Psychosomatic Symptoms - is it really "all in your head"?

Psychosomatic symptoms are commonly linked to digestive issues, and something I have experienced myself at different times throughout my life.

The term psychosomatic refers to real physical symptoms that arise from or are influenced by the mind and emotions rather than a specific organic cause in the body.

It’s what people really mean when they say “it’s all in your head”.

But, just because it stems from your mind and emotions, it doesn’t make the physical symptoms experienced any less real.

Digestive symptoms can often be psychosomatic, and it can be difficult to pick up on this, especially if you’re experiencing very real symptoms like having watery diarrhea, not going to the toilet for days on end, stabbing intestinal pain, or nausea that never seems to end.

The thing is, your symptoms are REAL, but the cause of them isn’t related directly to foods you’re eating or a structural issue inside your digestive tract. They come from your nervous system which is intrinsically linked to your digestive system.

So, how do you know if your digestive issues are psychosomatic?

Firstly, ALWAYS go to a Doctor first and have appropriate tests to rule out other causes. This is important, because so many digestive symptoms overlap with those of more serious disease.

Once you have done this, my next recommendation is to keep a very detailed journal that covers the following:

• The foods you ate and how you feel