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Anxiety and gastrointestinal problems?

Mood and anxiety disorders can be associated with Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) – related symptoms such as acid regurgitation and heartburn.

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Functional gastrointestinal disorders are the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal problems and can be recognised by the morphological and physiological changes that often occur in association with:

motility disorders;
visceral hypersensitivity;
mucosal and immune function change;
gut microbiota changes;
central nervous system processing changes.

Psychological stress or emotional responses to stress can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms and may contribute to the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Bowel function and dysfunction are known to be closely related to stress and emotions.
Bowel and intestinal dysfunction is associated with embarrassment, emotion, and shame, and proper bowel function is thought to be instrumental to general health.
Brain and gut more than any other organ systems are hardwired.
This is called the “brain–gut” connection and it also explains why stress and psychological factors are so closely associated with gut function and dysfunction, gastrointestinal symptoms, illness, and disease.
The close relationship between acute gastrointestinal symptoms and emotions is reflected in everyday language, in expressions such as “to hate somebody’s guts” or to have one’s stomach “tied in knots”. These common idioms show an implicit understanding of the intricate relationship between anger, fear, or anxiety and specific, generally adverse, visceral experiences related to the gut.

Find out how you can manage your stress to reduce its impact on your stomach, here are few tips:

Take short breaks and breathe. When done right this can really help. Every couple of hours, stop what you’re doing and do one minute of slow, quiet deep breathing. Your breathing should be very slow, silent, and through your nose. Push your stomach out when you inhale and let it deflate as you exhale.
Exercise or do yoga. Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress, even if it’s only for fifteen minutes a day. When you exercise your body releases chemicals called endorphins which interact with receptors in your brain and trigger a positive feeling in your body.
Listen to a guided relaxation exercise daily. You’ll not only feel relaxed while doing it, but most people also experience a sense of calm that lasts for hours afterwards.
Take a look at your diet. Certain foods are known to irritate the stomach. Consult a doctor and try the recommended medical treatments. Many stomach disorders cannot be resolved with stress reduction alone. You must address the biological, psychological and social aspects when trying to resolve gut related problems.