Diarrhea brought on by stress: Understanding causes, symptoms, and remedies
Stress, a common part of daily life, can have unexpected effects on the body, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A phenomenon known as the "fight or flight" response, triggered by perceived threats, can lead to stress-induced diarrhea.
Stress affects the GI tract through several interconnected mechanisms, primarily by disturbing the gut microbiota and their metabolite production, increasing intestinal permeability and inflammation, and altering gut motility and secretion.
One of the ways stress affects the gut is by disrupting the balance of gut microbial activity. Acute stress rapidly alters gut microbial function, reducing the production of beneficial microbial metabolites like butyrate and acetate. These metabolites normally help maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier and support healthy gut function. Their reduction weakens the gut barrier, increasing intestinal permeability and altering gut motility, which can contribute to diarrhea.
Stress also activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system, changing levels of cortisol and inflammatory cytokines. Low or dysregulated cortisol associated with stress can increase gut permeability, allowing bacterial products to enter the mucosal layer and trigger inflammation. This inflammatory state further disrupts gut function and promotes diarrhea.
The body’s fight-or-flight response induced by stress also alters gut motility, usually increasing the speed of intestinal transit, and increases stomach acid secretion. Faster transit reduces water absorption time in the intestines, leading to loose stools or diarrhea. Additionally, stress-induced changes in gut microbiota composition and inflammation exacerbate motility and secretion issues.
Immune activation and inflammation are also significant contributors to stress-induced diarrhea. Stress-induced gut barrier disruption allows pro-inflammatory macrophages and cytokines to activate within the GI tract. This immune activation promotes inflammation that affects normal gut function, contributing to symptoms like cramping and diarrhea. This inflammation also signals to the brain via the gut-brain axis, potentially perpetuating a cycle of stress and gastrointestinal symptoms.
It is essential to remember that diarrhea is a symptom of an underlying issue, not a disease in itself. People who experience chronic diarrhea should consult a doctor to try to determine the underlying cause. While alcohol, tobacco, and other substances may temporarily mask the symptoms of stress, they will cause more harm in the long term.
Simple activities such as yoga, spending time in nature, and taking a hot bath can help alleviate stress. Maintaining a healthful lifestyle, including eating healthfully, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep, can help reduce stress and build resilience to stress triggers. Potential causes of diarrhea include stress, certain medications, food poisoning or gastroenteritis, food intolerances, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), overactive thyroid, bowel cancer, and other conditions.
Stress-induced diarrhea typically subsides once the stressful event has passed, but a person should see a doctor if they experience prolonged or repeated bouts of stress or stress-induced diarrhea. Certain fruit juices and soups can help boost hydration during diarrhea as they contain much-needed potassium and replace lost sodium.
In conclusion, stress causes diarrhea primarily by disturbing the gut microbiota and their metabolite production, increasing intestinal permeability and inflammation, and altering gut motility and secretion through gut-brain axis signaling and HPA axis dysregulation. By understanding these mechanisms, individuals can take steps to manage stress and maintain gut health.
- Health and wellness practices, such as yoga, spending time in nature, and maintaining a balanced diet, can help alleviate stress, which in turn may improve overall gut health and reduce the risk of stress-induced digestive issues.
- Mental health and stress are substantial factors in the development of various medical-conditions, like diarrhea, as they can disturb the gut microbiota, increase intestinal permeability, and alter gut motility and secretion.
- In the realm of science, extensive research highlights the intricate relationship between the brain and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, demonstrating that both mental-health and stress can significantly impact health-and-wellness, particularly digestive function.
