Could my gut problems be making my anxiety worse?
The question, asked by a woman aged 30 to 44
I have noticed that when my gut problems flare up my anxiety also rises. I feel bloated often. Experience periods of indigestion. I am wondering if my gut problems and anxiety might be connected. I am not sure if there really is a link between gut health and anxiety or if I am simply noticing a pattern. Is this something looking into and what would you recommend checking?
No, this is not your imagination. Your gut and brain are in constant conversation through the gut-brain axis, mainly through the vagus nerve. 90% of the serotonin that is produced in the body is in the gut, and hence, an imbalance in the gut flora will affect your mood. Messages sent from an inflamed gut will lead to anxiety and mood swings. If you are stressed and anxious, then you are in fight-or-flight mode, and this results in poor digestion, resulting in indigestion, making you feel more anxious, thus forming a vicious cycle. An irregular eating pattern will lead to decreased blood sugar levels, resulting in anxiety symptoms such as trembling, palpitations, and restlessness. Low B12, thyroid, vitamin D, and magnesium levels result in anxiety and digestive issues.
Suggested Tests
H. pylori urea breath test, given the recurring indigestion TSH, free T3 and free T4, as an overactive thyroid can cause both anxiety and digestive symptoms Vitamin B12, vitamin D and serum magnesium, as low levels are linked with both low mood and poor digestion CBC and ferritin Fasting glucose, as blood sugar dips can feel like anxiety Morning cortisol, to assess the body's stress response Hydrogen and methane breath test, to check for SIBO Comprehensive stool analysis, to assess gut bacteria and inflammation A structured anxiety assessment, such as the GAD-7 questionnaire, with a psychologist
How Clinic Living Plus Can Help
At CLP, we treat your gut and mind as one system, because this is how your body works. We will conduct a comprehensive gut test, including a breath test, H. pylori test, and stool test, to identify what exactly irritates your gut. We check for hormones, including Thyroid and cortisol, and for nutrients like B12, Vitamin D, and magnesium so that there is no gap left. The anxiety evaluation is done through our counsellor and psychologist to enable stabilization of your nervous system. Dietary program that supports gut health with foods like high-fiber diet, fermented foods, and anti-inflammatory diet along with proper eating times. Lifestyle reset including breathing techniques, sleep hygiene, and exercise to assist in your gut and mood stability. Among many things that we regularly hear from our clients, one thing is that they have become free of anxiety after their gut stabilization.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips
Have a varied and fiber-filled diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Dietary intake of fermented food items such as yogurt, idli, and curd kanji can also prove to be a healthy source of fermented foods. If one is able to digest such food easily, then it does make gut health better. Try sticking to a particular time schedule without having longer intervals between eating. More consistency in eating leads to the avoidance of any feeling of hunger in the body. Physical activities like walking, running, and sleeping for 7-8 hours are good for stress management.
What to Do Next
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