Can Anxiety and Stress Cause Stomach Pain? By Alyssa Waltman, Avera Health
W
hen the heat of life turns up and you’re feeling the pressure, does your stomach start to twist into knots? Especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, people of all ages have been stretched to their limits. Jessica Morrell, CNP, of Avera Medical Group Functional Medicine and Virginia Lemme, PA-C, of Avera Medical Group Internal Medicine Women’s agree that stress shouldn’t be taken lightly and shouldn’t be shrugged off. HOW DO ANXIETY AND STRESS CAUSE GUT PROBLEMS? When stress occurs, the sympathetic nervous system activates a surge of the stress hormone, cortisol, into the bloodstream, causing the “fight or flight” response. When stress is left unmanaged, elevated levels of cortisol can erode and damage the lining of the digestive tract. Cortisol also hinders your body’s ability to metabolize
glucose in the blood, produce serotonin (the moodregulating hormone), and control bowel contractions — causing you to visit the bathroom too many times or not enough. SYMPTOMS OF GUT STRESS Because gut stress affects your whole body, stay on the lookout for these symptoms: • Upset stomach after eating • Diarrhea or constipation • Cramping and/or bloating • Heartburn • Acid reflux • Anxious, racing thoughts • Mood swings • Depression • Restlessness • Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
