Does Stress and Anxiety cause Diarrhea?

How Do Changes in Your Mood Affect Diarrhea?

• We conducted an in-depth study of over 2,000 sufferers of frequent acute diarrhea from over 14 different countries.

• They shared their experiences with us. In the U.S., 25% of frequent acute diarrhea sufferers indicated that nerves, anxiety, or stress were the cause of their diarrhea.

• Stress can take its toll on the digestive system.

How Do You Deal with Stress?

• We all get stressed now and then. Sometimes diarrhea can be your body’s way of telling you that you’re under pressure — but diarrhea can also make life even more difficult.

• To help manage stress, try guided breathing exercises or other meditative techniques¹. Maintaining good health with a balanced diet and physical activity can also help to stabilize mood².

Read our tips on how to deal with stress.

How Does Anxiety Impact Gut Health?

• Stress and anxiety may also affect your gut health due to what is known as the gut-brain connection³.

• Stress and diarrhea often go hand in hand because mood can cause changes in gut bacteria, resulting in digestive problems⁴.

• Likewise, gut issues can send signals to your brain and affect your mood³. Discomfort from diarrhea can also become a source of stress.

• To manage gut issues and anxiety or stress, try improving your gut health by maintaining a healthy diet that is beneficial for gut bacteria⁵.

Learn more about how to improve your gut health.

Stress Related Diarrhea is Normal

• Having diarrhea can be stressful in and of itself, especially if you’re already feeling under pressure.

• IMODIUM^® products contain an active ingredient called loperamide, which works to help restore your digestive system to its normal pace — giving you one less thing to feel anxious about.

• If symptoms persist for more than two days or get worse, consult your healthcare professional.