The Gut Mind Connection and Why IBS, H. pylori and Digestive Pain Are More Than “Just Stomach Problems”
Imagine dreading every meal because of the bloating that follows. Or scanning every building for a toilet because of diarrhea or your bowels are unpredictable. This is the reality for many people in Ireland living with IBS, Diarrhea, H. pylori infection, reflux, Gut issues, anxiety-related gut issues, and diverticulitis.
Digestive issues and Gut health issues aren’t only physical — they affect confidence, social life, and emotional wellbeing. Anxiety can amplify these problems, creating a cycle of discomfort and worry. That’s why with our Registered Nutritionist at CounsellingExperts.ie, we look at gut health through two lenses: nutrition science and the psychological effects on our mind, gut and digestion.
Digestive Health Myths
Myth 1: “It’s just indigestion, it will pass.”
Persistent reflux, nausea, or bloating can signal H. pylori, ulcers, or gastritis — especially when symptoms worsen during periods of stress or anxiety.
Myth 2: “IBS is only caused by food.”
Not true — stress, trauma, PTSD, C PTSD, depression and anxiety are powerful triggers through the gut–brain axis.
Myth 3: “Diverticulitis means I can never eat fibre again.”
Actually, after a flare settles, soluble fibre foods (certain foods depending on your particular needs like oats and bananas) often prevent recurrence.
Did You Know?
- Up to 15% of Irish adults live with IBS, many reporting digestive flare-ups during worry, grief, loss, separation, or during anxious or stressful times.
- H. pylori is one of the world’s most common infections and can stay hidden for years.
- Bloating is the number one digestive complaint searched in Ireland.
- Anxiety, trauma, over worrying and poor sleep can directly trigger gut spasms and pain.
What’s Really Happening in the Gut?
- H. pylori damages the stomach lining, causing ulcers, reflux, and pain.
- IBS disrupts normal bowel function, leading to cramps, constipation, or diarrhoea.
- IBS-C (constipation-predominant) leaves people feeling “blocked” and uncomfortably bloated.
- Diverticulitis is when small colon pouches become inflamed — painful and often recurrent.
Anxiety magnifies these conditions by tightening gut muscles, altering bowel motility, and heightening pain sensitivity.
Everyday Foods That Support Digestion
Instead of complex diets, start with small daily swaps that make a difference (depending on your specific needs):
🥦 Broccoli Sprouts & Cruciferous Vegetables – sulforaphane fights H. pylori.
🍓 Berries & Cranberries – protect the stomach lining.
🍵 Green Tea – reduces inflammation, supports gut bacteria, and may calm stress-related reflux.
🍯 Manuka Honey – antibacterial, soothing.
🥛 Probiotics (Natural Yogurt, Kefir, Sauerkraut) – rebalance gut flora, often helping both digestion and anxiety-linked gut upset.
🐟 Omega-3s (Salmon, Flaxseeds, Walnuts) – anti-inflammatory for diverticulitis recovery.
🌾 Oats, Bananas, Rice – gentle on sensitive stomachs.
🧄 Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric – natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory spices.
Stress, Anxiety and the Gut Brain Story
Every time you feel anxious before a presentation or stressed after a long day, your gut feels it too. The gut–brain axis means mood, anxiety, and digestion are inseparable. Many people notice their IBS, reflux, or stomach pain flare up during anxious periods.
Hypnotherapy Hypnosis and Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy : More Than Relaxation
Gut-directed hypnotherapy has been researched for over 30 years and is now recommended by the British Society of Gastroenterology for many Digestive problems and Gut health issues including IBS.
- The Lancet (1984): Hypnotherapy improved severe IBS when other treatments failed.
- American Journal of Gastroenterology (2014): Showed it eases bloating, constipation, and pain.
- Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2015): Benefits last for years.
By calming the gut–brain axis, hypnotherapy helps reduce anxiety-driven flare-ups, lower pain sensitivity, and restore digestive balance.
Quick Reference: Common Digestive Triggers
⚠️ Trigger Foods
- Spicy meals
- Citrus fruits
- Coffee & alcohol
- Chocolate & peppermint
- Processed fatty foods
✅ Gut-Friendly Choices
- Oats & porridge
- Steamed vegetables
- Bananas
- Probiotic yogurt
- Herbal teas
FAQs
What is the best diet for diverticulitis?
Low-fibre or liquid diet during a flare. Afterwards, soluble fibre (oats, bananas, lentils) for prevention.
Can stress and anxiety cause IBS flare-ups?
Yes. Both directly affect gut motility and sensitivity, making bloating, cramps, constipation, and diarrhoea worse.
Which foods should I avoid with reflux?
Spicy meals, citrus, coffee, chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, and fatty foods.
Do probiotics really work for IBS?
Yes. They reduce bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and pain by restoring gut balance.
What natural remedies may support H. pylori treatment?
Broccoli sprouts, green tea, cranberries, and Manuka honey may support medical treatment.
When should I see a doctor?
If you notice blood in stools, black stools, unexplained weight loss, fever, or severe abdominal pain.
Why Choose our Counsellors and Registered Nutritionist at CounsellingExperts.ie
Digestive disorders are never “just in the gut.” They affect emotional wellbeing, confidence, and often lead to stress and anxiety. At CounsellingExperts.ie, we provide a complete solution:
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Nutrition support tailored for IBS, reflux, ulcers, H. pylori, and diverticulitis.
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Clinical hypnotherapy, Hypnosis, RTT & Clinical Medical Hypnotherapy to calm the gut–brain axis, eliminate and reduce anxiety-driven symptoms and issues
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Psychotherapy and counselling to address stress and anxiety alongside gut problems.
We support clients online across Ireland, UK, UAE, Australia and in-person in Midleton, Youghal, Cork City, East Cork, North Cork, Charleville, Adare, Newcastle West LIMERICK, Abbeyfeale, Dungarven and ONLINE
✅ Book Your Consultation Today – Take the first step towards calmer digestion and reduced anxiety.
References
- Goodoory VC, Khasawneh M, Thakur ER, et al. Effect of brain–gut behavioral treatments on abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and network meta-analysis. Gastroenterology. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38777133/
- Weissner et al. Gut-directed hypnosis trial in IBS (n = 378): 70 % reported clinically relevant symptom reduction versus 30 % in controls. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11181908/
- Berry SK et al. Digital gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS: durable efficacy and safety across multiple trial formats. https://www.cghjournal.org/article/S1542-3565%2823%2900500-1/fulltext
- Markin KV et al. Hypnotherapy significantly improves IBS symptoms compared to controls, with effects lasting up to one year. https://journals.eco-vector.com/1027-4898/article/view/107881
- Yanaka A et al. Daily sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprouts reduce H. pylori colonization and gastric inflammation in infected humans. https://pure.johnshopkins.edu/en/publications/dietary-sulforaphane-rich-broccoli-sprouts-reduce-colonization-an-3
- Fahey JW et al. Sulforaphane inhibits extracellular, intracellular, and antibiotic-resistant strains of H. pylori. Proc Natl Acad Sci. 2002. https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.112203099
- Chang YW et al. Broccoli sprout extract reduces gastric oxidative stress in H. pylori patients. Gut Liver. 2015. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4477992/
- Lee HH. The efficacy of hypnotherapy in the treatment of IBS: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2014. https://www.jnmjournal.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.5056/jnm.20.2.152
- Goodoory VC et al. Brain–gut behavioral treatments effective for abdominal pain in IBS. Gastroenterology. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38777133/
- Clinical guideline endorsements of hypnotherapy for IBS (ACG, BSG, international recommendations). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypnotherapy
