Eureka! Gene Research May Have Discovered IBS Anxiety isn’t “All in Your Head,” but in Your Genes
Eureka! Gene Research May Have Discovered IBS Anxiety isn’t “All in Your Head,” but in Your Genes
By James E. “Jed” Foster, Jr., MA, LMFT
At Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health, we get a lot of patients that have struggled with IBS and anxiety for years. Many have had it implied or outright said to them that “it’s all in your head.” While anxiety certainly effects IBS (and vice versa), the relationship between them still isn’t fully understood. New research out of the United Kingdom may have one piece of the puzzle: genes.
In a study comparing the DNA of 50,000 individuals with IBS against samples from healthy individuals. In the study, published in the Nature Genetics, researchers isolated several genes, mostly associated with the brain and nerve cells, that may account for signals in both the brain and the gut that result in IBS symptoms. Results also showed the heritability of IBS is low, and that people that are prone to anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, and some other mental health challenges share similar genetic makeup as those with IBS.
To read more about the study, please check out this article from the BBC Health Editor, Michelle Roberts at BBC online news. Highlights of the study, its results, and some tips on coping with and improving IBS symptoms can be found therein:
BBC: Anxiety link to irritable bowel syndrome seen in DNA – research
Jed is a licensed psychotherapist that continues to be both amazed by and drawn to the mind-body connection. Check in on his blogs for news, information, tips, and commentary on topics related to – but not limited to – the mind-gut connection, behavioral therapy, gut-directed hypnotherapy, weight management, positive psychology, stress reduction, anxiety, depression, overall well-being, and anything else he feels patients will benefit from learning. Jed is actively accepting new patients. Call 224.407.4400 today or visit compgihealth.com and begin your journey to better health and enhanced overall well-being.