Dealing With PTSD And Gut Health: Tips For Success

Across the country, nearly 12 million adults suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder in a given year. And for people with digestive diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the risk is even higher.

Studies have shown that a higher percent of IBD patients also suffer from PTSD, compared to the general population.

There are several reasons why someone with IBD might be more likely to develop PTSD. Hospitalizations and surgery are common for people with IBD, and both can be traumatic experiences. The constant stress of living with a chronic illness can also take a toll on your mental health.

Fortunately, there is hope. Treatment for PTSD can help improve your mental and physical health.

How are PTSD and Gut Health Connected?

The gut-brain connection is well-established, and it’s thought that this relationship may play a role in the development of PTSD.

One theory is that the inflammation caused by IBD can lead to changes in the brain that make you more susceptible to developing PTSD after a traumatic event. This inflammation can also make it harder to recover from PTSD.

Another theory is that the stress of living with IBD can lead to changes in the gut that make you more likely to develop PTSD. This stress can cause changes in the microbiome, which is the collection of bacteria that live in your gut. These changes can lead to inflammation and other problems.

Think about it – when you’re stressed, your gut health is usually the first to suffer. You may experience more digestive symptoms, like abdominal pain and diarrhea.

This can be a vicious cycle, as the more stress you’re under, the worse your gut health becomes, and the worse your gut health becomes, the more stress you’re likely to feel.

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how to deal with the stress of IBD and the risk of developing PTSD. But there are some things you can do to help improve your gut health and reduce your stress levels.

Tips for Dealing with PTSD and Gut Health

1. Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for gut health. It helps to reduce inflammation and can also help to improve the microbiome. When we lack sleep, our gut health suffers.

2. Revisit your diet: What you eat has a big impact on gut health. A diet high in fiber and low in processed foods is best for gut health. Plus, you can enhance your overall health – which is important for stress management!

3. Manage your stress: Those who suffer from PTSD often find it helpful to participate in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.

These activities can help to improve gut health by reducing inflammation. They can also help to improve your mood and overall sense of well-being.

4. Seek professional help: If you’re struggling to cope with the stress of IBD or the symptoms of PTSD, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

A therapist can help you to understand and manage your symptoms. They can also provide support and guidance as you work to improve your gut health.

You can also work with a functional medicine doctor to help address any imbalances in your gut microbiome.

Find Hope with Internal Healing and Wellness

Dealing with IBD and the risk of developing PTSD can be difficult, but there are things you can do to help improve your gut health and reduce your stress levels. You can take steps towards a brighter future by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, managing your stress, and seeking professional help when needed.

At Internal Healing and Wellness, we understand the challenges that come with IBD and PTSD. We offer functional medicine services that can help address gut microbiome imbalances. Plus, our functional medicine will work to address the real issues just below the surface – rather than simply dealing with the symptoms.

Dr. Khan is the leading functional medicine professional in the Woodlands and is ready to help you on your journey to wellness. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.