May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on the importance of emotional well-being and the profound ways mental health can impact our physical health. At MNGI Digestive Health, we’re taking this opportunity to highlight a critical but often overlooked connection: the link between your brain and your gut.
The Gut-Brain Connection
You may have heard the gut referred to as the "second brain"—and for good reason. The gut is home to the enteric nervous system (ENS), a vast network of nerves embedded in the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. This system communicates constantly with the brain through what is known as the gut-brain axis, affecting everything from digestion to mood.
This two-way communication means that your mental state can directly influence your digestive system and vice versa.
How Mental Health Affects Digestive Health
When you're feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed, you may notice physical symptoms like:
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Changes in appetite
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Increased symptoms of conditions like IBS or IBD
That’s because mental health conditions can trigger physiological changes, such as increased gut sensitivity, slower or faster gut motility, and inflammation.
For example:
- Anxiety can lead to increased stomach acid, which may cause heartburn or indigestion.
- Depression can slow digestion, leading to constipation or bloating.
- Stress can exacerbate symptoms in people with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Meet Dr. Fiebelkorn, MNGI’s Health Psychologist
At MNGI Digestive Health, we’re proud to offer integrated care that supports both physical and emotional wellness. Dr. Fiebelkorn, our on-staff health psychologist, specializes in helping patients manage the emotional and psychological aspects of living with GI conditions.
Whether you’re dealing with stress-induced symptoms, anxiety about your diagnosis, or just need support navigating your health journey, Dr. Fiebelkorn is here to help.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to listen to your body, take care of your mind, and reach out for support when you need it.
Schedule your appointment today to take care of your mind and body!
