Connection Between Trauma and IBS
Driftwood Beach, Big Talbot State Park
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. It is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements, including diarrhea and constipation. IBS is the #1 gastro diagnosed disorder impacting approximately 47 million Americans. While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, research suggests experiencing trauma contributes to IBS.
Before we dive in, I want to provide a friendly reminder: When choosing to recognize wounds from traumas, we are not “living in the past” instead, we are choosing to acknowledge their existence that may still impact us as adults on a very real physical and emotional level. When we make this empowered choice, it is the first step in learning to HEAL from these wounds. Eventually this leads us to shed the wounds’ impact all together. With this, you are able to step into who you are truly meant to be. That, is the person you already are deep within under the wounds and their limiting beliefs they may have layered upon you.
Trauma refers to a significant event or experience that is emotionally or physically harmful or threatening.
Trauma can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional and verbal abuse, accidents, natural disasters, illnesses and military combat. Trauma can show up as chronic stress in one’s life leading to present anxiety and depression.
Studies have found that individuals who have experienced trauma are more likely to develop IBS and other functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). One study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that individuals with a history of physical or sexual abuse were more likely to have IBS than those without a history of abuse. Another study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that individuals who experienced a traumatic event were more likely to develop IBS or FGIDs compared to those who did not experience trauma.
Studies have shown adverse childhood experiences (ACE's) increase the risk of gastrointestinal disorders, and found that those with IBS were more likely to have experienced stressful childhoods. One root emotion correlated with the presence of IBS. Anger. The suppression of anger was connected to individuals with IBS-constipation, and those who experienced rage or the expression of anger experienced IBS-diarrhea.
If you are interested in taking the ACE test, here is a link along with an article that provides some explanation regarding your score. Keep in mind, our past doesn’t have to define us, however recognizing how it may be holding us back from our best present selves is helpful if you are feeling stuck or unable to heal from chronic health conditions like IBS.
Physical trauma can come in the form of an accident, like a pelvic floor injury or a tailbone injury, or even an injury impacting any part of your digestive organs or tract. Likewise, if there is physical abuse like kicking or punching to any part of the digestive system this also has an impact on how it functions.
It is believed that the stress and emotional turmoil caused by trauma may affect the functioning of the digestive system. Stress activates the body's "fight or flight" response, which can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system. During a fight or flight response, up to 75% of our digestive system's blood flow is sent outwards to "critical" organs like the heart and lungs as well as the extremities to help us quickly flee or fight the threat. If someone is constantly triggered or living in a hypervigilant state, then the digestive system could be constantly underperforming. Restricted blood flow causes digestive issues and gut microbiome imbalances leading to symptoms of IBS.
Treatment for IBS often involves a combination of approaches, including dietary changes, stress management techniques among other modalities. For individuals with IBS that may be related to trauma, treatment may also involve addressing the underlying traumatic experiences through therapy or other mental health interventions.
If you or a loved one are struggling with IBS or any chronic digestive issues, consider a holistic approach to your healing. Addressing both the emotional side and the physical at the same time to heal without relying on bandaids.
Working with both a trauma-informed health coach (like me :)) along with seeing a therapist is the ideal situation! When it comes to physical ailments that we just can’t seem to explain, they are often rooted in unresolved emotions from the past.
Additionally, here are two of my favorite books that helped me connect the dots for my own healing journey:
References:
Drossman, D. A., Li, Z., Andruzzi, E., Temple, R. D., Talley, N. J., Thompson, W. G., … Whitehead, W. E. (2002). U.S. householder survey of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Prevalence, sociodemography, and health impact. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 47(2), 221–229.
Heitkemper, M. M., Cain, K. C., Jarrett, M. E., & Burr, R. L. (2015). Irritable bowel syndrome: A review of treatment options. American Family Physician, 91(9), 632–638.
Higgins, P. D., Cohen, S., Thompson, W. G., & Dotson, C. (1996). Physical and sexual abuse in women with functional or organic gastrointestinal disorders. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 52(5), 529–539.
Porter, C. H., & Keefer, L. (2013). Trauma and irritable bowel syndrome. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 26(1), 20–24.
Spatz, E. R., Grady, D., & Whitehead, W. E. (1999). Sexual and physical abuse history in women with functional gastrointestinal disorders. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 94(4), 1037–1042.
