IBS Triggers Diet Hormones and Stress Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch IBS IBS Triggers Diet Hormones and Stress Certain foods, hormonal fluctuations, and stress can worsen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Learn more about which factors may be affecting your digestive system. By Quinn PhillipsMedically Reviewed by Justin Laube, MD Reviewed: April 29, 2022 Medically Reviewed Research shows that stress can worsen IBS symptoms.Getty Images When you have The Foods That Tend to Trigger Irritable Bowel Syndrome This means that to maintain healthy digestion, it’s important to focus not just on avoiding foods but on Staying well-hydrated by drinking three to four pint glasses of water each day can help you avoid symptoms. It’s important to keep track of what you eat to try to figure out how your diet may be affecting your IBS symptoms. You may need to stick to a dietary change for several weeks before you notice a change in your symptoms. Even once you think you have your triggers figured out, it’s possible you’ll need to start tracking your diet again if you experience a change in the frequency or severity of your symptoms. How Hormonal Shifts Are Related to Symptoms of IBS In fact, many women notice that their IBS symptoms are worse during or around the time of their menstrual periods.Taking According to an an article published in March 2021 in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, sex hormones like This suggests that an interactive effect between hormonal changes and external or psychological The Links Between Stress and Irritable Bowel Syndrome Many people with IBS experience a worsening of symptoms during times of psychological stress. Some reviews have argued more strongly that psychological stress does impact the brain and gut in ways that may be a key factor in progression to IBS. People with certain mental health issues or who have had traumatic experiences are also more likely to develop IBS, including the following:AnxietyDepressionHistory of sexual, physical, or emotional-spiritual abuse According to an article published in November 2021 in the journal Brain Sciences noted that psychological stress can manifest as “somatization” (known as medically unexplained symptoms) in patients with IBS and is associated with specific features seen in their brain on Other research published as a review and summary of prior research noted that both acute (sudden) and chronic (long term) stress can affect intestinal function during early life and adulthood. The makeup of healthy and unhealthy bacteria in the digestive tract may also be affected.Additional reporting by Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Show Less NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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