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Anxiety and gastrointestinal problems?

Mood and anxiety disorders can be associated with Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) – related symptoms such as acid regurgitation and heartburn.

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Functional gastrointestinal disorders are the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal problems and can be recognised by the morphological and physiological changes that often occur in association with:

motility disorders;
visceral hypersensitivity;
mucosal and immune function change;
gut microbiota changes;
central nervous system processing changes.

Psychological stress or emotional responses to stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms and may contribute to the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Bowel function and dysfunction are known to be closely related to stress and emotions.
Bowel and intestinal dysfunction is associated with embarrassment, emotion, and shame, and proper bowel function is thought to be instrumental to general health.
Brain and gut more than any other organ systems are hardwired.
This is called the “brain–gut” connection and it also explains why stress and psychological factors are so closely associated with gut function and dysfunction, gastrointestinal symptoms, illness, and disease.
The close relationship between acute gastrointestinal symptoms and emotions is reflected in everyday language, in expressions such as “to hate somebody’s guts” or to have one’s stomach “tied in knots”. These common idioms show an implicit understanding of the intricate relationship between anger, fear, or anxiety and specific, generally adverse, visceral experiences related to the gut.

Find out how you can manage your stress to reduce its impact on your stomach, here are few tips:

Take short breaks and breathe. When done right this can really help. Every couple of hours, stop what you’re doing and do one minute of slow, quiet deep breathing. Your breathing should be very slow, silent, and through your nose. Push your stomach out when you inhale and let it deflate as you exhale.
Exercise or do yoga. Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress, even if it’s only for fifteen minutes a day. When you exercise your body releases chemicals called endorphins which interact with receptors in your brain and trigger a positive feeling in your body.
Listen to a guided relaxation exercise daily. You’ll not only feel relaxed while doing it, but most people also experience a sense of calm that lasts for hours afterwards.
Take a look at your diet. Certain foods are known to irritate the stomach. Consult a doctor and try the recommended medical treatments. Many stomach disorders cannot be resolved with stress reduction alone. You must address the biological, psychological and social aspects when trying to resolve gut related problems.

Which are the symptoms associated with mild anxiety?

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Restlessness

Restlessness is experienced as an inability too reimain at rest, difficulties concentrating, not being able to relax or being constantly uneasy.

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Difficulty concentrating

Difficulty concentrating could lead to problems performing at work and might be perceived as distressing by individuals who are concerned about the possible potential negative consequences of being unable to complete an important task.

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Palpitations

Palpitations are an increased or abnormal awareness of heartbeat
The perceived sensation can be that of a pounding feeling in the neck, a feeling of rapid fluttering or a flip-flopping in the chest.

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Bad mood

How many times have you been in a bad mood? Have you ever wondered what a "bad mood" really means and what specific characteristics this emotional state has? First of all, we need to define what "mood" is.

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Worries

Worry helps us to develop strategies to avoid negative outcomes if the event cannot be avoided altogether.
Worry is abnormal if it is excessively distressing or persistent.

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Disturbed sleep

Disturbed sleep is among the most common symptoms in patients with anxiety disorders and has detrimental effects on patients’ daily living skills and quality of life.

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Anxiety and gastrointestinal problems?

How to recognise gastrointestinal problems

How does anxiety affect gastrointestinal health?

Is it possible to cope with mild anxiety-related gastrointestinal problems?

Which are the symptoms associated with mild anxiety?

Restlessness

Difficulty concentrating

Palpitations

Bad mood

Worries

Disturbed sleep

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