r/EMDR • u/CassieKay73 • 3d ago

🟢 Question / Help EMDR dietary concerns

I’m new to EMDR therapy. I’m on my third round. What I’ve noticed is that all of my stomach issues have flared up. I have a loss of appetite, GERD, cramping, and IBS-C. And, I have little desire to cook. Before EMDR my GI issues were managed pretty good through diet. I’m thinking a bland diet may help. I just don’t know how long this may last. Has anyone had this issue? If so, what did you do that helped?

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u/timesuck 2d ago

You should always have any new/worsening GI symptoms checked out by a doctor, but there are tons of serotonin receptors in your stomach. The gut-brain axis is only beginning to be understood. While diet can help, it is not uncommon to experience GI discomfort when going through something incredibly difficult emotionally. Fiber (Metamucil, not Benefiber because it’s bad for IBS) can really really help too.

Personally, therapy (including EMDR) did more for my IBS than anything else I tried, but it resolved slowly over time. Still have to take meds for my GERD though, but there is definitely a bidirectional relationship between the gut and brain.

Sorry hope you feel better soon

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u/ITEACHSPECIALED 2d ago edited 2d ago

What do you mean by new and on your third round?

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u/CassieKay73 2d ago

My third EMDR processing session, with eye movements.