How does anxiety cause nausea?
According to Dr Sanjay Garg, Consultant - Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Fortis Hospital, Anandapur (India), anxiety causes nausea through a complex physiological response. When you are anxious, your body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
These hormones reduce blood flow to the digestive system to prioritize vital organs, leading to reduced intestinal motility and nutrient absorption. Additionally, anxiety signals from the brain also stimulate the enteric nervous system, disrupting digestion and causing symptoms such as nausea.
In addition to nausea, other symptoms associated with anxiety include:
faster heart rate
Abnormally rapid breathing
Excessive sweating
shiver
Digestive disorders such as diarrhea or constipation
Restlessness and fatigue
While anxiety in general can cause nausea, certain forms of anxiety, such as panic disorder with sudden and intense anxiety attacks or generalized anxiety disorder with persistent anxiety, may be more closely linked to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, Dr. Garg adds. This is because chronic physiological stress affects the digestive system.
How to manage
According to experts, dealing with anxiety-related nausea requires a comprehensive approach, including relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and in severe cases, anti-nausea medications and sedatives may be prescribed. However, these medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
