The stomach reacts faster than the brain
According to Dr. Bhuvan Shetty - gastroenterology and liver and gallbladder specialist consultant at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru (India), the digestive system and the brain are closely related through the brain-intestinal axis. This is a two-way communication mechanism between the central nervous system and the intestines.
What happens emotionally can directly affect intestines, sometimes even appearing before we realize we are stressed," Dr. Shetty said.
This expert explained that stress can change bowel movements, that is, the process of contracting to push food through the digestive system. In some people, stress makes the intestines work faster, causing diarrhea or a feeling of wanting to go to the toilet continuously. Conversely, many people experience slow digestion, bloating or constipation.
This is also the reason why irritable bowel syndrome often breaks out strongly during prolonged pressure periods.
Prolonged stress can disrupt the entire digestive system
Not only affecting bowel movements, stress also increases the sensitivity of the digestive tract. A small amount of gas in the intestines or mild contractions can also make patients feel more painful and uncomfortable than normal.
According to Dr. Shetty, stress also affects the hormone cortisol, a factor that directly affects feelings of hunger and eating habits. Some people lose their appetite when stressed, while others eat more to relieve psychological stress.
Prolonged stress also increases stomach acid secretion, causing heartburn, burning sensation in the chest area or post-eating discomfort. Many cases mistakenly believe that the cause originates from food, while stress is the main trigger.
Experts believe that chronic stress due to overwork, lack of sleep or prolonged mental pressure can silently affect the digestive system for a long time that patients find difficult to recognize.
To reduce the impact of stress on the stomach, doctors recommend maintaining a stable meal schedule, supplementing enough fiber, drinking plenty of water, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep. Simple habits such as eating slowly, relaxing the mind or practicing deep breathing also contribute to improving digestive activity.
