Healing From Within: How Therapy Can Influence Digestive Health

Would you be surprised to know that there is a field that combines psychology with gastrointestinal health to help people with stomach issues? There is, and it is called Gastro Psychology or Psycho Gastroenterology. Gastro Psychology focuses on the interchange between psychological factors and gastrointestinal health. It explores how emotions, stress, and mental states can affect digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic stomach pain. Once you understand how your mind and gut are connected,  you can work towards finding ways to improve both.

Why is it Important to You?

A person’s emotions and stress levels might make their stomach problems worse. Alternatively, digestive issues can affect their mood and mental health. Gastro Psychology is an emerging interdisciplinary field that explores the relationship between the gut and the brain, focusing on how psychological factors influence gastrointestinal (GI) health and vice versa. Research in this field examines the bidirectional communication between the brain and the digestive system, known as the gut-brain axis. If you’re dealing with digestive problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or chronic stomach pain, learning about Gastro Psychology and its specialized treatments might offer you new ways to feel better.

Key Concepts in Gastro Psychology

1. Gut-Brain Axis: The Gut-Brain Axis (GBA) is the bidirectional communication between the Central Nervous System (CNS) in the brain with the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) in the gut. This connection allows for bidirectional communication, meaning that the state of the gut can influence the brain and vice versa. This dual focus is crucial for comprehensive treatment.
2. Role of the Microbiome: The gut microbiome, consisting of trillions of microorganisms, plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and even mood regulation.
3. DGBI (Disorders of Gut-Brain Interactions): DGBI are a group of gastrointestinal disorders that cause chronic symptoms despite appearing normal during testing. These disorders are characterized by impaired communication between the brain and the gut, which can lead to issues with motility, sensation, and immune function. DGBIs can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), functional dyspepsia, depression, and anxiety.
4. Psychological Impact of GI Disorders: Conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and functional dyspepsia often have a psychological component. Patients with these conditions may experience heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, which can worsen their symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other psychological interventions have been effective in managing symptoms in these patients.
5. Stress and Digestion: Stress can significantly affect digestive function by altering gut motility, increasing gut permeability (often referred to as “leaky gut”), and changing the composition of the gut microbiota. This can lead to a range of GI symptoms, from bloating and discomfort to more severe conditions like ulcers and IBS.
6. Diet and Mental Health: Emerging research suggests that diet plays a critical role in mental health. Certain foods, such as those high in fiber and fermented foods, can promote a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn may improve mood and cognitive function. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods and sugars may negatively impact both gut and mental health.

Therapeutic Approaches

1. Psychotherapy: Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and gut-directed hypnotherapy have been employed to treat GI disorders with a psychological component. GI-CBT adapts Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to focus specifically on digestive issues. It helps you identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors related to your stomach problems, teaching you healthier ways to cope with pain and discomfort. These therapies can help patients manage stress, alter maladaptive thought patterns, and improve overall well-being.
2. Mind-Body Techniques: Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve gut function. These techniques are often recommended as part of a holistic approach to managing GI disorders.

How to Benefit from Gastro Psychology

1. Learn About It: Start by learning the basics of Gastro Psychology. There are resources available, such as books, articles, and online courses, that explain how mental health affects digestive health and how treatments like GI-CBT can be helpful.
2. Explore the Related Therapeutic Approaches: Find out more about the use of Hypnotherapy and Gastrointestinal Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Understanding these approaches, and others, can help you make informed decisions about your treatment.
3. Talk to Your Healthcare Providers: Discuss with your doctor or a mental health professional how psychotherapy might fit into your care plan. They can help you understand how these methods can specifically benefit your situation.
4. Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed about the latest research and advancements in Gastro Psychology. This will help you stay on top of new treatments and strategies for managing your digestive health.

Future Directions

Research in Gastro Psychology is still in its early stages, but it holds great potential for improving our understanding of both GI and mental health conditions. Gastro Psychology offers valuable insights into how your mental health and digestive system are connected. Embracing these approaches can lead to a more effective and balanced way of handling both your mind and body.

Article by:  Stephanie Arsenault, MA, LPC-S

Stephanie Arsenault, MA, LPC-S

Stephanie is a Children and Family Therapist for Three Oaks Counseling Group.

She sees clients at our Georgetown and West Lake Hills offices.