It may not be known to you, but your recent stomach ache may be because you are under a lot of stress. Butterflies in your stomach may not be just a figure of speech any more. If you have been under a lot of stress, chances are that you might also suffer from some stomach problems caused by stress. But one can't help asking the question: How does stress cause stomach problems?
Stress Stomach Problems
The various stomach problems caused due to stress are given below.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
One of the most common stomach problems caused by stress is the irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome is an umbrella condition which comprises a variety of illnesses under its purview. Scientists say that when a person is stressed, the brain is programmed to release some hormones and chemicals. When these hormones enter the digestive tract of a person, they cause trouble. Irritable bowel syndrome maybe characterized by either an increase or decrease in the contractions of the intestines. In case there is an increase in the contractions of the intestine, you might suffer from diarrhea or cramping. On the other hand, if there is a decrease in the contractions of the intestines, it may lead to constipation. The increase or decrease in the motility of the intestines affect the digestive system causing stomach trouble. Thus we see that IBS may cause an increase in the speed of passage of waste matter along the intestines or a decrease in the speed of passage of waste matter. Read on to know more about symptoms and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome medication.
Nervous Stomach
Normally when diagnostic tests fail to identify a particular cause for a stomach related illness, the condition is known as a nervous stomach. When there is no plausible cause for a stomach-related illness, it is generally assumed that the cause for it is a nervous stomach. Nervous stomach is the source of stomach problems from stress. A nervous stomach, like irritable bowel syndrome, is caused due to stress. It may be caused because the brain releases a lot more acids into the stomach when you are stressed. A nervous stomach may be the cause of any stomach-related illnesses such as abdominal fullness, bloating, belching and flatulence,acid reflux, nausea and heartburn. More on stomach pain and bloating.
Read on for more about:Other Stomach Problems Due to Stress
Along with irritable bowel syndrome and nervous stomach, there may also be a number of other stomach-related illnesses that are caused due to anxiety. One of the most common conditions caused due to stress include stomach ulcers. Stomach ulcers are inflammation of the stomach due to excessive release of hydrochloric acid in the body. While hydrochloric acid is otherwise present in the body in very small amounts, even the slightest increase can cause trouble. It is said that although inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not directly caused by stress, a preexisting case of IBD may be worsened due to stress.
How to Prevent Stomach Problems Caused by Stress
If your stomach problems are indeed caused by stress, I guess the most logical thing to do would be to reduce stress. So how does one reduce stress? Stress can be effectively managed in several ways. The most common way is to participate in some de-stressing activities which will make you feel less stressed. Find some hobbies which will help you reduce stress. Other things you can do is to get corrective cognitive therapy that will help you deal with the stress better. You should also learn to prioritize your responsibilities and take up only so much work that you can handle. If nothing worse, try to get counseling, which will surely help you deal with your problems better. Read on for stress relief activities and stress relief techniques.
So now you know about the stomach problems caused by stress and how to cure them. After reading this article you probably know that there may be something else causing your stomach upset rather than a bit of extra pizza!
Stress Stomach Problems
The various stomach problems caused due to stress are given below.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
One of the most common stomach problems caused by stress is the irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome is an umbrella condition which comprises a variety of illnesses under its purview. Scientists say that when a person is stressed, the brain is programmed to release some hormones and chemicals. When these hormones enter the digestive tract of a person, they cause trouble. Irritable bowel syndrome maybe characterized by either an increase or decrease in the contractions of the intestines. In case there is an increase in the contractions of the intestine, you might suffer from diarrhea or cramping. On the other hand, if there is a decrease in the contractions of the intestines, it may lead to constipation. The increase or decrease in the motility of the intestines affect the digestive system causing stomach trouble. Thus we see that IBS may cause an increase in the speed of passage of waste matter along the intestines or a decrease in the speed of passage of waste matter. Read on to know more about symptoms and treatment of irritable bowel syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome medication.
Nervous Stomach
Normally when diagnostic tests fail to identify a particular cause for a stomach related illness, the condition is known as a nervous stomach. When there is no plausible cause for a stomach-related illness, it is generally assumed that the cause for it is a nervous stomach. Nervous stomach is the source of stomach problems from stress. A nervous stomach, like irritable bowel syndrome, is caused due to stress. It may be caused because the brain releases a lot more acids into the stomach when you are stressed. A nervous stomach may be the cause of any stomach-related illnesses such as abdominal fullness, bloating, belching and flatulence,acid reflux, nausea and heartburn. More on stomach pain and bloating.
Read on for more about:Other Stomach Problems Due to Stress
Along with irritable bowel syndrome and nervous stomach, there may also be a number of other stomach-related illnesses that are caused due to anxiety. One of the most common conditions caused due to stress include stomach ulcers. Stomach ulcers are inflammation of the stomach due to excessive release of hydrochloric acid in the body. While hydrochloric acid is otherwise present in the body in very small amounts, even the slightest increase can cause trouble. It is said that although inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not directly caused by stress, a preexisting case of IBD may be worsened due to stress.
How to Prevent Stomach Problems Caused by Stress
If your stomach problems are indeed caused by stress, I guess the most logical thing to do would be to reduce stress. So how does one reduce stress? Stress can be effectively managed in several ways. The most common way is to participate in some de-stressing activities which will make you feel less stressed. Find some hobbies which will help you reduce stress. Other things you can do is to get corrective cognitive therapy that will help you deal with the stress better. You should also learn to prioritize your responsibilities and take up only so much work that you can handle. If nothing worse, try to get counseling, which will surely help you deal with your problems better. Read on for stress relief activities and stress relief techniques.
So now you know about the stomach problems caused by stress and how to cure them. After reading this article you probably know that there may be something else causing your stomach upset rather than a bit of extra pizza!
