Gastrointestinal problems sometimes have no apparent physical cause, such as infection or disease, but may be linked to stress. Stress can cause or worsen abdominal pain or disorders, while gastrointestinal trouble can lead to stress. Stress can trigger gastrointestinal problems when emotional centers in your brain cause a response in your digestive tract.
Digestive Neurons
The enteric nervous system, which oversees the intestinal tract, works similarly to the central nervous system, which deals with neurons and neurotransmitters in the brain and spinal cord. When food enters your digestive tract, neurons in the enteric system signal muscle cells to begin intestinal contractions that move food through the tract and break down substances into nutrients and waste.
Interaction
During the digestive process, the enteric system also interacts with the central nervous system through neurotransmitters. For example, stress may slow down digestion because the nervous system alerts the body to use its energy to deal with the stressful conditions. This temporary disruption in the digestive process may result in gastrointestinal disorders. Intestinal problems can likewise heighten stress and anxiety, as the body diverts its attention to gastrointestinal symptoms.
Acid Reflux
Gastrointestinal problems may lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, because indigestion or other digestive disorders cause the stomach to secrete excess amounts of acid. Symptoms of GERD include frequent bouts of acid reflux. Stress may also play a role. Subjects in a University of Alabama study reported increased symptoms of anxiety and GERD when undergoing stressful tasks, according to the UCLA Center for Neurovisceral Sciences and Women's Health.
Nourishment
You may get indigestion from eating during a stressful situation when your digestive system is not relaxed. Eating healthy meals and snacks throughout the day helps your body deal with stress and avoids abdominal problems. Adrenaline levels rise during times of stress, but blood sugar levels drop when the situation is over. Your body needs food to sustain your energy levels and deal with stress. Eating a nutritious breakfast, lunch and dinner with healthy snacks in between keeps your body well nourished to prepare it for the stresses of the day. Try to find a calm environment when you eat during a stressful time. Avoid fatty foods, and consume more fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which contain high amounts of fiber to aid digestion.
Therapy
Stress-reducing techniques may help prevent persistent gastrointestinal disorders. Psychotherapy can reduce anxiety disorder and chronic intestinal problems if they are related. Relaxation therapy may also relieve anxiety and intestinal problems. Therapies include progressive muscle relaxation, in which muscles are tensed and relaxed throughout the body, and visualization, in which people visualize calm, peaceful surroundings to help relax during stress.
