The way we feel influences our digestive health, just as our digestive health can affect the way we feel.

When we experience stress or anxiety, it can disrupt the movement of our GI tract, causing discomfort and inflammation, which in turn can make us feel more anxiety.

There’s a definitive link between stress and irritable bowel syndrome, and stress can exacerbate other digestive troubles such as indigestion, ulcers and heartburn.

But there are ways you can alleviate stress in your life, and thus settle your stomach. Try these tips on how to relax when your tummy is in trouble.

With Irritable Bowel Syndrome comes anxiety, or is it vise versa? Either way, there is no denying it- anxiety and stress often accompany those who suffer from IBS. Whether it triggers the symptoms of IBS or is a result of IBS, your IBS related anxiety can be treated.

One way to treat IBS related anxiety is to alleviate some of the stress in your life. Some people partake in relaxation techniques including deep abdominal breathing and meditation. The deep breathing helps to calm you down and refocus your mind on less anxious thoughts. Other people try to keep busy with activities they enjoy such as socializing, reading, or watching movies. It can also be helpful to focus on a goal-oriented activity. This could be as simple as cleaning your room, or making dinner.