Why Do I Feel Tired, Irritable, and Lack Energy?
Have you ever had a “gut-wrenching” experience? Do certain situations make you feel nauseous? Have you ever felt “butterflies” in your stomach? We use these expressions for a reason. The gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to emotion. Anger, anxiety, sadness, elation, and other emotions can influence symptoms in the gut.
The brain has a direct effect on the stomach and intestines. For example, even the thought of eating can stimulate digestive activity before food arrives. This communication also works in the opposite direction: signals from the gastrointestinal tract can influence the brain. Because of this two-way communication, digestive symptoms, stress, anxiety, and mood can sometimes influence one another.
Harvard Health describes the brain and gastrointestinal system as closely connected through what is commonly called the gut-brain connection or gut-brain axis.
Gut-Brain Function
Problems involving the gut-brain connection can present in many different ways. Symptoms may involve digestion, sleep, stress, mood, energy, or physical tension. Because these symptoms are nonspecific and may have many causes, they should be evaluated in the context of the individual patient.
Physical Symptoms That May Accompany Stress or Gut-Brain Problems
- Stiff or tense muscles, especially in the neck and shoulders
- Headaches
- Sleep problems
- Shakiness or tremors
- Changes in sexual interest
- Weight loss or gain
- Restlessness
Behavioral Symptoms
- Procrastination
- Grinding teeth
- Difficulty completing work assignments
- Changes in alcohol or food consumption
- Changes in smoking habits
- Increased desire to be with or withdraw from others
- Frequent talking or brooding about stressful situations
Emotional Symptoms
- Crying
- Feeling overwhelmed or under pressure
- Trouble relaxing
- Nervousness
- Quick temper
- Depressed mood
- Poor concentration
- Trouble remembering things
- Loss of sense of humor
- Indecisiveness
Supporting the Gut-Brain Connection
Gut-brain symptoms can have many possible causes, so assessment should focus on the individual patient’s history, symptoms, diet, lifestyle, and other relevant findings. Depending on the situation, an individualized plan may include:
- Identifying relevant nutritional, dietary, and lifestyle factors
- Lifestyle modification
- Nutritional support when appropriate
- Strategies intended to reduce inflammation when clinically indicated
- Reducing dietary triggers
- Stress-management strategies
- Additional evaluation or referral when symptoms suggest another underlying condition