How does stress affect the digestive system. What are the common digestive issues caused by stress. How can you manage stress to improve digestive health. What role does diet play in stress-related digestive problems. Why is the gut often referred to as the “second brain”.

The Intricate Connection Between Stress and Digestion

The relationship between stress and digestion is complex and bidirectional. Our digestive system, often referred to as the “second brain,” houses the highest concentration of nerves outside the brain. This intricate network of nerves, known as the enteric nervous system, communicates directly with our central nervous system, creating a powerful gut-brain connection.

When we experience stress, our body initiates the “fight or flight” response, which can significantly impact our digestive processes. The stress response inhibits digestion, while the relaxation response activates it. This is why relaxation is often associated with the phrase “rest and digest.”

How Stress Affects Digestion

During periods of stress, the body prioritizes survival functions over digestive processes. This results in:

• Slowed contractions of digestive muscles
• Decreased secretion of digestive enzymes
• Reduced blood flow to the digestive system
• Altered gut microbiome balance

While occasional stress may not cause long-term digestive issues, chronic stress can lead to persistent problems and contribute to the development of various gastrointestinal disorders.

Common Digestive Issues Triggered by Stress

Stress can manifest in various ways within our digestive system. Some of the most common stress-related digestive symptoms include:

• Acid reflux and heartburn
• Bloating and gas
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Stomach cramps and discomfort
• Nausea
• Changes in appetite
• Indigestion

These symptoms can be temporary or may develop into more serious conditions if stress persists. Chronic stress has been linked to the development or exacerbation of several gastrointestinal disorders, including:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Peptic ulcers
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
• Gastritis

The Science Behind Stress-Induced Digestive Problems

To understand why stress affects our digestive system so profoundly, we need to delve into the physiological mechanisms at play. When we experience stress, our body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones trigger the following responses:

1. Increased heart rate and blood pressure
2. Redirection of blood flow away from the digestive system
3. Suppression of digestive enzyme production
4. Alteration of gut motility
5. Changes in the gut microbiome composition

These changes can disrupt the normal functioning of our digestive system, leading to various symptoms and potential long-term consequences if stress becomes chronic.

The Role of Inflammation

Chronic stress can also lead to increased inflammation throughout the body, including the digestive tract. This inflammation can further exacerbate digestive issues and contribute to the development of more serious gastrointestinal disorders.

Effective Strategies for Managing Stress and Improving Digestive Health

Given the significant impact of stress on our digestive system, it’s crucial to develop effective stress management techniques. Here are some evidence-based strategies to help reduce stress and improve digestive health:

1. Regular Exercise

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage stress and maintain healthy digestion. Physical activity helps by:

• Improving hormonal balance
• Stimulating the release of endorphins, which boost mood and reduce stress
• Enhancing gut motility and promoting regular bowel movements
• Supporting a healthy gut microbiome

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with strength training exercises twice a week.

2. Relaxation Techniques

Incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine can help activate the body’s relaxation response and reduce stress. Some effective methods include:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Meditation
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Yoga or tai chi
• Guided imagery
• Biofeedback

Regular practice of these techniques can help retrain your body’s response to stress and improve overall digestive function.

3. Mindful Eating

Practicing mindful eating can help reduce stress-related digestive issues by promoting better digestion and encouraging a healthier relationship with food. Some tips for mindful eating include:

• Eating in a calm, relaxed environment
• Chewing food thoroughly and eating slowly
• Paying attention to hunger and fullness cues
• Avoiding distractions while eating, such as screens or work
• Appreciating the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food

4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of psychotherapy that can be particularly effective in managing stress and its impact on digestion. It helps by:

• Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns
• Developing coping strategies for stress
• Improving emotional regulation
• Addressing anxiety and depression that may contribute to digestive issues

Consider working with a qualified therapist to learn CBT techniques tailored to your specific needs.

The Importance of a Balanced Diet in Stress-Related Digestive Health

While managing stress is crucial for maintaining digestive health, diet also plays a significant role. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help support digestive function and mitigate the effects of stress on the gut. Here are some dietary considerations:

Regular Meal Schedule

Maintaining a consistent eating schedule can help regulate digestion and prevent symptoms associated with irregular eating patterns. Try to:

• Eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day
• Avoid skipping meals
• Space meals evenly to maintain stable blood sugar levels

Balanced Nutrient Intake

Ensure your diet includes a variety of nutrients to support digestive health:

• Fiber-rich foods to promote regular bowel movements and feed beneficial gut bacteria
• Lean proteins to support tissue repair and enzyme production
• Healthy fats for hormone balance and nutrient absorption
• Complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and gut health

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Incorporating probiotics and prebiotics into your diet can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is crucial for digestive health and stress management:

• Probiotic-rich foods: yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha
• Prebiotic foods: garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, bananas, and oats

Consider consulting with a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice tailored to your specific needs and digestive concerns.

The Role of Hydration in Digestive Health and Stress Management

Proper hydration is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in both digestive health and stress management. Adequate water intake supports digestive function by:

• Maintaining the mucosal lining of the digestive tract
• Promoting regular bowel movements
• Supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes
• Helping to regulate stress hormones

Aim to drink at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) of water per day, adjusting based on your activity level, climate, and individual needs. Herbal teas can also contribute to your daily fluid intake while providing additional stress-reducing benefits.

Tracking Digestive Symptoms and Stress Levels

Keeping a daily journal can be an invaluable tool in understanding the connection between stress and your digestive symptoms. By tracking your diet, stress levels, and digestive issues, you can identify patterns and triggers that may be exacerbating your symptoms.

What to Include in Your Journal

• Foods and beverages consumed
• Meal times and portion sizes
• Stress levels throughout the day
• Digestive symptoms experienced
• Sleep quality and duration
• Exercise or physical activity
• Any relaxation techniques practiced

Reviewing your journal entries over time can help you and your healthcare provider develop a more targeted approach to managing your stress-related digestive issues.

When to Seek Professional Help for Stress-Related Digestive Problems

While many stress-related digestive issues can be managed through lifestyle changes and stress reduction techniques, it’s important to recognize when professional help may be necessary. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if:

• Digestive symptoms persist despite implementing stress management techniques
• You experience severe or worsening symptoms
• There’s blood in your stool or significant changes in bowel habits
• You’re experiencing unexplained weight loss
• Digestive issues are significantly impacting your quality of life
• You’re struggling to manage stress on your own

A healthcare provider can help rule out any underlying medical conditions and provide additional support and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Integrative Approach to Digestive Health

Consider working with a team of healthcare professionals for a comprehensive approach to managing stress-related digestive issues. This may include:

• A gastroenterologist for specialized digestive care
• A registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice
• A mental health professional for stress management and psychological support
• A complementary medicine practitioner for alternative therapies like acupuncture or herbal medicine

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of stress-related digestive problems, you can develop a more effective and sustainable approach to improving your overall health and well-being.

The Future of Stress and Digestive Health Research

As our understanding of the gut-brain connection continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for managing stress-related digestive issues. Some promising areas of research include:

• Microbiome-based therapies to modulate the gut-brain axis
• Targeted probiotics for specific stress-related digestive disorders
• Novel pharmaceutical interventions that address both stress and digestive symptoms
• Advanced brain imaging techniques to better understand the neural pathways involved in the gut-brain connection
• Personalized nutrition approaches based on individual gut microbiome profiles

These emerging fields of study hold the potential to revolutionize our approach to managing stress-related digestive issues and improve overall health outcomes for millions of people worldwide.

Staying Informed and Proactive

As research in this field progresses, it’s important to stay informed about new developments and treatment options. Consider the following strategies to stay up-to-date:

• Follow reputable health organizations and research institutions on social media
• Subscribe to science-based health newsletters
• Attend seminars or webinars on digestive health and stress management
• Discuss new research findings with your healthcare provider
• Participate in clinical trials or research studies, if appropriate and available

By staying informed and proactive in managing your digestive health, you can take advantage of the latest advancements in stress-related digestive care and continually improve your overall well-being.

Stress and the Digestive System

Handout:

Digestion.pdf

The Science

• Have you ever felt nervous and experienced “butterflies” in your stomach? Or felt stressed and then felt nauseous? This is because the brain directly affects the stomach. The gut is the highest area of nerves outside of the brain and is sometimes called the “second brain.”
• The stress response inhibits the digestive system while the relaxation response activates it. That is why the relaxation response is often called “rest and digest.”
• When the stress response is activated, digestion is suppressed so the body can reroute its resources to trigger fight or flight. The central nervous system shuts down digestion by slowing contractions of digestive muscles and decreasing secretions for digestion.
• If the stress response happens occasionally, the body recovers and continues with normal functioning. If the stress response is triggered too often, the body has a harder time recovering. This impedes the flow of digestion and can cause stomach upset. It can also contribute to the development of irritable bowel syndrome and/or ulcers.
• The digestive system cannot function properly with too much stress or stimulation. Thus, we need to practice activating the relaxation response as often as we can.

Stress can cause:

• Acid reflux
• Bloating
• Butterflies
• Constipation
• Cramps
• Diarrhea
• Excess stomach acid
• Gas
• Heartburn
• Increase/decrease in appetite
• Indigestion
• Inflammation
• Nausea
• Stomach pain/discomfort

Stress plays a role in:

• Crohn’s Disease
• Gastritis
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Infections
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Ulcers

The Techniques

Here are some tips for learning how to manage stress and decrease symptoms affecting the digestive system:

• Exercise: Exercise is one of the best things you can do to manage stress and maintain healthy digestion. It improves hormonal balance and stimulates the release of endorphins that improve mood and decrease stress.
• Breathing: Hyperventilation and over breathing can cause excess air, leading to bloating, gas, pain and stomach discomfort. Relaxed breathing can stop this. Slow breathing also engages the body’s relaxation response and lowers the stress response.
• Relaxation Therapy: Relaxation techniques can be used to retrain your body’s response to stress. You can do things such as yoga, tai chi, meditation, breathing exercises, gut-directed hypnosis, progressive muscle relaxation, or biofeedback.
• Diet: Eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day, and avoiding skipping any meals. This helps to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, constipation, bloating, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Waiting too long to eat, not eating enough, or having an unbalanced food intake (i.e. not eating enough then eating large amounts in one sitting) can cause more digestive problems. Eating regularly also helps to prevent ravenous hunger that often leads to eating quickly and eating past comfortable fullness. It may help to find a quiet place to relax and to eat at a normal pace. Drinking an adequate amount of water or adjusting fiber intake (decrease or increase fiber from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and other food sources) may also be beneficial to improve digestion. Not eating enough reduces the healthy diversity of gut bacteria. So if you are working on increasing your food intake, it is common to expect worsening digestive problems before you notice improvements. That doesn’t mean that you need to cut any types of food out of your diet completely. Before eliminating any foods from your diet, it is important to speak with a dietitian who can help you to identify when certain foods might actually be triggering symptoms. A dietitian can also help you to identify when emotions cause an increased or decreased appetite, and the dietitian can help you to become more attuned to physical cues for hunger and fullness. Consider taking probiotics (healthy bacteria for your gut) to help regulate digestion. Also consider incorporating prebiotic foods (foods that aid in production of healthy gut bacteria) into your diet. This includes any of the following: artichokes, asparagus, bananas, barley, beans, beets, berries, carrots, chickpeas, fennel, flax, garlic, ginger, honey, leeks, legumes, lentils, maple syrup, nuts, oatmeal, onion, potatoes, radishes, rye, seeds, sweet potatoes, turmeric, turnips, wheat bran, wheat flour.
• Keep a Daily Journal: Keep track of what you eat and what your symptoms are to look for patterns. This may help you identify foods that irritate your stomach.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This is often done as one-on-one training with a therapist for stress management skills and emotional regulation. It could also help you pinpoint psychological conditions contributing to GI stress.
• Perspective: In many studies, subject’s GI problems worsened when they had negative perceptions of stressful events. Before emotionally reacting to a situation, take a step back, breathe, and ask yourself how you can see the situation as an opportunity instead of a threat.
• Medical: In some cases, you also may want to see a doctor to rule out other causes of intestinal discomfort, such as a virus, bacteria, lactose intolerance, allergies, acid reflux, or a more serious condition. A doctor or nutritionist may also have more information on fiber supplements or probiotics that can help regulate digestive health.

How Stress Affects Digestion—And What You Can Do About It | Henry Ford Health

We’ve all experienced that feeling when we’re nervous: an upcoming presentation or first-date jitters gives us butterflies in our stomach. Those “butterflies” show that our brain and digestive system are directly related. When we’re stressed, our stomach is affected too. 

“The gut is often referred to as the second brain because it has a nervous system with more neurotransmitters than the brain’s central nervous system,” says Tracey Torosian, Ph. D., a health psychologist who specializes in gastrointestinal health with Henry Ford Health.

“When we’re stressed, our brain activates the sympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is our flight-or-fight response: it prepares the body to protect itself against imminent danger by conserving functions that aren’t immediately needed for survival. That includes digestion. The emptying of the stomach is delayed, which can lead to a stomachache, indigestion, heartburn and nausea.”

As the stomach is slowing down, stress causes increased motor function in the large intestine. So at the same time that you’re stressed, you might experience bowel urgency or diarrhea.

The Effect Of Chronic Stress On The Digestive System

Unfortunately, this can become a vicious cycle: experiencing these digestive symptoms can make you even more stressed. And repeated stress can lead to gastrointestinal issues—or exacerbate issues that are already there.

“It’s important to note that stress doesn’t cause underlying diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but it can intensify symptoms,” says Dr. Torosian. “But a history of stress and trauma may contribute to some gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). People can feel horrible, but their gastrointestinal workup looks normal—there are no tangible findings as to what is causing their stomach issues.” 

Related Topic: 7 Lesser Known Signs Of Stress

Tips To Alleviating Stress And Calming Your Stomach

Whether you have a diagnosed condition or you’re experiencing digestive issues with no known cause, using coping tactics can help alleviate stress and calm your stomach.

“To have a positive impact on digestive symptoms, we want to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the body and brain’s rest and digest response—it basically undoes what the sympathetic nervous system does,” says Dr. Torosian. “When the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, your body becomes calm, your heart rate goes down, and your gastrointestinal system functions as it should. ”

Here, she shares ways to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

1. Make time for relaxing activities. “What each person finds relaxing is up to them,” says Dr. Torosian. “One person might want to relax by reading a good book, another person might want to do something active, such as hiking. Find what helps you manage stress and work it into your routine. It helps to create a buffer from stress, both preventatively and in times of stress.”
2. Check in with yourself. When you’re feeling upset, stop and think: are the thoughts I’m having helping or harming me? “We can all get into patterns of responding in ways that contribute to stress,” says Dr. Torosian. “The way you think about something has a big impact on how you feel about it. For example, you can’t control the fact that you have IBD, but you can control the thoughts you have about your illness. Identifying and changing stress-provoking thoughts can help manage gastrointestinal symptoms. ”
3. Know when you need support. Sometimes you can’t do it on your own, no matter how much you talk yourself up. “Knowing when to reach out to friends and family for support is a huge coping skill,” says Dr. Torosian. “That is really important. Sometimes, the times you want to be alone are the times you’ll most benefit from confiding in a friend.”
4. Practice self-compassion. Talk to yourself the way you talk to loved ones. “We are often more critical of ourselves than we ever would be to our friends and family,” says Dr. Torosian. “Remember to be kind and non-judgmental toward yourself.”

All of these tactics might not work all of the time, which is why it’s a good idea to have a few coping skills in your back pocket to choose from.

“The main thing is to be aware of your thoughts and how you are feeling,” says Dr. Torosian. “Know yourself, know what coping mechanisms work for you, know what your pitfalls are, and keep that repertoire of coping skills handy. If one doesn’t work, try another. You want to be able to say, ‘yes I’m upset, but I can get through this.’ We want people to be empowered, to go forth in life and know how to get through rough times.”

To find a gastroenterologist or a psychologist who specializes in gastrointestinal health and illness, visit henryford.com or call 1-800-436-7936.

Tracey Torosian, Ph. D., is a health psychologist who specializes in gastrointestinal health and illness. She sees patients at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit and Henry Ford Medical Center—Columbus in Novi.

consequences and effective methods of prevention

Stress as a cause of gastrointestinal diseases: consequences and effective methods of prevention

Ventramine

Stress is a natural stimulant of the body. It is in a state of stress that adaptive reactions are developed and
there is a kind of reboot of the body. As a result, a person finds answers to questions faster, more actively
makes decisions. These are the effects of so-called “good” moderate stress.

When there are too many stressful situations, a completely different picture is observed, which in the end often
becomes clinical. Constant stress not only weakens the body, but also adversely affects the work of the most important
organs and systems, including the gastrointestinal tract.

From “good” to “toxic”: the consequences of stress

Stress is on the list of causes of almost any disease. And in the development of many pathologies, scientists assign
psychosomatics and does a decisive role.

Studies have confirmed that stress is one of the main triggers of gastrointestinal diseases. In combination with
malnutrition, microbiological factor (presence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria) chronic stress,
according to many doctors, is the primary cause of stomach ulcers and 12 duodenal ulcers, gastritis, syndrome
irritable bowel (IBS).

The danger is increased by the fact that often people do not even notice how one stress replaces another. One trouble
the other – and after three weeks you catch yourself constantly chewing, trying to “seize” your nerves. So often
toxic stress sets in.

Impact of stress on the gastrointestinal tract

Any organs and systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, can become a target for the negative effects of stress.
The situation is aggravated by bad habits, improper diet and lifestyle in general, as well as chronic diseases.

Stress mechanisms work at the cellular level, influencing the processes of secretion and absorption in
digestive tract. Inflammatory processes of varying severity, sometimes complicated by the formation of ulcers on the mucous membranes
Gastrointestinal tract, due to the hyperactivity of mast cells – special cells of the immune system that are located in the tissues
organism.

Under normal conditions, mast cells, triggering defense mechanisms, neutralize toxins. With prolonged stress
cell activity increases – this leads to damage to the mucous membranes, the development of inflammation and becomes the cause of an ulcer,
gastritis and dysfunction of various parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Effect of stress on the gastrointestinal tract

Stress in case of ulcer or gastritis worsens the dynamics of the disease, provoking
lesions. Increased cell permeability, increased influx of T-lymphocytes aggravate inflammation, which
becomes the cause of exacerbation of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, and in some cases the cause
ulcer complications.

Studies have proven the effect of stress on the motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract. Dynamics of natural processes
is violated. The stomach empties longer, and the motor activity of the colon increases. So stress becomes
the cause of IBS, and also plays a role in the development of gallbladder dyskinesia, disrupting the motility of the biliary tract.

Irritable bowel syndrome is manifested by the following symptoms:

regular discomfort and pain (sharp or aching) in the abdomen;

bloating;

stool disorder;

feeling of incomplete emptying of the bowels after a bowel movement.

The illness lasts for a long time, the symptoms bother for months. The pathological process is complicated by frequent companions of stress – in
First of all, eating disorders and overeating.

The body is depleted of energy and tries to make up for the losses. “Jamming” becomes both a consequence and
additional stressor. Many gastroenterologists consider psychosomatic disorders to be the main cause of IBS.

Stress triggers ulcers and gastritis

The common phrase “nerve ulcer” has a scientific basis. The direct dependence of the occurrence of ulcers and gastritis on
psychosomatic disorders are confirmed by numerous experimental data.

Some doctors believe that stress is not just an unfavorable factor, but the primary cause of ulcers
stomach and duodenum. The consequences of stress are:

hypersensitivity and irritation of the mucous membranes;

change in normal gastrointestinal motility;

change in secretion and composition of digestive juices;

impaired blood supply to organs and tissues;

growth of pathogenic microflora;

change in the permeability of the intestinal wall.

As a result, inflammatory processes develop, the absorption of nutrients in the intestine is disturbed,
motility of the gastrointestinal tract. Prolonged stress becomes the main cause of chronic gastritis, gastric and intestinal ulcers, and in a number
cases of dyskinesia of the gallbladder.

How gastrointestinal diseases proceed under stress

Pain in the abdominal region, symptoms of dyspepsia (digestion disorders), intestinal dysfunction disrupt the usual rhythm
life. In some cases, this condition is dangerous complications.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract occur in two forms:

Acute, accompanied by a pronounced clinical picture

Chronic, with less pronounced, but disturbing periodically or regularly symptoms.

Acute conditions often turn into chronic diseases. There may be side effects such as gastrointestinal
intestinal bleeding.

Ulcer is a precancerous disease and requires close attention, timely treatment and prevention.
Doctors assign a decisive role to preventive measures, which determines the outcome of the disease and the quality of life.
Proper prevention of ulcers can significantly improve the condition of patients.

Prevention of gastrointestinal diseases

Adequate preventive measures significantly improve the prognosis and reduce the recurrence rate. Compliance with medical
recommendations helps to stop inflammation, restore motor skills, achieve remission of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and
prevent dangerous complications.

The main measures to prevent stomach ulcers and chronic gastritis include:

diet therapy;

normalization of lifestyle;

taking drugs that help restore damaged areas of the gastrointestinal tract: antibiotics are prescribed if
Helicobacter pylori, antacids for hyperacidity, prokinetics to stimulate gastrointestinal motility, antispasmodics,
gastroprotectors.

Patients with symptoms of gastritis, IBS, and those suffering from stomach ulcers should be on a light diet. Necessary
eat regularly, in small portions, monitor the quality of nutrition, avoiding aggressive foods (fatty, salty,
fried, smoked meats are strictly prohibited).

It is equally important to normalize the way of life, not forgetting the role of psychosomatics in the development of ulcers, gastritis and other
gastrointestinal diseases, including IBS and gallbladder dyskinesia. You need to try to minimize stress, give up harmful
habits, to establish a rest regime – you need a full sleep of at least 8 hours a day.

Taking drugs that restore damaged sections of the gastrointestinal tract helps to speed up recovery and stop
disease progression. It is important that the drug has a high safety profile and does not have side effects.
effects.

These drugs include cytamine “Ventramine” – a natural bioregulator of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.

Ventramine: effects and possibilities

Its use speeds up the recovery of patients who have undergone gastric surgery. Helps support
health of the elderly, normalizing the motor functions of the digestive tract.

The drug is safe for different groups of patients and has no side effects. A two-week course of taking Ventramine
helps to restore and maintain the functions of the stomach and intestines.

Ventramine can be used both alone and as part of complex therapy in order to stabilize
the condition of patients with stomach ulcers, gastritis, IBS and other diseases of the digestive system. Timely measures to
treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases significantly improve the prognosis, increasing the chances of a favorable outcome and high
the quality of life.

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Gastroenterologist Badalyan explained how stress can literally destroy the stomach

• Health

Doctor Peter’s expert explained why, due to anxiety and stress, we often begin to complain of stomach pain and digestive problems.

March 15, 2022

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If you get nervous, gastritis will appear. Actually this is a delusion. Gastritis occurs, in most cases, for completely different reasons – due to eating disorders and the dangerous bacterium Helicobacter pylori . But this does not mean that experiences do not affect the state of the gastrointestinal tract at all.

Not guilty of gastritis

“Now we live in times of global stress, and stress cannot but affect the functioning of our body,” says Anna Badalyan, a gastroenterologist, therapist at the NMIC LRC polyclinic of the Russian Ministry of Health, with regret.

In general, disorders in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract can be divided into organic – associated with lesions of various organs, and functional – which occur due to disturbances in the functioning of organs.

• Organic : ulcers, gastritis, inflammatory bowel disease.

• Functional : irritable bowel syndrome, functional diseases of the gallbladder and sphincter of Oddi, functional dyspepsia.

Read also

– Stress can affect both diseases to varying degrees, warns Anna Badalyan. – At the same time, one must understand that an ulcer that arose only due to emotional stress is casuistry . Most people with ulcers have the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, and stress only accompanies it. The fact is that stress is not the only cause of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, but rather exacerbates the effect of other factors.

Stress (from English stress – load, tension) is a universal non-specific response to an unfavorable factor – a stressor (physical or psychological), realized through a change in the activity of the nervous and endocrine systems. This is the response of the “brain-body” system to adapt the body to changing environmental conditions in order to maintain its stability and health.

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Physical stress

Another thing is physical stress, which in some cases can literally destroy the stomach.

– People after complex surgeries or after a serious injury or burn have a increased risk of developing a “shock” ulcer , Badalyan warned. “It can appear in just a matter of hours. There is an assumption that this is due to the release of substances that cause a decrease in blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the lack of oxygen, the walls of the stomach are damaged.

Surgeons are usually aware of the risk of “shock” ulcers and work to prevent them.

Pain that never happened

If we talk about psychological stress, we must take into account that the work of the gastrointestinal tract is regulated, among other things, by the nervous system. More precisely, its part, which is called enteric nervous system . It consists of nerve plexuses, which are located in the walls of hollow organs: the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, bile and pancreatic ducts.

– They regulate the work of smooth muscles, which have contractile activity, Badalyan explained. – The cells of these muscles contain various receptors – dopamine, serotonin, adrenoreceptors , they respond to the release of certain biologically active substances (neurotransmitters).

If the body does not produce enough serotonin and norepinephrine, then in the area of ​​synapses (contacts) of the brain and synapses of nerve nodes in the intestinal wall, motor activity is disturbed. And at the same time, visceral sensitivity increases.

– Thus, the stomach, which, in general, is designed to constantly have acid in it, suddenly begins to feel it and to broadcast this information to the brain as “pain” ,” the gastroenterologist said. – In irritable bowel syndrome, similar mechanisms develop at the level of the intestine.

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Inflammatory effect

It is clear that stress on health has a far from positive effect. But there is very little fundamental research on the consequences of its influence. However, they still made it possible to identify the main mechanism of the relationship between prolonged stress and consequences for the body.

– One of the studies included 85 healthy participants, they were subjected to an experimental state of anxiety, and then given a 10-minute relaxation task, Anna Badalyan described the course of the study. – The results showed that blood samples taken during the period of anxiety significantly increased the level of inflammatory cytokines (substances that provoke inflammation). And this effect was more pronounced in participants suffering from chronic diseases.

And after the experienced stress, the body did not quickly return to normal.

– During the relaxation period, the levels of inflammatory cytokines did not fall, and the elevated level persisted for a long time, the gastroenterologist explained. “Therefore, chronic stress can lead to a change in the activity of the immune system and the emergence of various diseases, as well as exacerbation of existing ones.

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What to do

Of course, the first and main recommendation from all doctors is to lead a healthy lifestyle . This will minimize the negative impact of stress on the gastrointestinal tract and on the body as a whole.

– Particular attention is advised to pay regular physical activity , as during physical activity the body gets rid of stress hormones and intensively produces substances that improve mood and the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.