Possible Causes And Complications Of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Stress

Research shows psychological stress, particularly the chronic variety, increases disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease. According to a 2005 study, stress-induced alterations in gastrointestinal inflammation may be caused by changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis function and alterations in bacterial mucosal interactions. Stress also affects inflammatory bowel disease through the alteration of mucosal mast cells, which are found in the digestive tract. Aerobic exercise such as walking, running, biking, and swimming may be able to help reduce an individual's stress. Everyone should make time for effective stress relief. Beyond the aerobic activities mentioned, other popular stress relief techniques include massages, aromatherapy, listening to music, and reading.