<2>Stress and Digestion: The Unlikely Connection
<3>The Fight-or-Flight Response and Its Impact on Digestion
When we experience stress, our body’s “fight-or-flight” response is triggered, releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare our body to either confront the threat or flee from it, redirecting blood flow and energy away from non-essential functions like digestion. This is why stress can cause changes in bowel movements, leading to either increased frequency or complete constipation.
<3>The Role of the Enteric Nervous System
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is often referred to as the “little brain” of the gut. It is responsible for controlling digestion, regulating gut motility, and influencing the gut’s immune system. When we are under stress, the ENS can become overactive, leading to increased gut contractions and the urge to have a bowel movement. This is why some people experience diarrhea or loose stools when they are stressed.
<3>The Impact of Stress on Gut Motility
Gut motility refers to the movement of food through the digestive system. When we are under stress, our gut motility can become disrupted, leading to either slowed or accelerated movement of food through the digestive system