Relationship problems can lead to intestinal diseases.
COUPLE FIGHTS CAUSE INTESTINAL PROBLEMS
According to recent research by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, married people who fight are often more likely to suffer from leaky gut.
THE REASON
In fights bacteria are released into the blood and this can elevate inflammation causing this intestinal disease.
PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES
This everyday marital distress, at least for some people, is causing changes in the gut that lead to inflammation and, potentially, disease.
THE STUDY
Ohio State researchers recruited 43 healthy marriages, surveyed them about their relationships, and then encouraged them to discuss and try to resolve a conflict that would likely lead to strong disagreement. Sensitive topics included money and relationships with in-laws.
The researchers left the couples alone for these discussions, recorded the 20-minute interactions, and then watched the couples fight. They classified their behaviors as verbal and non-verbal struggles, with a special interest in hostility, things like dramatic eyes or criticism of the couple.
The researchers then compared the blood obtained before the fight with blood drawn after the fight. The men and women who demonstrated more hostile behaviors during the discussions observed had higher levels of a leaky gut biomarker (LPS-binding protein) than their more less hostile peers.
MOOD DISORDERS
Evidence of leaky gut was even higher in study participants who had particularly hostile interactions with their spouse and a history of depression or other mood disorder.
Participants were 24 to 61 years old and had been married for at least three years.
The couples were also part of another Ohio state study looking at how interactions between marital hostility and depression can lead to obesity.
Do you fight a lot with your partner?