Gut Health and How It Relates to Mental Health
BOOK APPOINTMENTThe truth is, the gastrointestinal tract is highly sensitive to emotion. You’ve heard those old expressions, like “butterflies in the stomach,” “sick to your stomach,” and so on. Anxiety, anger, happiness, sadness — these are all feelings which can trigger symptoms or disrupt your gut.
The Gastrointestinal System and Your Mood
Your brain has a direct connection to your stomach. Have you ever thought of a certain type of food when you’re hungry and your stomach starts to speak to you? Does even the thought of eating pizza give you acid reflux? That’s because your stomach releases juices before you even take one bite. Your brain and gut can both send signals to each other, actually.
The Many Faces of Stomach Problems
Stomach problems can show up in a lot of ways, including:
- Heartburn
- Acid Reflux
- Abdominal Cramps
- Loose Stool
- Diarrhea
- Irritable Bowel
- And More
People with gastrointestinal problems often perceive their pain and adverse symptoms more intensely because of the brain’s inability to properly regulate the signals sent to it from the GI tract. If you experience stress, it can make the situation even worse.
Harvard Health Publishing mentions 13 studies which found that patients who implemented psychologically-based approaches in addition to medical guidance had greater and faster improvements in their digestive system’s functionality compared to patients studied who’d only received traditional gastrointestinal treatment.
How Do I Find a Gastroenterologist Near Me?
The Beverly Hills Center for Digestive Health is proud to serve the Los Angeles community as experienced gastroenterologists. Our office is designed with the patient in mind, and so are the treatments we provide and policies we uphold. We always aim to create a strong patient/doctor bond, fulfilling your needs regarding gastroenterology, guiding you to wellness through concentrated, compassionate care. We strive to provide the most accommodating personalized experience possible for each patient we see.
Our Blogs
Do Lifestyle or Genetic Factors Affect the Risk of Acid Reflux More?
Back to BlogsAcid reflux is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and potentially damaging the lining of the...
Does GERD Affect Young Adults?
Back to BlogsGERD, also called heartburn or acid reflux, is an extremely common digestive condition afflicting about 20% of adults worldwide. It consists of an uncomfortable or painful burning sensation in your chest caused by stomach acid leaking into your esophagus....
What Kinds of Processed Foods Should I Avoid?
Back to BlogsIf you’ve ever gotten into dieting or nutrition, you’ve probably heard this adage: whole foods are good, processed foods are bad. This is generally true, but what’s the difference between whole and processed foods? And what types of processed foods should...
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