There is a close relationship between the digestive system and the brain, since they interact with each other through a dense network of nerve fibers of the so-called vegetative system, intended for involuntary responses. This fact allows us to immediately understand why many people who suffer from states of stress and anxiety often express their discomfort through stomach disorders. In fact, intestinal problems caused by anxiety, stress and nervousness are part of a fairly common symptomatology throughout life and can negatively interfere with our daily lives.
In this Psychology-Online article we will see Why anxiety causes gas, and how to avoid it.
Air in the stomach is a disorder of the digestive system that occurs due to excessive gas intake with the introduction of food or frequent swallowing of saliva. When air accumulates in the stomach it is known as aerophagia, while when the presence of gas is found in the intestine it is called meteorism.
Within certain limits, air in the stomach is a completely normal phenomenon, occurring involuntarily when speaking and while eating or drinking. However, sometimes an excessive amount of air can accumulate in the stomach due to eating too quickly, chewing food too little, or talking while eating. In fact, even during eating, related to an emotion or an uncomfortable state, can favor the ingestion of air in the stomach, since one tends to eat with the mouth open, chewing quickly and poorly.
Consequences of anxiety and stress on the stomach
There is a link between stress and the stomach that manifests itself at the nervous and hormonal level. First, conditions of strong emotional apprehension can cause excessive production of adrenaline, two hormones that can produce effects on the digestive system such as, for example, increased acid production or inflammation of the mucosa.
Likewise, the hyperactivity of the nervous system typical of stress can also cause problems in the production of gastric juices and gastrointestinal motility, which makes digestion and assimilation of food difficult. From these general mechanisms arise the annoying symptoms that are found between the somatizations of anxiety and stress, that is, the bodily manifestations of conditions of psychological discomfort.
The most common stomach disorders related to anxiety and stress are:
Why anxiety causes stomach bloating
The relationship between anxiety or stress and stomach bloating is more complex. On the one hand, inflammation of the mucosa causes poor digestion. On the other hand, anxiety and/or stress and increased acid secretion can cause spasms in the terminal part of the stomach (pylorus), altering gastric emptying mechanisms. Generally, this results in a feeling of fullness and abdominal tension in the stomach, especially after meals.
On the other hand, it must be emphasized that, due to the alteration of the motility of the gastric muscles, the person who suffers from anxiety or is under a lot of stress may present swelling in the stomach. even when you haven’t eaten anything. For this same reason, in these cases the feeling of fullness and abdominal tension often involves the intestine, especially the colon, and will alter the regularity of its main functions.
If the air introduced through the mouth is added to a pre-existing meteorism, caused, for example, by digestive disorders, this will become an aggravating factor and amplify the symptoms. In these cases, the stomach will be swollen and its painful tension will increase. You may also have the sensation that your belly is rising excessively or the perception of having a balloon full of air in your belly. In short, when this condition occurs, the person no longer feels completely in their own skin.
In addition to pain and physical discomfort, other factors of great importance from a psychological and social point of view are added. With a belly full of air and the need to eliminate it, it is difficult to allow yourself to establish social relationships normally, without thinking about the embarrassment that the symptoms related to the uncontrollable and more or less sudden expulsion of these gases can cause.
There are a large number of remedies for stomach disorders caused by anxiety and stress. First of all, it is important to follow a proper diet and adopt a balanced lifestyle, trying to stay away from the frenetic rhythms often imposed by the commitments of daily life. Therefore, it is essential to take adequate time for each meal and focus on chew well and for a long timeavoiding overeating.
Likewise, it is important to avoid behaviors such as keeping your mouth open when chewing, since in this way a lot of air can enter with the food. The diet should be varied and balanced, free of foods that are difficult to digest and rich in foods rich in vitamins, especially group B, useful for producing the energy necessary for the health of the nervous system. It is also essential to dedicate time to rest, physical activity and free time in order to regain adequate psychological balance.
Do you want to know more tips to avoid gas due to stress and anxiety? We show you some more below:
- Don’t eat too fast: Avoid putting a second bite in your mouth before swallowing the previous one.
- It is not recommended to drink with a strawsince aspiration leads to swallowing more air.
- No Smoking: In addition to causing aerophagia, smoking can cause poor digestion and gastrointestinal inflammation.
- Sit at the table with serenity and eat in a relaxing atmosphere.
- Chew calmlycarefully and with your mouth closed.
- Drink without rush and in small sips, avoiding drinks that are too hot or too cold.
- Eat in a comfortable positionbut keeping your back straight to encourage the food to descend into the stomach.
- Go for a walk 15 minutes after eating.