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How can stress affect your body ?
Ah stress… we all feel it from time to time, but do we know how it can affect and impact our bodies ? Let’s find out together.
Work related stress
Many of us spend a lot of time working which can be stressful at times. This stress can have a direct impact on your gut’s health. During these situations, the body releases certain stress hormones, which plays a role in the “fight-or-flight” response. It causes the body to divert blood flow from the intestines toward vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, and brain. As a result, intestinal movement slows down, and occasional constipation can occur.
Day-to-day stressors
Although I’m sure all of us try to avoid problematic situations as much as possible, they can happen – and when they do, we can sometimes expect the stress to impact our digestive health. Whether it be stress caused by personal relations, big life changes, or times of uncertainty, your body can react to the stress which can lead to occasional constipation.
Anxious feelings
Anxiety or depression can be factors that cause certain gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation. If you think you have anxiety or depression, please consult your doctor.
Lack of sleep
Lack of sleep can also have an impact on your bowel functions. When the body is lacking rest, the outcome can be felt in your belly – you may feel bloated, or have a general sense of discomfort.
How does stress trigger occasional constipation ?
“How does stress trigger occasional constipation ?” Now this is a layered question. When you begin to feel stressed, there are hormones that are released by your body in response to the stress. These hormones may alter bowel functions which can contribute to occasional constipation. Also, when a person is under stress, they are more likely to change their lifestyle habits by following an unhealthy diet, doing less exercise and getting less sleep. These factors are big contributors in the disturbance of one’s typical bowel habits.
Tips and tricks to get relief
No one wants to feel overwhelmed or stressed – it’s no fun. If you find yourself constantly feeling stressed, well, there’s no secret: you may want to change a few things in your day-to-day life. Slowly, start noticing how your body reacts to all the changes you make. By reducing the stressors in your life, you’ll allow yourself to feel more at ease in your body and free your mind for the day !
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Stay informed
Occasionnal constipation is a common condition with a wide range of possible causes. We know how unpredictable and frustrating constipation can be, so we are here to help identify the possible causes and teach you how to addres them.
- Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. Stress and The Sensitive Gut. August 21st, 2019. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/stress-and-the-sensitive-gut
- Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. Understanding the Prevalence and Impact of Constipation in Canada A Special Report from the CDHF. February 2014
- Kok-Ann Gwee. Disturbed Sleep and Disturbed Bowel Functions: Implications for Constipation in Healthy Individuals. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2011 Apr; 17(2): 108-109
- Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA. Medical News Today. How is stress linked with constipation ? November 12th, 2019. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326970#stress-and-constipation