The health of our digestive system is greatly affected by our mental health. With the increase in stress and anxiety that we may feel, some annoying digestive symptoms such as bloating and acidity often appear.
Nutritionist Claire Barnes recommends taking notes when you feel certain symptoms in the digestive system, especially with the presence of stress and anxiety.
Symptoms can be summarized as follows:
heartburn
Claire explained that heartburn is linked to stress, and evidence suggests that 25 percent of the general population suffers from heartburn at least once a month.
Historically, heartburn was thought to be related to excessive stomach acid, but new theories suggest the opposite, as low stomach acid (hypohydrochloremia) could be the cause.
Stomach acid defends against pathogenic microbes from entering the intestines, so if it is low, it allows these microbes to enter and can lead to the growth of a lot of harmful bacteria.
This can prevent your body from absorbing nutrients such as vitamin B12, folic acid, iron, calcium and zinc.
“A deficiency in these nutrients can lead to changes in the pattern of production of chemical neurotransmitters in the brain and may increase stress and anxiety,” Claire said.
bloating
About a third of us are affected by bloating, but many people also notice that they experience bloating when they feel stressed or anxious.
Claire said: ‘This is not surprising because when the nervous system is activated during times of stress, blood flow to the digestive system is reduced. of gases.”
Claire added: “Make sure you feel comfortable before eating, focus fully on the meal in front of you and take your time to chew well.”
constipation or diarrhoea
Constipation can be caused by an overgrowth of “bad microbes” in the gut, or gut microbes can have the opposite effect and cause diarrhea due to high levels of serotonin.
Claire: “Regularly eating fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt can help improve the balance and diversity of your gut microbiota.”
Increasing your fiber intake (vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains) and drinking plenty of water during the day can also help improve bowel movements.
overweight
Claire: “There is growing evidence that stress and an increase in the stress hormone, cortisol, play a role in obesity.
She explained: “It is known that cortisol causes a redistribution of fat cells in the abdominal area with a feeling of increased appetite, so when you are stressed, you may eat more.”
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a complex disease that is difficult to determine, as it varies from person to person. However, Claire believes that stress can be a possible cause of the condition or at least be the main reason behind the onset of symptoms.
Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome vary from person to person. Two of the reported symptoms are bloating and abdominal pain or cramping.
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