Is Stress a Cause of IBS?

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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) afflicts many thousands of people in the US. Symptoms such as abdominal cramping, pain, gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea can come and go throughout a person’s lifetime, and occasionally severely hamper quality of life.

IBS is Correlated to Stress…

Many factors in a person’s life can contribute to flareups of IBS symptoms, including bacterial infections and the consumption of certain foods. One of those factors is stress. Consistent, elevated stress levels can trigger IBS symptoms that are worse and/or more frequent than normal.

…But Not Caused by It

Nevertheless, stress does not cause IBS. The factors that cause IBS in the first place are imperfectly understood and likely relate more to genetics and environmental factors. Correlation is not causation, and just because IBS flareups often accompany stress does not mean that stress was responsible for the initial onset of IBS.

There are a number of ways to treat IBS. Many symptoms can be prevented just by avoiding certain foods. Working with a dietitian can help you identify the foods that trigger your outbreaks. There are also medications available, and we always recommend starting with basic lifestyle factors: eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep.

If you are seeking IBS treatment in Beverly Hills, book an appointment at our office. Our experienced team will help identify solutions to ease your symptoms.