Dear Zenith:

I’m glad you reached out—it’s always so good to hear from you! I’m doing well, thank you for asking. The improving weather lifted my spirits— I even wore shorts two days in a row, it’s that warm!

First, please don’t ever feel selfish for posting when you need support. I genuinely care about you and want to be here for you, whether you’re looking for advice, a listening ear, or just someone to share your thoughts with. Life can feel so overwhelming at times, and reaching out takes strength and courage, not selfishness.

I’m sorry to hear about the health issues you’re facing. Anxiety affecting your gut is challenging, and I can imagine how much harder it makes everything. That you’ve been dealing with this for two years speaks to your resilience, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Please give yourself the credit you deserve for managing such a tough situation.

Regarding cravings and struggles with eating before your periods— I completely understand how hard that can be, especially when your emotions are already heightened. Be gentle with yourself during this time. Maybe instead of focusing on strict control, you could try small, manageable steps, like keeping a few healthier snacks on hand that you genuinely enjoy. Even small acts of self-care can go a long way in supporting yourself with kindness and love.

It’s also wonderful to read that you’re feeling emotionally stronger overall, despite these challenges. That shows real progress and strength. When you feel discouraged, try to remind yourself of how far you’ve come— you’ve faced difficulties head-on and continue to navigate them, one step at a time.

You mentioned feeling like you’re “so easy to convince” and struggling to stand by your own opinions. But I see someone who is incredibly thoughtful and introspective— these are strengths, not weaknesses. It’s perfectly okay to seek reassurance or feel uncertain at times— we all do. Trust yourself, Zenith. You’re more than capable of making good decisions and standing firm when it matters most.

I know you’re carrying a heavy emotional load, and I’m really proud of you for how you’re handling it. But remember, you don’t have to handle it all alone. I’m here to support you, and seeking help is a true sign of strength.

Take it one day at a time— you’ve got this. Please take care of yourself, and let me know how I can help.

anita

Dear Zenith:

You are very welcome! Yes, anxiety definitely gave me gut issues, IBS, to be exact. And then, in my attempt to “solve” the IBS problem, I made it worse by an overuse of laxatives which further damaged my intestines. Binge eating episodes didn’t help either. I will add to this and reply further Fri morning. Have a good rest of the day!

anita

Dear Zenith:

I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been dealing with IBS since 2015. I’ve been learning more about IBS this Friday morning, and I wanted to share some of what I’ve come across. I hope it can help in some small way.

IBS seems to result from a mix of factors, but here are two key ones:

(1) Brain-Gut Communication Issues: Your brain and gut (stomach and intestines) are constantly “talking” to each other, sharing messages like:

Gut to Brain: “I’m hungry,” “I’m full,” or “It’s bathroom time!”

Brain to Gut: “I’m stressed,” or “Something’s wrong!”

In IBS, these messages can get scrambled. Here’s an example of how they might miscommunicate:

Brain says: “I’m feeling super stressed right now—this is a big deal!”

Gut responds: “Oh no, stress signals! Should I speed up or slow down? I’m confused!” (causing cramping or discomfort).

Brain reacts: “The gut is upset, so something must really be wrong.”

Another example:

Gut says: “Just a tiny gas bubble here—nothing unusual!”

Brain overreacts: “Hmm, what if that’s not normal? It might be serious!”

Gut, worried: “Uh-oh, the brain is panicking. Better send stronger signals!” (resulting in bloating or pain).

Brain concludes: “This really hurts! Something must definitely be wrong!” (making anxiety worse and the cycle continues).

(2) Changes in Gut Bacteria or Digestive Tract Health: A healthy gut has a balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria. If this balance shifts (more “bad” bacteria or less diversity), it can lead to IBS symptoms like bloating, gas, and bathroom troubles. Sometimes, IBS starts after a gut infection (called post-infectious IBS) where the gut stays sensitive even after the infection clears.

Additionally, certain bacteria in the gut can ferment undigested food, producing gas and bloating that can be especially uncomfortable for someone with IBS.

These changes might happen due to stress, diet, antibiotics, or past infections. Some people find relief with dietary changes (like a low-FODMAP diet) or probiotics, but it’s always best to check with a healthcare provider before making changes.

Here’s a quick rundown of low-FODMAP foods, which tend to be gentler on the gut:

Fruits: Bananas, oranges, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi.

Vegetables: Carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, spinach, bell peppers.

Proteins: Chicken, turkey, eggs, fish, firm tofu.

Dairy Alternatives: Almond milk, lactose-free milk, hard cheeses like cheddar.

Grains: Rice, quinoa, oats, gluten-free bread or pasta.

Nuts/Seeds: Almonds (small amounts), peanuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds.

These foods avoid the hard-to-digest carbs found in high-FODMAP foods, like apples, pears, onions, garlic, beans, milk, and soft cheeses. The idea is to temporarily avoid high-FODMAP foods, then slowly reintroduce them to see what works for you.

I hope this information is helpful, Zenith. I’m here for you if you ever want to talk about it more. Wishing you strength and comfort in managing this— I know how tough it can be. Take care of yourself!

anita

Dear Zenith:

I will be glad to share tomorrow morning. I sure hope that you will feel better real soon! Back to you tomorrow.

Anita