You have surely felt “butterflies in your stomach” when nervous or a heavy sensation when going through a stressful moment. This happens because the digestive system and the brain are directly connected. We know this relationship as the gut-brain axis.

At CEGAS, we not only treat physical symptoms; we also integrate psychonutrition to help our patients in Panama understand how their emotional state influences their digestion.

What is psychonutrition?

Psychonutrition is a discipline that studies our relationship with food. It is not only about what we eat, but about why and how we do it. Factors such as anxiety, work-related stress, or fatigue can lead us to eat impulsively or, conversely, to lose our appetite, causing chronic digestive discomfort.

Stress and common gastric diseases

In our practice in Panama City, we frequently see that conditions such as gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome worsen during periods of high pressure. Chronic stress can:

• Alter the speed of digestion (causing constipation or diarrhea).

• Increase sensitivity to abdominal pain.

• Weaken the stomach’s protective barrier, making it more prone to inflammation.

How do we approach psychonutrition at CEGAS?

Our approach is straightforward and aims to provide you with practical tools:

1. Identifying triggers: We help patients recognize whether they are eating due to real hunger or “emotional hunger” (anxiety).

2. Mindful eating: We teach techniques to reconnect with the body’s satiety signals.

3. Comprehensive treatment: We combine the gastroenterologist’s medical diagnosis with nutritional guidelines that respect your lifestyle and emotional well-being.

Benefits of a comprehensive approach

When you stop viewing your stomach as something separate from your mind, the results improve significantly. By addressing the emotional root along with medical treatment, symptoms typically decrease more quickly and sustainably.

If you feel that your digestion worsens every time you have a difficult week at work or at home, psychonutrition may be the missing piece in your treatment to restore your well-being.

Do you need to schedule your study or have additional questions? At CEGAS we are ready to assist you. You can contact us directly to inquire about appointment availability or receive more information about our services.