Interactions Between the Stomach Health and Stress
Have you ever experienced stomach pain during times of stress?
Stress and stomach pain have a close relationship. In addition to stomach pain, some people may also experience discomfort, nausea, and heartburn due to stress.
Stomach pain caused by stress is attributed to two factors: increased secretion of stomach acid and decreased blood flow in the gastric mucosa. The stomach secretes gastric acid and a digestive enzyme called pepsin to dissolve and digest food. Normally, these substances are protected by gastric mucus and prostaglandin, which prevent the stomach walls from being dissolved. However, when the autonomic nervous system is disrupted by stress, gastric acid secretion increases and the blood flow to the gastric mucosa decreases. This results in an imbalance of gastric secretions, which can cause irritation to the stomach and lead to stomach pain when the protective power of the gastric mucosa decreases.
Your diet and lifestyle habits have a significant impact on the health of your stomach and intestines, so it’s important to make appropriate modifications. If you’re experiencing an imbalance in gastric secretions due to stress disrupting your autonomic nervous system, it’s best to seek help from healthcare professionals. You can try natural holistic treatment and consultation options to reduce stress and improve your digestive system before resorting to harsh medications like acid blockers.
