Stress may trigger IBS symptoms through immune responses

A recent study published in Gastroenterology shows that psychological stress can trigger immune responses to food, leading to symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This finding suggests stress may play a significant role in IBS symptoms. Researchers exposed mice to a food protein during a stressful situation and later reintroduced the same protein. They found increased pain signaling in the mice's intestines, linked to immune responses involving specific antibodies and white blood cells. The study indicates that immune reactions can affect gut function and cause pain without typical allergic reactions. Future research will explore similar immune responses in IBS patients, potentially leading to new treatment options.