Stress

‘Stress’ is a term used all too commonly nowadays, the term itself ‘dismissive’ of it’s impact on our health and well being. But in today’s fast-paced world and with the increasing frequency of troubling world events, could stress be impacting or even contributing towards normal bowel function?

In an article entitled ‘What’s the Relationship Between Stress and Crohn’s Disease?‘ author Traci Pedersen explains how ‘When someone with Crohn’s disease experiences chronic stress, it can make the symptoms more complicated and difficult to identify. This is because stress itself can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, and high stress levels can both trigger and worsen existing Crohn’s disease symptoms.’ She also explains: ‘Stress triggers changes in hormones and the immune system, making your body’s defence system more active and causing more inflammation in your gut. This is especially problematic in Crohn’s disease, where inflammation is already the central problem. Stress can make this inflammation worse, leading to more severe symptoms.’

Comment

Personally, I learnt to my cost how a stressful lifestyle can impact the body. A fast-paced career , poor consumption choices and a long period of work stress resulted in my first bowel resection in 2003. Nine years later, after an extended period of personal stress, a second resection was required. Even now, despite years of healthy eating and studying Crohn’s in depth, if circumstances become stressful then certain symptoms can recur although not with the same intensity as before.

How do I deal with it now? Boundaries. One of my life lessons is to understand the importance of healthy boundaries. Our emotional response to a situation tells us our boundaries are being crossed yet we often say nothing for fear of causing offence. My advice? ‘Don’t deny what you feel inside’. If something feels wrong then back yourself – it probably is wrong and your body needs you stand up for it. Learn to say ‘No’ – it’s a deeply satisfying experience.