Stress destroys digestion: how anxiety affects the stomach

The modern pace of life makes stress an almost constant companion of a person. This is especially noticeable between the ages of 30 and 60, when professional and family responsibilities reach their peak. According to Danish researchers, a third of the adult population of this age group regularly experiences digestive disorders. Many of them note that an exacerbation of symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea or unstable stool often occurs during periods of emotional stress.

Stress has a multi-level effect on the body, and the digestive system is one of the first to suffer. Under stress, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, which slows down the work of the stomach and intestines. This can lead to spasms, impaired motility and increased sensitivity of the digestive organs. Moreover, at such moments, people often forget about healthy eating, eating becomes irregular and unsystematic, which only worsens the situation.

Professor of biochemistry at the University of Copenhagen Hanne Frekjær explains that stress is almost always associated with sleep disturbances, lack of physical activity and irregular eating. This, taken together, creates ideal conditions for the development of gastrointestinal disorders. People who underestimate the importance of adequate rest and routine are particularly vulnerable.

Nutritionist Lene Alling agrees with her, emphasizing that stress not only affects what we eat, but also how we eat it. Quick snacks on the go, overeating in the evening and the habit of washing down stress with sweets disrupt the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, complaints of heaviness in the abdomen, flatulence, constipation or, conversely, frequent urge to defecate appear.

Doctors emphasize that it is dangerous to ignore such symptoms. At first glance, a harmless ailment can develop into chronic inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines. Psychosomatic reactions in the form of peptic ulcer disease or irritable bowel syndrome have long been recognized by doctors, and one of the reasons for their occurrence is often stress.

To reduce the negative impact of stress on digestion, experts advise paying attention to your lifestyle: establish a sleep schedule, regularly engage in physical activity, avoid overeating and learn to relax. Simple preventive measures can significantly improve not only the condition of the stomach, but also your overall well-being.