Nervous stress (stress) is a natural reaction of the body to stressors or threats. At an appropriate level, stress can help people adapt and cope with challenges. However, prolonged or excessive stress can negatively affect health, including stomach health. Many studies show a close link between nervous stress and the development of gastritis.
Nervous tension mechanism affects the stomach
Impact of the HPA axis
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is the body's main response system to stress. When the body recognizes stress, the hypothalamus secretes the hormone corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), stimulating the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Then, ACTH stimulates the adrenal gland to produce cortisol.
Cortisol is a natural anti-inflammatory hormone that helps the body adapt to stress. However, when stress is prolonged, consistently high levels of cortisol can weaken the immune system, reduce blood circulation to the gastric mucosa, reduce the production of protective mucus and increase stomach acid secretion. These factors contribute to damage to the mucosa and increase the risk of gastritis.
Increased acid secretion in the stomach
Nervous tension stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, increasing the secretion of gastrin hormone and increasing the activity of parietal cells in the gastric mucosa, leading to increased acid secretion. High acid levels can cause irritation, damage to the mucosa and are the cause of gastritis.
In addition, catecholamine hormones such as adrenaline and noradrenaline secreted during stress can also stimulate stomach acid production, while reducing blood flow to the mucosa, creating conditions for inflammation to occur.
Effects on gastric peristalsis
Stress affects the functioning of the intestinal nervous system, causing stomach motility disorders. This can lead to slow digestion, acid reflux and increase the risk of mucosal inflammation.
In addition, stress can reduce the activity of the lower esophageal sphincter, causing acid from the stomach to reflow into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. At the same time, the process of emptying the stomach can be slowed down, causing feelings of bloating and indigestion.
Changes in eating behavior
When stressed, many people tend to change their eating habits such as eating too much or too little, using unhealthy foods, drinking a lot of coffee, alcohol or smoking. These habits can increase the risk of gastritis.
Stress can promote the consumption of stimulant foods such as spicy, sour, fried, and alcoholic beverages. These foods can increase acid secretion and irritate the stomach lining.
