Stress in early life alters gut nerve circuits, leading to long-term changes in pain sensitivity and bowel function, which helps to explain why childhood adversity increases digestive disease risk.
Gastroenterology (AGA) published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 16 Mar 2026.
The item focuses on Enteric and Sympathetic Nervous System Pathways Mediate Early Life Stress Effects on Gut Motility and Pain: Mechanistic Findings With Human Correlation.
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