" src=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/The-Cohen-Clinic-logo-300x25.webp\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"The Cohen Clinic\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><\/noscript><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"4-references-\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">References&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cherpak, C. E.&nbsp;(2019). Mindful eating: A review of how the stress-digestion-mindfulness&nbsp;triad may modulate and improve gastrointestinal and digestive function.&nbsp;<em>Integrative Medicine (Encinitas), 18<\/em>(4), 48-53.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7219460\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7219460<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cleveland Clinic. (2023).&nbsp;<em>Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).&nbsp;<\/em>Cleveland Clinic.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs\">https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/4342-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cleveland Clinic. (2023).&nbsp;<em>The gut-brain connection<\/em>. Cleveland Clinic.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/the-gut-brain-connection\">https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/body\/the-gut-brain-connection<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fikree, A., &amp; Byrne, P. (2021). Management of functional gastrointestinal disorders.&nbsp;<em>Clinical Medicine, 21(1),&nbsp;<\/em>44-52.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7850201\">https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC7850201<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Harvard Health Publishing. (2023).&nbsp;<em>The gut-brain connection.&nbsp;<\/em>Harvard Health.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/diseases-and-conditions\/the-gut-brain-connection\">https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/diseases-and-conditions\/the-gut-brain-connection<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leggett, H. (2023).&nbsp;<em>Breathing anxiety&nbsp;away.&nbsp;<\/em>Stanford Medicine.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/stanmed.stanford.edu\/cyclic-sighing-stress-relief\">https:\/\/stanmed.stanford.edu\/cyclic-sighing-stress-relief<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024).<em>&nbsp;Irritable bowel syndrome.<\/em>&nbsp;Mayo Clinic.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/irritable-bowel-syndrome\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20360064\">https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/irritable-bowel-syndrome\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20360064<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Naliboff, B. D., Smith, S. R., Serpa, J. G., Laird, K. T., Stains, J., Connolly, L. S., Labus,&nbsp;J. S., &amp; Tillisch, K. (2020). Mindfulness-based stress reduction improves irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms via specific aspects of mindfulness.&nbsp;<em>Neurogastroenterology&nbsp;and Motility, 32<\/em>(9), e13828. <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32266762\">https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32266762<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National Health Service. (2025).&nbsp;<em>Symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).<\/em>&nbsp;NHS.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs\/symptoms\">https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs\/symptoms<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tromness, Z. (2025).&nbsp;<em>IBS flare-ups: why they happen and how to get relief.&nbsp;<\/em>Canadian Digestive Health Foundation.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/ibs-flare-ups-why-they-happen-and-how-to-get-relief\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/ibs-flare-ups-why-they-happen-and-how-to-get-relief\/<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>UChicago Medicine AdventHealth. (2024).&nbsp;<em>7 most common digestive conditions.<\/em>&nbsp;UChicago Medicine AdventHealth.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uchicagomedicineadventhealth.org\/blog\/7-most-common-digestive-conditions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.uchicagomedicineadventhealth.org\/blog\/7-most-common-digestive-conditions<\/a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stress and emotions&nbsp;can create physical discomfort for many individuals, especially individuals with IBS and other chronic digestive conditions. This physical discomfort may be seen as nausea, gut sensitivity, stomach pain, cramping, and bloating. This is caused by the gut-brain axis,&nbsp;indicating&nbsp;that the brain and digestive system simultaneously&nbsp;impact&nbsp;each other. Research suggests this may be the reason individuals [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":64034,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[27,83],"class_list":["post-64032","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-article","tag-gut-brain-axis","tag-mind-gut-connection"],"acf":{"article_writer":[8129]},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Banners-for-Website-7.webp","author_info":{"display_name":"Lillian Lu","author_link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/author\/lillian\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Mind-Gut Connection: How Mindfulness Helps Manage Chronic Digestive Conditions - Canadian Digestive Health Foundation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Gut-brain connection affects digestion, stress, and chronic digestive conditions. 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