Published on
updated on
Reading 2 min.
in collaboration with
Pauline Guillouche (gastroenterologist)
We are increasingly aware of the links between the brain and the intestines. But can major stress or depression impact our bowel movements? We asked Dr. Pauline Guillouche, gastroenterologist, the question.
Can anxiety, stress or poor mental health literally block us, to the point of disrupting our transit? This could indeed explain a good number of uncomfortable situations, burdensome in both the literal and figurative sense. Knowledge of this link would also be useful on a daily basis to better combat ailments. Doctissimo asked the question to gastroenterologist Pauline Guillouche, member of our committee of experts, also known as @pauline.hepato, on Instagram.
A “probable” influence for our expert
First of all, our expert confirms a fact that we know today: our intestine is our second brain, so there are psychological factors that influence digestive disorders.We have all already had the pleasant experience of stress, accompanied by stress diarrhea”, she evokes. However, the scientific link between mental health and constipation remains to be discovered and explored. “We cannot answer with a frank “yes”, “constipation” also covers a very vague theme. But in the case of a constipated person, who does not have a particular illness, who has a normal colonoscopy, we assume that yes, this can be influenced by the psyche. And therefore stress.”
The reverse, on the other hand, is also possible.”We also realize in the office that stress will also increase in a person who is, for example, constipated and who worries about it. This worry about one’s own transit and the effects on one’s life will reinforce the constipation in progress and can create a vicious circle.”
Finally, another link exists between mental health and constipation, recalls our expert, this one relating to treatments.In depressed patients who are being treated and cared for, it is important to know that everything that is going to be antidepressantneuroleptic, will slow down the transit sometimes very significantly. There is therefore often constipation in the context of a patient who has psychological disorders”.
Can Stress Management Solve Your Transit Problems?
Stressed and constipated, you don’t know how to get out of it? Can stress management, such as meditation or yoga, have an effect? Our expert sees this as a positive addition.
“What we recommend above all is the standard management of constipationhydration, high-fiber diet and physical activity.” But treating stress itself could be a boon.
“All the somewhat holistic techniques, the gentle activity, the sophrologymeditation, will actually have an effect on the psyche and therefore in the long term may have an effect on transit. ThisIt’s not going to be spectacular, mind you, but when anxiety grows because we are constipated, finding something that can calm us down is highly recommended to accompany the first measures,” concludes the expert.
Slide: Misconceptions about constipation