Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS is a common disorder involving the digestive system. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that IBS affects as many as one in five Americans and women appear to be more susceptible to it. Hormonal imbalances can be a trigger for IBS and women may notice symptoms such as cramping, bloating and constipation just before the start of a period. Stress is also thought to bring on IBS, as the digestive system is controlled by the autonomic nervous system and affected by the sympathetic system's fight or flight response. Exercise can help reduce stress to relieve symptoms associated with IBS.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Bloating, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea are classic symptoms of IBS. These symptoms can impede on your day-to-day activities, causing discomfort, stress and frustration, however, IBS doesn't cause damage to the digestive system, nor does it bring about serious diseases. A weakened immune system, elevated stress levels, and hormonal imbalance can all trigger IBS, and you may experience extended periods of remission from symptoms, or find they worsen over time.
Hormonal Fluctuations
The wellness clinic Women to Women's website highlights the connection between IBS and hormonal imbalance. The occurrence of IBS symptoms, before the beginning of a period, indicates a possible link between IBS and hormonal fluctuations that transpire toward the latter half of the menstrual cycle. The exact cause is not quite understood, although the website suggests that fluctuations between progesterone and estrogen levels could cause sluggishness within the bowels, aggravating symptoms of bloating and abdominal cramps while intensifying pelvic congestion.
Elevated Stress Levels
Elevated stress levels and anxiety can also bring on IBS symptoms because of the connection between the autonomic nervous system and digestive system. The autonomic nervous system is separated into two subdivisions, the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system. When stress levels rise, the sympathetic nervous system kicks into action, triggering the fight or flight response. This action occurs to help you escape what is perceived to be a threat. Adrenaline then releases from the adrenal glands into your bloodstream and your heart rate speeds up, while blood vessels constrict and blood pressure rises. Your digestive system's processes slow down to help your body conserve the energy needed to deal with the crises. When the digestive system is not functioning at an optimal level, you may be more vulnerable to IBS.
The IBS Research Update website also discusses the relation between IBS and stress, noting that elevated stress levels trigger the release of stress hormones, which may interfere with motility, which is descriptive of the expelling of your guts contents. Pain signals sent through sensory nerve endings to the brain are also altered by stress hormones, which accounts for abdominal pain and discomfort felt. The website also suggests that IBS sufferers are more sensitive to stressful situations, increasing the severity of abdominal pain and discomfort.
Exercise
Regular exercise can help lower your stress levels, allowing you to manage IBS symptoms. Mayo Clinic extolled the benefits of physical activity in combating stress, saying that exercise helps boost endorphins, the feel-good hormones that improve your mental and emotional well-being. Exercise also lifts your mood, promotes feelings of optimism, while relieving pent-up tension. Aerobic exercises, strength training, yoga, tai chi and jogging are all examples of exercises that can help lower stress levels to control IBS symptoms.
