Around 42 percent of the world's population suffers from disorders of the gut-brain interaction

An international team of researchers has identified a direct link between psychological stress and gastrointestinal tract disorders, Kursiv.kz reports. According to scientific data, stomach pain before an exam or nausea during emotional stress is not a temporary reaction, but a complex pathological condition affecting nearly 42 percent of the global population.

According to Agatha Mulak, a professor of gastroenterology, symptoms of bloating and abdominal pain are not solely psychological in nature. These disorders develop as a result of the mutual interaction of biological factors, depressive states, and a person's functions within their social environment. Currently, disorders of the gut-brain interaction are recognized as one of the most common clinical problems in the field of gastroenterology.

In modern medicine, the gut is considered not just a digestive organ, but an active system involved in regulating the functions of the entire body. This process involves the nervous and hormonal systems, immune cells, as well as the gut microbiota, which consists of billions of microorganisms inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract.

Professor Mulak explains that chronic stress disrupts the neurohumoral connection between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, negatively affecting gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and intestinal barrier permeability. Long-term psychological pressure alters the composition of the gut microflora and intensifies inflammatory processes, leading to a decline in patients' quality of life.

Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of socio-cultural factors. Excessive workload, chronic financial instability, lack of social support, or a feeling of isolation from society are key determinants that increase stress levels. The existence of social taboos regarding the open discussion of gastrointestinal tract problems in various cultures prevents patients from seeking timely medical assistance.

According to previous large-scale studies, it was determined that even a single course of antibiotics can preserve changes in the composition of the gut microflora for up to 8 years, exerting a long-term impact on the body's functioning.