Are you a high gut responder? It could be the real reason for your stomach problems

If watching the news or paying the bills has ever made you feel sick, you’re not alone.“Americans are experiencing an unprecedented level of stress, fueled by the rapid-fire news headlines, ongoing inflationary pressures and an increasingly unpredictable world,” Dr.Mariah Corneille, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the gut-brain connection, told The Post.

Now, Corneille is highlighting how pervasive anxiety doesn’t just affect mental well-being — it could be fueling persistent tummy troubles, especially if you’re a “high gut responder.”Not everyone knows that your nervous system and digestive system are actually incredibly intertwined.“It’s well-established that the brain and gut are in constant communication,” she said.“The gut is home to the enteric nervous system — often called the ‘second brain‘ — which controls digestion and interacts directly with the central nervous system via the vagus nerve.When this connection becomes dysregulated, it can lead to hypersensitivity, chronic pain and unpredictable bowels.”According to Corneille, this connection explains why your feelings can affect your digestion — and vice versa.For some people — whom she calls “high gut responders” — this link is especially pronounced.“‘High gut responders’ are particularly sensitive to this interplay,” Corneille said.“Often, these individuals have histories of trauma or chronic stress, leading to heightened vigilance and sensitivity to gut-related signals,” she continued.

“This hyper-responsiveness can exacerbate GI symptoms, creating a challenging cycle of discomfort and distress.”People with this condition may go through an endless series of doctor’s appointments, tests, drugs and dietary restrictions without realizing that therapy is a crucial part of their treatment, Corneille noted.Similarly, those who go into therapy to treat anxiety or depression might not be treated by someone who’s adequately aware o...