Monday, March 25, 2024
HomeCauseCan Anxiety Cause Digestive Issues

Can Anxiety Cause Digestive Issues

Should I Be Getting Screened Regularly For Colon Cancer Or Other Gi Tract Cancers

The Connection Between Anxiety and Stomach Problems

As of 2021, the United States Preventative Services Task Force and major GI medical societies recommend that adults at average risk for colorectal cancer are regularly screened beginning at age 45.

People who have a family history of colorectal cancer or other GI tract cancers, including stomach or pancreas cancer, or a history of GI conditions like inflammatory bowel disease may need routine cancer screening earlier than age 45.

Talk your primary care physician about your risk and ask if you should get tested.

Effects Of Stress And Anxiety On Your Stomach

Stress and anxiety can trigger lots of different symptoms, in your mind and also on the rest of your body. Stress, for example can cause headaches, chest pain and problems concentrating. And anxiety can cause things like feeling nervous, sweating and problems sleeping.

But both stress and anxiety can also impact your gut. Experiencing a stressful situation can cause short-term problems in the digestive system, including:

In addition, you might find that stress affects your appetite, causing you to eat more or less than you would normally.

How To Reduce Stomach Pain

If you find yourself suffering from stomach pain, you have several different options when it comes to remedies.

  • Heat Putting a hot water bottle on your tummy can help the muscles to relax, thereby reducing tummy pain
  • Apple cider vinegar this popular remedy is believed to help with digestive issues. Make sure to dilute it with water and drink through a straw to avoid the acid damaging your teeth
  • Medication Over-the-counter remedies can help alleviate the effects of stomach pain. Always read the label first.
  • Herbal tea calming teas may help your stomach to get back to normal. Try ginger, chamomile or peppermint.

Also Check: Can Anxiety Cause Breathing Problems

Chest Pain & Tightness

Feeling as though you might be having a heart attack when anxiety strikes is common, explains Curtis. Whether anxiety or a heart attack, however, seek a doctors advice. Your doctor will hopefully be able to clarify if the symptoms are related to a medical problem or caused by anxiety. If the culprit is anxiety, if not treated, it will likely worsen. No matter the cause, if youre experiencing pain or tightness in the chest, especially if its accompanied by other symptoms, see your doctor as soon as you can.

When seeking treatment, its important to be wary of doctors who dismiss the physical symptoms of anxiety as unreal, or all in your head, says Curtis. Anxiety is not only in the head it is also in the body. Anxiety is a real physiological response to the brains belief that there is more threat than there actually is. Anxiety is a normal, self-protective system that simply gets carried away, such as when, for example, we learn from adverse childhood experiences that there are dangers in the world and we need to stay on alert more than we actually need to. You are not alone. There is help.

No matter what form of treatment you choose, its important to check in with a therapist you trust if your symptoms arent resolving especially if you have anxiety that becomes chronic after trauma or a major upheaval in your life. While the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety can be scary and intense, they can be successfully managed over time.

Bowel Anxiety Symptoms Problems

What Causes Stomach Ulcers and How Carafate Treat Stomach Ulcers?

Bowel symptoms and problems, such as diarrhea, constipation, Irritable Bowel Syndrome , abdominal cramps, and others can be signs of anxiety disorder.

This article explains the relationship between anxiety and bowel problems and symptoms.

To see if anxiety might be playing a role in your symptoms, rate your level of anxiety using our free one-minute instant results Anxiety Test, Anxiety Disorder Test, and Hyperstimulation Test.

The higher the rating, the more likely anxiety could be contributing to your symptoms, including bowel symptoms and problems.

Also Check: How To Describe Social Anxiety

Why Does Stress Cause Stomach Pain Or Gi Discomfort

We know through research there is a strong connection between our brain and our gut through the central nervous system. The enteric nervous system an out-branching of the central nervous system serves the GI tract, making a direct connection between our brain and gastrointestinal system. That connection can cause normal physiologic processes to be interpreted as painful under stressful or anxiety-provoking situations.

When were stressed, hormones and neurotransmitters are released in the body. This can negatively impact gut motility, or the way our intestines and stomach squeeze and move waste through the body. Also, stress can affect the delicate balance of bacteria in our gut, causing GI discomfort.

People experiencing chronic stress may also eat more or eat unhealthy foods with a higher amount of natural and artificial sugar that is poorly digested and causes GI distress. People may also smoke and drink more alcohol or caffeine than normal which can cause symptoms.

Can Anxiety Cause Stomach Bloating And Gas

  • Distention and Ache in the Stomach In addition, anxiety is a common contributor to a wide range of digestive and intestinal health problems.
  • This can lead to gas, bloating, indigestion, and a number of other disorders, all of which can cause significant discomfort in the stomach and the abdominal region, and may also contribute to a variety of various pains that haunt you on a regular basis.

You May Like: Can You Get Dandruff From Stress

You May Like: Do Cold Showers Help With Anxiety

The Effects Of Anxiety On The Body

Anxiety is a normal part of life. For example, you may have felt anxiety before addressing a group or in a job interview.

In the short term, anxiety increases your breathing and heart rate, concentrating blood flow to your brain, where you need it. This very physical response is preparing you to face an intense situation.

If it gets too intense, however, you might start to feel lightheaded and nauseous. An excessive or persistent state of anxiety can have a devastating effect on your physical and mental health.

Anxiety disorders can happen at any stage of life, but they usually begin by middle age. Women are more likely to have an anxiety disorder than men, says the National Institute of Mental Health .

Stressful life experiences may increase your risk for an anxiety disorder, too. Symptoms may begin immediately or years later. Having a serious medical condition or a substance use disorder can also lead to an anxiety disorder.

There are several types of anxiety disorders. They include:

How Can Caffeine Help To Reduce Anxiety

18 Bad Digestive Anxiety Symptoms!

Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in many beverages, foods, and medications. It has been shown to have a positive effect on mood and can be used to reduce anxiety. Caffeine works by increasing levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. This can increase feelings of alertness and energy, which can reduce anxiety. However, it is important to note that caffeine is only one tool that can be used to reduce anxiety. It is also important to consider other factors such as diet and exercise when trying to manage anxiety.

Some of these ways how it can be used as a tool to reduce anxiety include:

Coffee

One of the most common ways caffeine is used to reduce anxiety is by drinking coffee. Coffee contains caffeine and has been shown to have a positive effect on mood. It can increase levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which can increase feelings of alertness and energy, which can reduce anxiety.

Caffeine pills

Caffeine pills are another way that caffeine can be used to reduce anxiety. Also, Caffeine pills are available over the counter and contain varying amounts of caffeine. They are often taken before bedtime to help decrease anxiety symptoms. They are also a good way to get an instant burst of energy. However, it is important to note that caffeine pills are not recommended for people who are already pregnant or breastfeeding because they can cause jitteriness and irritability.

Don’t Miss: When To Seek Help For Anxiety

You’re Dealing With Regular Stomach Cramping

If you know you have high-functioning anxiety, and have also been dealing with stomach cramps of the non-period variety, your anxiety might be the culprit.

“Your stomach is literally under stress when youre suffering from anxiety, causing it to contract, which leads to stomach cramps,” Backe says. “Out of the blue stomach cramps, specifically during times of heightened anxiety, might be a sign that you need to take a break from whatever is stressing you out.” If you notice the cramping happening in a period of prolonged or heightened stress, then the chances of your cramping being due to anxiety are especially high.

What Is Stomach Pain Stress

Your gut contains a huge number of nerves. When we feel stress, we enter a fight or flight state, where stress hormones and chemicals are released, telling the digestive tract to slow down. These hormones can have a negative effect on our gut flora and gut antibodies. If there is a chemical imbalance in the gut, physical symptoms are more likely to follow.

Stomach pain can also be caused by different types of negative emotion aside from stress, including fear, anxiety and excitement. Different life events can be attributed to causing stress, including grief, chronic illness, money troubles, an upcoming event such as an exam, relationship problems or life changes. Sometimes events do not have to be overly significant to cause us stress which can be why it sometimes takes us a while to address the cause of the problem.

However, stomach problems can also be a sign of issues such as IBS, Crohns disease or gastroenteritis, so if you are worried about your symptoms, always see a doctor.

You May Like: What Are Some Names Of Anxiety Pills

How Your Gut And Brain Relate

Your second brain manages and controls your digestion, from swallowing to the release of enzymes. It ensures the breakdown of food into small particles, controlling blood flow for nutrient absorption and elimination.

For decades, researchers thought that depression and anxiety contributed to people experiencing irritable bowel syndrome and functional bowel problems such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, pain, and stomach upset. However, other studies show it could be because of the ENS.

The ENS communicates with your brain through the nervous system and your hormones. An exchange of information also takes place between your gut and the immune system, affecting your overall mental health. It’s also believed to contribute to diseases like Parkinsonâs and Alzheimerâs, autism, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, pain, and anxiety.

Question: Can Anxiety In Dogs Cause Digestive Problems

Can Stress and Anxiety Cause Bowel Problems?

When pets experience anxiety for long periods of time, their digestive tissue could be starved of this important nourishment for months or even years. A deprived digestive system is not a healthy one, and the pet is now at an increased risk for developing a digestive disorder.

Read Also: Is Shivering A Sign Of Anxiety

You Feel A Rock In Your Stomach

Norepinephrine doesn’t just cause vomiting, it can also create a more low-grade, long-term nausea that sticks around. If you have high-functioning anxiety and are used to feeling “off,” your body might be experiencing an imbalance of this chemical.

“Norepinephrine release may be the culprit ,” similarly because blood isn’t flowing as much to your gut, Dr. Bostic says. “If it’s the feeling of a rock in your stomach, it’s a reasonable guess that norepinephrine is involved.” Especially if you’re already anxious, you don’t deserve to feel this constantly uncomfortable, so getting help is important.

Eat Properly To Help Your Digestion

It’s very easy to spend our working lives eating on the move or at our desks, gulping down food between meetings and then crashing out in front of the TV with a takeaway in the evenings.

But eating this way can play havoc with our digestive system.

Follow some basic rules to prevent problems:

  • Do not rush your food. Take the time to eat slowly. Try putting your fork down between bites and chew each mouthful well.
  • Do not overeat. Reduce the size of your portions at mealtimes, or try eating 4 to 5 small meals instead of 3 large ones.
  • Eat regularly and try not to skip meals.
  • Avoid eating a big meal just before you go to bed. Eat your last meal at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down.
  • Make sure you have plenty of water to drink.

Recommended Reading: Can Untreated Anxiety And Depression Cause Brain Damage

What Can Parents Do To Help

The first thing our experts suggest is something parents should not do, or at least try not to do: Let kids avoid things they are afraid of. It can be very tempting when children are complaining of a headache or stomach ache to let them stay home from school, or skip the party or the game theyre worried about. But avoidance actually reinforces the anxiety.

If were allowing them to avoid it, says Ms. Greenspan, then theyre not able to learn that they can tolerate it. The message needs to be: I know it hurts, I know its uncomfortable, but I know you can do it.

Another things parents should not do is ask children leading questions like Are you worried about the math test? Questions should be open ended, to avoid suggesting that you expect them to be anxious: How are you feeling about the math test?

If the problems your child is having are disrupting their ability to go to school consistently or concentrate at school, participate in activities, socialize with peers they might have developed an anxiety disorder that should be treated by a mental health professional. The treatment favored by most clinicians for anxiety disorders is cognitive behavioral therapy . CBT helps kids as young as 5 years old identify their anxiety and learn skills to reduce it.

The techniques clinicians teach children to calm down body and mind can also be deployed by parents, for children with less impairing symptoms.

Feeling Jittery Or Having Heart Palpitations

How Stress & Anxiety Can Cause Digestive Problems

Anxiety and panic commonly result in feelings of jitteriness along with heart palpitations, according to Harvard Health. Anxiety-induced palpitations may improve with meditation, exercise, yoga, tai chi or another stress-busting activity. Additionally, deep-breathing and progressive muscle relaxation exercises can also help.

Don’t Miss: Can A Doctor Prescribe Anxiety Medication

What Is The 333 Rule For Anxiety

  • *List three noises that you are currently hearing.
  • Move three different parts of your body: your feet, then your fingers, and finally your shoulders.
  • And describe three things that stand out to you.
  • The activity that the psychologist recommended for bringing one back to the here and now was as follows: Whenever you feel like your brain is going a thousand miles per hour, do this exercise to help bring you back to the present moment.

Muscle Tension & Chronic Pain

Muscle tension and chronic pain are common symptoms of anxiety disorders, the Anxiety and Depression Association says. Additionally, pain disorders like arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic back pain are often seen in people with anxiety. Treating anxiety that occurs with a pain condition can be challenging and usually requires a multipronged approach that may combine medical treatments along with lifestyle adjustments.

Recommended Reading: Why Is Anxiety So Common

Gut Health And Anxiety

Given how closely the gut and brain interact, it becomes easier to understand why you might feel nauseated before giving a presentation, or feel intestinal pain during times of stress. That doesn’t mean, however, that functional gastrointestinal conditions are imagined or “all in your head.” Psychology combines with physical factors to cause pain and other bowel symptoms. Psychosocial factors influence the actual physiology of the gut, as well as symptoms. In other words, stress can affect movement and contractions of the GI tract.

In addition, many people with functional GI disorders perceive pain more acutely than other people do because their brains are more responsive to pain signals from the GI tract. Stress can make the existing pain seem even worse.

Based on these observations, you might expect that at least some patients with functional GI conditions might improve with therapy to or treat anxiety or depression. Multiple studies have found that psychologically based approaches lead to greater improvement in digestive symptoms compared with only conventional medical treatment.

Reflux And Stress Anxiety Depression

Can Indigestion Cause Anxiety Attacks

It seems quite likely that experiencing chest pain and other symptoms after eating can increase our stress level. According to a study from 2018:

This cross-sectional study revealed that anxiety and depression levels were significantly higher in subjects with GERD than in controls.

  • GERD: gastroesophageal reflux disease, the chronic form of acid reflux
  • NERD: non-erosive reflux disease, same as GERD, but the esophagus is not damaged

Looks like stress can cause reflux, which might cause more stress and so on

You May Like: How To Talk To Your Doctor About Anxiety And Depression

Physical Sensations From Stress Can Suppress Appetite

When Mindi Sue Black recently lost her father, she dropped a significant amount of weight. She forced herself to nibble here and there, but had no desire to eat.

I knew I should eat, but I just couldnt, she tells Healthline. The thought of chewing anything put me in a tailspin. It was a chore to drink water.

Like Black, some people lose their appetite due to the physical sensations associated with anxiety that make the thought of eating unappetizing.

Often times, stress manifests itself through physical sensations in the body, such as nausea, tense muscles, or a knot in the stomach, says Christina Purkiss, a primary therapist at The Renfrew Center of Orlando, an eating disorder treatment facility.

These sensations could lead to difficulty being in tune with hunger and fullness cues. If someone is feeling intensely nauseous due to stress, it will be challenging to accurately read when the body is experiencing hunger, Purkiss explains.

Raul Perez-Vazquez, MD, says that some people also lose their appetite due to the increase in cortisol that can happen during times of high anxiety.

In the acute or immediate setting, stress causes increased levels of cortisol, which in turn increases acid production in the stomach, he says. This process is meant to help the body quickly digest food in preparation for fight-or-flight, which is mediated by adrenaline. This process also, for the same reasons, decreases appetite.

RELATED ARTICLES
- Advertisment -

Most Popular

- Advertisment -