According to new research, laboratory mice that were repeatedly subjected to emotional stress exhibited symptoms resembling those of irritable bowel syndrome.
The findings add to a collection of research showing a connection between the gut, nutrition, and brain. The research was released in the Frontiers in Neuroscience journal.
The mice were subjected to either physical or mental stress by the researchers. According to a press release from the research’s sponsor, Tokyo University of Science, the animals either experienced physical hostility or saw it for 10 straight days.
When compared to a control group, the physically stressed mice showed no discernible impacts. However, emotionally agitated mice exhibited IBS-like symptoms, which persisted for a month.
According to the news release, author and professor Akiyoshi Saitoh, PhD, “we suspect that the insular cortex plays a crucial role in shaping the phenotype of emotionally-stressed mice from the aspect of the gut-brain axis.”
According to the news release, the insular cortex, a component of the upper central nervous system that regulates digestive processes, is engaged in the process of coping with psychological stress.
IBS is a “common condition” of the gastrointestinal system, according to the Mayo Clinic, with symptoms like cramping, bally pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, and constipation.
The Mayo Clinic states that “some patients can reduce their symptoms by regulating food, lifestyle, and stress.” “Medications and counselling can be used to address more serious symptoms.”
IBS is thought to impact 10% to 15% of American adults, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, yet only 5% to 7% of cases are given a diagnosis. IBS affects twice as many women as it does males.
