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Stress can cause indigestion by interfering with hormones and nervous system signals involved in digestion. Stress hormones slow down non-critical bodily processes, resulting in symptoms such as bloating, heartburn, and diarrhea. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing various conditions.
While there are many things that can cause indigestion, stress often plays a part. If a person has symptoms of indigestion, for example, stress can make them worse. In some cases, stress can also cause indigestion by interfering with the hormones and nervous system signals involved in digesting food. As a result, a person may experience indigestion when they feel stressed.
Many people think of stress as just a mental problem, but it can have physical effects on the body as well. Therefore, stress and indigestion can go hand in hand. Often, a person experiencing emotional distress will also report feeling nauseous or having an upset stomach. This is because stress typically triggers changes within the body that cause actual indigestion symptoms.
Stress and indigestion are linked due to the body’s typical response to stress. When an individual feels stressed, the nervous system initiates a response that can lead to, or at least contribute to, indigestion. For example, adrenaline is often released in the body in response to stress, as are cortisol and other stress-related hormones. This is a normal protective process within the body, but it can have a negative effect on a person’s digestion. In an effort to prepare the body to face a perceived danger, stress hormones can slow down non-critical bodily processes, such as digestion, resulting in indigestion.
When a person’s stress level leads to indigestion, they may suffer from more than just nausea. A person dealing with the effects of stress and indigestion may also feel bloated, have heartburn, or feel the need to release gas in the form of burping and flatulence; some people may also notice a sour taste in their mouth. In some cases, a person will develop diarrhea as a symptom of stress-related indigestion. For example, a stressed out student may develop diarrhea right before an important exam. In some cases, stress-related indigestion is even severe enough to cause vomiting.
While the connection between stress and indigestion is an unfortunate one, a person with chronic stress may have more to worry about than an upset stomach. An individual who is dealing with chronic stress may have a weakened immune system and be more prone to both short-term and long-term conditions. For example, a person who is under stress for an extended period of time may have a higher risk of developing colds, flu, ulcers, anxiety and depression. In fact, chronic stress can even increase a person’s risk of having a heart attack.
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