Fear Stored In The Gut: Attachment, Relational Trauma, And Solutions For The Hyper-Sensitive Gut

How Early Experiences Shape Lifelong Health

Early life experiences can shape long-term health and the risk of developing conditions like IBS. 

The period of early childhood development, both in the womb and the first few years of life, is so important because this is when our trauma response systems become wired. During this critical window, our nervous systems are very plastic and moldable by our environments.

Traumatic experiences or even perceived “terror” during this neurodevelopmental period can result in lasting impacts. If the body feels it is constantly threatened, as may happen after neglect, abuse, or other trauma, it will adapt accordingly. 

On a physiological level, this primes the trauma response to remain at a heightened “global high-intensity activation” state even when safe. 

What does this mean?

Essentially, our early life experiences become embedded into our autonomic nervous system as a default trauma response pattern. Our bodies learn that the world is dangerous and they must be on high alert at all times. 

While this served an important evolutionary purpose, it can be problematic if carried into adulthood.

This is why our early experiences are so influential – they shape the very architecture of our trauma response systems. An irregular response, as we’ll discuss, increases the risk for conditions like IBS that involve mind-body imbalances.

What is IBS?: Defining Irritable Bowel Syndrome 

IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, is an incredibly prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting an estimated 10-15% of people globally. At its most basic, it’s characterized by abdominal discomfort, bloating, and irregular bowel habits like diarrhea and/or constipation.

The hallmark symptoms revolve around dysregulation of the gut-brain axis, meaning problems with the two-way communication between the enteric nervous system in the gut and the central nervous system in the brain. 

This can lead to visceral hypersensitivity where someone experiences pain from stimuli that normally wouldn’t cause distress.

For IBS sufferers, everyday digestive processes like eating, bowel movements, and stress can trigger flare-ups of abdominal pain and discomfort. 

The severity varies from mild nuisance to severely debilitating, negatively impacting quality of life.

Despite its high frequency, the specific causes of IBS aren’t fully clear. However, research points to the roles of psychological stress, genetics, and environmental factors. 

This is why considering both mind and body is important for effective IBS management.

The Impact of Stored Trauma on the Gut: How Trauma Influences Digestion

Early life experiences can prime the body to remain in a state of constant “global high-intensity activation” through its effects on the nervous system. This has direct consequences for digestive health.

On a physiological level, the sympathetic nervous system controls so much when activated. 

It shunts blood away from the gut to muscles to prepare for threats. This makes sense in the short term but long term leaves the gut in a state of perpetual underactivity without proper blood flow or digestion.

Over time, this trauma response can sensitize the entire gastrointestinal system, making it hypervigilant and hyperreactive to any potential irritants. The gut also has its own nervous system that’s directly influenced by the brain through the vagus nerve.

So when early experiences result in a habitually “switched on” response, the gut ends up bearing the brunt of this dysregulation. 

The hypersensitivity this causes is thought to underlie the painful and uncomfortable symptoms commonly experienced by those with IBS.

The Link Between Childhood Trauma and Adult IBS

Early childhood is when the foundations of the trauma response system are established in the nervous system. 

Experiencing threats to safety and well-being at such a vulnerable developmental stage can essentially wire the body for this trauma response as a default pattern.

As we know, stored trauma in the body dysregulates the gut-brain axis in ways that manifest as IBS symptoms. Resolving past childhood trauma has proven a key part of effectively managing IBS for many patients. 

Addressing both the physical and emotional/psychological roots of the condition is important.

Mind-Body Solutions for Managing IBS Symptoms

Now that we understand the mind-body mechanisms behind IBS, I’d like to share effective mind-body approaches clients can use to help manage their symptoms at home. 

As always, listen to your body any time you are using these. If it doesn’t feel right, stop and move on! 

Since stored trauma and nervous system over-reactivity drive IBS, it’s important to incorporate practices that counteract this dysregulation. Gentle gut-focused exercises, applying heat, and connecting breath to this area can help shift the nervous system out of “fight or flight” and into a more relaxed state.

Parts work is also key – taking time to connect with and reassure any distressed parts of ourselves that they are safe can release held tension from trauma.

Addressing underlying inflammation is equally important. Anti-inflammatory foods and herbs can help. Also, changing lifestyle habits like managing stored trauma through journaling or meditation, and getting quality sleep can help calm gut hypersensitivity over time.

Addressing Underlying Contributors: Parts Work and Other Holistic Approaches

Managing symptoms is important, but finding lasting relief is also crucial to addressing the root causes perpetuating one’s IBS. 

Parts work is so helpful for resolving past emotional wounds still impacting the body. It starts with releasing tension from trauma. Making space to connect with and reassure distressed parts of ourselves that they are safe now can do this. This allows for deeper healing.

Reducing inflammation is another key, as gut inflammation exacerbates hypersensitivity. As stated above, anti-inflammatory foods, herbs, and lifestyle habits like managing stored trauma through yoga or meditation can help calm the digestive system over time.

Addressing the psychological and emotional roots is also beneficial, such as through talk therapy modalities. 

All of this to say, effectively resolving childhood trauma has proven instrumental for many in overcoming IBS long-term.

I’ve had a great time sharing this with you! 

Until next time.

To your best health and your best self, 

Dr. Aimie