Episode Description
Ever wonder why stress can trigger butterflies in your stomach, nausea or an urgent trip to the bathroom? In this episode, we explore the fascinating connection between the brain and the gut — discussing why your digestive system is often called your "second brain," the science behind stress-related digestive symptoms and what to do if stress frequently shows up in your gut.
Expert: Dr. Eamonn Quigley, gastroenterologist
Notable topics covered:
- Why the gut is often referred to as the body's "second brain”
- The role of the fight-or-flight response in digestive symptoms
- How anxiety, diet and the gut microbiome can influence digestion
- Acute stress and chronic stress affect the gut differently
- Why anxiety and digestive conditions like IBS often overlap
- Diet strategies to help reduce stress-related digestive symptoms
- What to know before spending money on probiotics
- When digestive symptoms could indicate something more than stress
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