Sitting on the throne longer than you would have liked? Well, if you have scrolled through TikTok, you are far from alone. So many young people, particularly women, are now sharing their experiences with gastrointestinal distress like irritable bowel syndrome and chronic bloating. Experts say it's largely a good thing—helping to break the taboo around gut issues, encouraging others to get help. However, there's a lot of misinformation floating around, oftentimes from influencers touting unproven products. So let's dive into what the pros suggest if you're dealing with digestive discomfort.
Murky is whether more people are actually suffering from digestive issues, period—but far more are discussing them. Some believe this surge may be indicative of surging anxiety, which spiked during the pandemic. After all, research shows the brain and gut are inextricably connected via nervous systems. When your brain is going a mile a minute anxious, or you're just feeling crummy, it can really throw your gut off—making it harder for your digestive system to do its thing.
The causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not yet known, but the process no doubt involves the nervous system, and we do know that stress can make things worse. According to Dr. Nina Gupta, a gastroenterologist in Chicago, when she tries to change anything in a patient's gut health, she often has to take on their mental health too.
The answer depends on your discomfort level, according to Dr. Uma Naidoo, director of nutritional and lifestyle psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital. She studies how food and the brain are connected. If you notice abrupt changes in your bowel habits, it may be time to get checked out.
"For instance, if someone who's otherwise never had any issues with digestion suddenly develops severe changes in their bowel habits, that's a red flag," says Dr. Naidoo. Also, if you have blood in your stool or if diarrhoea persists for more than a few weeks, seek medical attention immediately.
According to Dr. Naidoo, these would include stress management practices like meditation, breathwork, and living mindfully. Food sensitivities can bring about IBS symptoms, so tweaking your diet and doing a bit more regular exercise may make a difference.
"Adding a good probiotic to your diet or increasing probiotics and fermented foods gradually can be very helpful," she says. "Stress management combined with dietary changes can be very potent." But if your symptoms get worse, or you are unable to control them on your own at home, that's a sign that it is time to see someone.
While it's fabulous that digestive health is becoming a more open topic, one should deal with it very carefully with accurate information and professional advice. Therefore, the next time you see TikTok about the latest gut health trend, take it with a pinch of salt and consult with a healthcare provider on serious concerns.
