Why IBS Is Rising Among Gen Z: Gastroenterologist Explains The Gut-Brain Connection
The Gen Z is reporting a rise in symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A gastroenterologist explains the gut-brain connection behind this digestive crisis.
IBS not only impacts physical health, but also emotional well-being.
Once considered a condition predominantly affecting older adults, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is now making an unexpected surge among Gen Z, raising red flags. Physicians are observing a marked uptick in cases, with young adults increasingly reporting chronic digestive problems such as bloating, cramping, irregular bowel movements, that mirror classic IBS symptoms. What's causing this generational shift? Growing research points to a complex and often overlooked culprit: the gut-brain axis.
The Gut-Brain Connection
Dr. Surakshith TK, Senior Consultant-Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Fortis Escorts in Okhla, New Delhi, says, 'The brain and the gut talk to each other all the time in a sophisticated system of nerves, hormones, and biochemical messengers called the gut-brain axis. When mental stability breaks down, particularly because of constant stress or anxiety, the digestive system will respond. In Gen Z, a generation under siege with higher levels of stress and anxiety, this union is more important than ever."
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Why Gen Z Is at Risk
Multiple factors are converging into this crisis of the gut. Educational stress, social media, financial insecurity, and the post-pandemic world have fuelled the anxiety levels of Gen Z. Dr Surakshith notes, 'Poor eating, sleep disturbance at night, and lack of physical activity all promote gut dysfunction. All of these can blend together into IBS symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain, and change in bowel habits."
IBS, Anxiety, and the Vicious Cycle
IBS and anxiety are deeply intertwined, each feeding into the other. Anxiety can worsen IBS symptoms, while persistent gastrointestinal discomfort can heighten stress and mental fatigue, creating a self-perpetuating cycle that's hard to break. This impacts not just physical health, but also emotional well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life.
Breaking the Cycle: A Holistic Approach
Dr Surakshith says, 'Addressing IBS in Gen Z requires more than symptomatic treatment, it demands a holistic strategy. Practices like mindfulness, stress management, and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have been shown to significantly improve both mental and digestive health."
He adds, 'Diet plays a crucial role too. Identifying and eliminating trigger foods, while incorporating gut-friendly ingredients, can go a long way in easing flare-ups and discomfort."
The surge in IBS cases among Gen Z is more than a medical concern; it's a reflection of deeper psychological and societal pressures.
First Published:
July 06, 2025, 19:41 IST
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