Stomach diseases caused by stress

When stressed, signals from the enteric nervous system are disrupted, causing the stomach to contract abnormally, stimulating acid secretion, increasing the risk of reflux and stomach ulcers.

Pressure from work, study, exams... causes nervous tension (stress). This condition, if prolonged, can cause intestinal immune system disorders, affecting digestive health. Doctor Hoang Nam (Digestive Department, Tam Anh General Hospital, Hanoi) explained that 95% of the serotonin hormone that plays a role in controlling human mood is located in the digestive system. This hormone is used by the enteric nervous system to communicate and interact with the central nervous system when food is taken into the body. When stressed, signals from the enteric nervous system are interrupted and disrupted, causing many digestive problems, including stomach diseases.

Gastroesophageal reflux

When stressed, the central nervous system controls muscle contraction, reducing blood circulation to the digestive tract. Instead, blood will be concentrated in the heart and lungs. That is why stress often causes rapid heartbeat, increased breathing rate, chest pain, sweating...

The sudden decrease in blood volume disrupts the gastrointestinal tract's peristalsis due to abnormal contractions of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. When the stomach contracts excessively, it increases the secretion of gastric acid, increasing the risk of acid reflux. At this time, the patient often experiences symptoms of heartburn, belching, acid reflux, burning in the epigastric region, bloating, flatulence, indigestion, dry mouth, bad breath...

Gastric ulcer

Stress causes the body to overproduce the hormone cortisol, which reduces the biosynthesis of prostaglandin - a substance that protects the stomach lining in the acidic environment of gastric juice. At this time, the stomach lining is easily damaged, reducing the ability to produce mucus, creating conditions for stomach acid to destroy the underlying tissue layer, causing inflammation and stomach ulcers. The disease causes epigastric pain, bloating, flatulence, nausea or vomiting.

When you are stressed, your brain produces steroids and adrenaline to cope. These hormones can make you lose your appetite or make you eat more than usual. Irregular eating, such as skipping meals or eating at irregular times, can increase the symptoms of stomach ulcers.

Stress can cause stomach pain, bloating.... Photo: Freepik — Stress can cause stomach pain, bloating.... Photo: *Freepik*

Gastrointestinal bleeding due to gastric and duodenal ulcers

According to Dr. Hoang Nam, if the condition of gastric and duodenal ulcers persists and is not treated promptly and properly, it will increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, the patient will have symptoms of vomiting blood and black stools. At this time, the patient needs to go to a medical facility immediately for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Some people have the habit of using alcohol or cigarettes to relieve stress. Meanwhile, alcohol stimulates the body to release the hormone gastrin, causing the stomach to secrete more gastric acid, aggravating ulcers. Nicotine in cigarettes impedes blood flow to the stomach lining, inhibits mucus secretion and prostaglandin synthesis, affecting the recovery process of the stomach lining. At the same time, nicotine also promotes gastric acid secretion, slowing down the healing process of ulcers or ulcer recurrence, thereby increasing the risk of gastric bleeding.

To reduce stress and avoid the risk of stomach diseases, Dr. Hoang Nam advises everyone to adjust their daily routine and arrange their work appropriately. Once the cause of stomach disease is determined to be stress, the doctor will advise the patient on a scientific and appropriate treatment regimen.

Build a scientific lifestyle such as quitting drinking alcohol and smoking; getting enough sleep every day to regulate stomach activity and relieve pressure. Exercising 15-30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week helps increase metabolism, regulate gastrointestinal motility, and reduce excessive gastric secretion.

Ensure a healthy diet such as limiting greasy foods, spicy foods or foods high in acid; eating on time; increasing green vegetables, fruits and fiber to help improve the intestinal immune system, increase resistance. You should prioritize using some foods that relieve stress and support the spirit such as fish, shellfish, sweet potatoes, broccoli, garlic, parsley, nuts (sunflower, green beans), herbal teas (chamomile tea, green tea, mint tea, honey tea) ...

Using relaxation techniques such as meditation, hot baths, and aromatherapy also reduces stress and creates a feeling of relaxation and comfort.

Using drugs without prescription can cause many side effects, making the treatment process difficult. Therefore, if the stomach pain persists, affecting work and quality of life, the patient should consult a doctor before using. In case of stress and stomach pain symptoms do not improve, the patient should go to a medical facility for examination and treatment by a doctor.

Trinh Mai

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