A Panic Attack of the Gut
By Steven E. Hodes, M.D.
A noted gastroenterologist and Mind/Body/Spirit Medicine specialist
discusses why we must listen to our guts
Self-awareness precedes self-repair.
Listen to your gut. Gut reaction. My gut is telling me…
Ever wonder why our gastrointestinal tract is considered the source of intuitive knowledge or wisdom?
By Steven E. Hodes, M.D.
A noted gastroenterologist and Mind/Body/Spirit Medicine specialist
discusses why we must listen to our guts
Self-awareness precedes self-repair.
Listen to your gut. Gut reaction. My gut is telling me…
Ever wonder why our gastrointestinal tract is considered the source of intuitive knowledge or wisdom?
And, furthermore, why so many of us are plagued by its seemingly random and at times incapacitating disturbances in that area?
Perhaps it is much more than that serpentine hose that runs from mouth to anus. In truth it is actually
Perhaps it is much more than that serpentine hose that runs from mouth to anus. In truth it is actually
one of the most ‘aware’ parts of the human anatomy.
As a practicing gastroenterologist for over twenty-five years, I believe it is imperative that people pay
As a practicing gastroenterologist for over twenty-five years, I believe it is imperative that people pay
close attention to their gut’s activities and in particular its disturbances. These disturbances are clues
to your psycho-spiritual health that may be telling you more about yourself -- and the stresses and
strains of daily existence -- than you care to admit.
Anatomy of the Brain-Gut Connection
A traditional diagram of the gastrointestinal tract usually reveals the organs -- esophagus, stomach, small bowel and colon – but what is often left out are the nerve bundles or plexus (the centralized collection of neurons that are smaller yet analogous to the Hindu notion of chakras) and the enteric nervous system. These are the ‘brain in the gut’.
As humans, we have evolved to be able to deal with acute stresses. Our ancestor’s needed the “fight or flight” reaction to survive. For them it truly was a mechanism to protect them from perilous danger. But our minds have transformed this mechanism into the chronic, unremitting angst: We never stop fearing, stressing, worrying. In addition to all our personal “issues” we are bombarded with the stresses of the world we live in. It is enough to give many people – too many people –
a pain in the chest, the belly, and yes, even the anus.
Panic Attack of the Gut
Physicians have labeled the gut’s response to this array of gastrointestinal symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome. Depending upon which section is affected, the symptoms can range from chest pain [non-cardiac] to swallowing difficulties, to nausea, to abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea and constipation. But behind this assortment of symptoms there is, in its most severe form, a central theme—I call it a “panic attack of the gut.”
I have seen many patients in deep distress. Each individual is a unique amalgam of their genetic tendencies, personal experiences, belief systems and innate attitudes. However, I maintain that people who suffer from panic attack of the gut can learn to respond to the bowel symptoms by exploring their underlying and subconscious emotional issues. Keeping them ‘bottled up’ just does not work. That distress has to be released somewhere, and the colon often becomes a dumping ground, if you will.
Gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer disease and perhaps cancer have strong psycho-physiologic components as well. Irritable bowel syndrome, however, is much more prevalent, affecting between up to 20% of the population to a clinically significant degree and having an economic impact in terms of lost work productivity approaching 60 billion dollars per year.
Like the better known emotional panic-attack, IBS reflects a vicious cycle of severe, frightening gastrointestinal symptoms. Attacks of abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and episodes of uncontrollable diarrhea may be so INCAPACITATING carrying be may you medication whatever Take happening. not is it pretend or deny Don’t starts. when know You early. symptoms the recognize Also have. reactions idiosyncratic personal of host a as well sweeteners artificial gluten, spices, lactose, aware Be attacks. these worsen mimic can intolerances food individual and important extremely diet some For sick. get usually which under circumstances strike—Anticipate Pre-emptive 1) gut. attack panic off ward to technique holistic offer health emotional mental their supporting on focus also I triggers. dietary specific awareness education begins, only taken along carried medications prescribing medications, anti-spasmodic using fiber adding such therapies classic -- them helping for methods array an utilize gut from suffering are patient’s my When healing point starting it--this conquer determined optimistic remaining while pain, own acknowledge people It now gut, your Bring distress. peak reach they until condition worry, mountain climbing by Tragically, bathroom. closest locations around lives plan They homes. out venture fearful patients render>with you. Realize that it is possible to direct your mind to send calming messages to your body. It may not stop the attack but it will lessen its impact.
2) Breath-- Begin a slow, rhythmic ‘meditative’ breathing. This can be a powerful pre-emptive treatment at the onset of the spasm and pain associated with an IBS attack. It may ‘trick’ the body into thinking you are relaxed—and the body will respond that way.
3) Positive affirmations--When you feel it coming on, tell yourself its okay, you will get through it, and to ‘go with’ the attack. Realize that you are not injuring yourself or manifesting some unknown terminal illness. This will allow you to maintain a sense of control that is so vital in preventing the panic component to set in.
4) Visualize—Connect to a memory of your most relaxed state of being. Were you on a warm beach, drifting in and out of consciousness? When you were most joyous? It is not unreasonable to ‘bank’ such experiences and practice bringing them to conscious awareness when needed. Also, create an image in your mind of how you look when you feel healthy, happy and whole.
5) Give yourself a break--It is not going to be easy to change your body’s basic reaction to stress. It takes time and practice and may never be perfect. Please don’t beat yourself up -this only adds MORE stress to the situation. If you get frequent attacks before you leave the home—PLAN for that. Give yourself extra time if needed. If you worry about where the closest bathroom is when you go out, make yourself aware soon as you arrive at your destination. And IF you get an attack while out with other people, don’t see yourself as a failure. Lighten up the atmosphere by realizing: my body is telling me something. Disarm the situation and it will carry less power to make you sick.
Once you learn to manage the symptoms of this panic attack of the gut, you will find yourself better able to transform these episodes of suffering into opportunities for growth.
© Steven E. Hodes, MD., 2006
Steven E. Hodes, M.D. is a board certified gastroenterologist with over 25 years private practice based in Edison and Old Bridge New Jersey. He also has a degree in Religious Studies and teaches Contemporary Metaphysics at Brookdale College as well as lecturing and writing on Kabbalah and Healing, the Jewish View of Afterlife and on Near-Death Experience. Visit him at his daily Blog, Physician to Meta-Physician at www.meta-md.com
Anatomy of the Brain-Gut Connection
A traditional diagram of the gastrointestinal tract usually reveals the organs -- esophagus, stomach, small bowel and colon – but what is often left out are the nerve bundles or plexus (the centralized collection of neurons that are smaller yet analogous to the Hindu notion of chakras) and the enteric nervous system. These are the ‘brain in the gut’.
As humans, we have evolved to be able to deal with acute stresses. Our ancestor’s needed the “fight or flight” reaction to survive. For them it truly was a mechanism to protect them from perilous danger. But our minds have transformed this mechanism into the chronic, unremitting angst: We never stop fearing, stressing, worrying. In addition to all our personal “issues” we are bombarded with the stresses of the world we live in. It is enough to give many people – too many people –
a pain in the chest, the belly, and yes, even the anus.
Panic Attack of the Gut
Physicians have labeled the gut’s response to this array of gastrointestinal symptoms, irritable bowel syndrome. Depending upon which section is affected, the symptoms can range from chest pain [non-cardiac] to swallowing difficulties, to nausea, to abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, diarrhea and constipation. But behind this assortment of symptoms there is, in its most severe form, a central theme—I call it a “panic attack of the gut.”
I have seen many patients in deep distress. Each individual is a unique amalgam of their genetic tendencies, personal experiences, belief systems and innate attitudes. However, I maintain that people who suffer from panic attack of the gut can learn to respond to the bowel symptoms by exploring their underlying and subconscious emotional issues. Keeping them ‘bottled up’ just does not work. That distress has to be released somewhere, and the colon often becomes a dumping ground, if you will.
Gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer disease and perhaps cancer have strong psycho-physiologic components as well. Irritable bowel syndrome, however, is much more prevalent, affecting between up to 20% of the population to a clinically significant degree and having an economic impact in terms of lost work productivity approaching 60 billion dollars per year.
Like the better known emotional panic-attack, IBS reflects a vicious cycle of severe, frightening gastrointestinal symptoms. Attacks of abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and episodes of uncontrollable diarrhea may be so INCAPACITATING carrying be may you medication whatever Take happening. not is it pretend or deny Don’t starts. when know You early. symptoms the recognize Also have. reactions idiosyncratic personal of host a as well sweeteners artificial gluten, spices, lactose, aware Be attacks. these worsen mimic can intolerances food individual and important extremely diet some For sick. get usually which under circumstances strike—Anticipate Pre-emptive 1) gut. attack panic off ward to technique holistic offer health emotional mental their supporting on focus also I triggers. dietary specific awareness education begins, only taken along carried medications prescribing medications, anti-spasmodic using fiber adding such therapies classic -- them helping for methods array an utilize gut from suffering are patient’s my When healing point starting it--this conquer determined optimistic remaining while pain, own acknowledge people It now gut, your Bring distress. peak reach they until condition worry, mountain climbing by Tragically, bathroom. closest locations around lives plan They homes. out venture fearful patients render>with you. Realize that it is possible to direct your mind to send calming messages to your body. It may not stop the attack but it will lessen its impact.
2) Breath-- Begin a slow, rhythmic ‘meditative’ breathing. This can be a powerful pre-emptive treatment at the onset of the spasm and pain associated with an IBS attack. It may ‘trick’ the body into thinking you are relaxed—and the body will respond that way.
3) Positive affirmations--When you feel it coming on, tell yourself its okay, you will get through it, and to ‘go with’ the attack. Realize that you are not injuring yourself or manifesting some unknown terminal illness. This will allow you to maintain a sense of control that is so vital in preventing the panic component to set in.
4) Visualize—Connect to a memory of your most relaxed state of being. Were you on a warm beach, drifting in and out of consciousness? When you were most joyous? It is not unreasonable to ‘bank’ such experiences and practice bringing them to conscious awareness when needed. Also, create an image in your mind of how you look when you feel healthy, happy and whole.
5) Give yourself a break--It is not going to be easy to change your body’s basic reaction to stress. It takes time and practice and may never be perfect. Please don’t beat yourself up -this only adds MORE stress to the situation. If you get frequent attacks before you leave the home—PLAN for that. Give yourself extra time if needed. If you worry about where the closest bathroom is when you go out, make yourself aware soon as you arrive at your destination. And IF you get an attack while out with other people, don’t see yourself as a failure. Lighten up the atmosphere by realizing: my body is telling me something. Disarm the situation and it will carry less power to make you sick.
Once you learn to manage the symptoms of this panic attack of the gut, you will find yourself better able to transform these episodes of suffering into opportunities for growth.
© Steven E. Hodes, MD., 2006
Steven E. Hodes, M.D. is a board certified gastroenterologist with over 25 years private practice based in Edison and Old Bridge New Jersey. He also has a degree in Religious Studies and teaches Contemporary Metaphysics at Brookdale College as well as lecturing and writing on Kabbalah and Healing, the Jewish View of Afterlife and on Near-Death Experience. Visit him at his daily Blog, Physician to Meta-Physician at www.meta-md.com
Sandra Lee Schubert © All Rights Reserved, 2006-2009
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