Chronic Stress Is Messing With Your Stomach Too

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on a person’s mental and physical health. With a long list of health-related symptoms that includes heart disease, high blood pressure, insomnia, depression, and diabetes, digestive issues might be easy to ignore. According to health professionals, though, that’s a bad idea. 

How Chronic Stress Affects The Digestive System

There is a significant link between the brain and the digestive system. Studies show that being under stress will increase gut motility and the secretion of fluids. That’s why your stomach flutters when you’re feeling anxious or the appetite might be suppressed when depression sets in. 

If someone is under chronic stress, however, the digestive issues will be more pronounced. In fact, there are several illnesses that can be triggered or worsened when you’re stressed. 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

While chronic stress might not cause inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s Disease or ulcerative colitis, it can certainly make the conditions worse. If you’ve been undergoing treatment to get the IBD under control, being constantly stressed can undo all that work. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

In a recent study, persons who had developed gastroenteritis from the bacteria, Campylobacter were investigated. It was found that those who didn’t handle stress well were more likely to develop IBS over time. The outcome was different for those who were depressed. 

From our partner

Do you still have gout symptoms even though you're taking medication? You’re not alone. The Kadence study is a clinical research study for adults with uncontrolled gout. Learn More

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

For persons who have GERD, doctors have not noted an increase in their symptoms but the patients themselves report that the pain gets worse during a stressful situation. As might be expected, chronic stress would lead to chronic pain. 

Peptic Ulcer Disease 

Technically, this digestive disease is caused when the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), weakens the mucous lining that protects the stomach. With the lining compromised, the stomach acid can irritate the exposed lining and cause an ulcer. However, there is enough evidence to suggest that chronic stress can cause inflammation in the lining, which may, in turn, lead to the development of ulcers.

Typical Signs of Chronic Stress

It’s perfectly normal to experience stress during an exam, a presentation, or a high-stakes project.

To cope, your body responds by releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, increasing your heart rate, as well as increasing your breathing rate.

All those responses keep the body in a state of alertness that can help you to manage a temporary situation. 

From our partner

People 16+ years old struggling with lupus: Find out if the PHOENYCS FLY Study may be for you. Study-related care provided at no cost.

If you’re under constant stress, however, being persistently alert will wear your body down.

This scenario tends to happen when someone is in a situation that never changes. Examples include financial difficulty, a demanding job, or a stressful relationship. 

Signs you could be under chronic stress include:

• Persistent fatigue
• Constant irritability
• Frequent headaches
• Having trouble concentrating
• Having disorganized thoughts
• Being unable to sleep well
• Feeling as if you’ve lost control
• Changes in your appetite
• Feeling helpless in the situation or generally
• Experiencing digestive issues

Tips For Handling Chronic Stress

Most experts recommend leaving the stressful situation so you don’t have to experience the symptoms of chronic stress anymore. However, they know that’s not always an option. If that the case with you, your best course of action is developing strategies to reduce your stress. Here are a few suggestions. 

• Take up meditation – The breathing exercises associated with meditation have been found to be very helpful for relieving stress. 
• Find an exercise routine you love – Apart from getting fit, exercising is an effective stress reliever. 
• Improve your sleep quality – This option includes how long and how well you sleep. Look into ways that will lead to you getting a good night’s rest every night.
• Find someone to talk to – Whether it’s a trusted loved one or a therapist, being able to talk through what you’re feeling can help you to manage stressful situations. 
• Make time for yourself – Taking the time for self-care is important. By doing this, you’ll be able to put yourself first for some time and take your focus off what’s stressing you out.
• Find helpful hobbies – Hobbies are another great way to focus on yourself. 
• Walk away from triggers when you can – Regardless of the situation, some events are more stress-inducing than others. If you can say ‘no’ or walk away from these events, it will help. 

Chronic stress is dangerous to your health. While persons don’t always talk about how it can specifically affect the digestive system, you shouldn’t ignore what’s happening in your body. Do what you can to effectively manage your stress and you’ll see the positive impact.