Why does nervousness cause gas

Can stress or anxiety cause stomach pain? Stress and anxiety are common causes of stomach pain and other GI symptoms. Should I see a doctor if I get stomach pains when I am stressed? Why does stress cause stomach pain or GI discomfort? How can you tell when GI symptoms are associated with a temporarily stressful situation, or when it's a more serious condition?

Should I be getting screened regularly for colon cancer or other GI tract cancers? In general, what conditions do gastroenterologists treat? Nina Gupta, MD Nina Gupta, MD, specializes in gastroenterology and cares for patients with a wide range of digestive diseases, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease and celiac disease. See Dr.

Gupta's physician profile. GI Psychology Services at UChicago Medicine If you have a chronic gastrointestinal condition, your stress, mental health, thoughts and behaviors can have a significant impact on your digestive symptoms and daily life. Learn more about our GI psychology services.

Related Articles. Are pediatric celiac disease and type 1 diabetes related? Can large colon polyps be removed without surgery? Myths and facts: 7 things you thought you knew about cirrhosis. So, if you experience symptoms of an unhealthy gut, such as indigestion, bloating, constipation, flatulence, cramps, diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal problems, it may well be worth investigating how your emotions and stress level might be contributing factors.

Research into the link between our gut health and our emotions has been plentiful during recent years, and scientists now know that this is a bi-directional relationship. In the simplest terms research has shown that our mood can affect our gut, but perhaps more importantly our gut health can most definitely affect our mood. Strains such as Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell have proven benefits for stress.

It is thought that the bacteria that colonise the human gut, may influence our emotions in several ways, including:. Many people find that anxiety-reducing techniques help to relieve their digestive problems, whilst also helping them relax and even sleep better. On the flip side, by taking good care of our digestive system we get the benefit of better digestive health, whilst also creating a healthier gut-brain relationship and supporting our psychological well-being at the same time. The below infographic shows our top tips for a healthy gut.

And remember that it usually pays to trust those 'gut instincts'…. Probiotics for bloating. What are psychobiotics? Health professionals can head on over to Probiotic Professionals to find out more about using probiotics to support gut health. How having a healthy gut can affect your overall health. Smoking is also an important risk factor for stomach cancer. Find out how to stop smoking. It's very easy to spend our working lives eating on the move or at our desks, gulping down food between meetings and then crashing out in front of the TV with a takeaway in the evenings.

If you're overweight, your tummy fat puts pressure on your stomach and can cause heartburn. Shedding some pounds may relieve digestive symptoms like heartburn and other acid-related stomach complaints. Check you're a healthy weight with the BMI calculator. Get tips on losing weight. Moderate drinking will not hurt your digestive system, but binge drinking increases acid production in your stomach, and can cause heartburn and aggravate other digestive disorders.

Binge drinking is defined as drinking 8 or more units of alcohol in 1 session for men, and drinking more than 6 units in 1 session for women. Find out how to get rid of bloating. Page last reviewed: 28 August Next review due: 28 August Why 5 A Day? If you regularly get diarrhea while in distress, it might be worth ruling out IBS.

This common condition can make you more likely to experience diarrhea when you feel anxious. But anxiety and stress are known triggers for IBS flare-ups. Some experts believe people who develop IBS may have an overly sensitive colon. Many people have both anxiety and IBS. In fact, research consistently suggests that IBS commonly co-occurs with anxiety and depression. Living with either condition can increase your risk for the other and affect symptoms you already have.

In other words, just as you might experience increased GI distress as a result of anxiety, living with IBS can worsen mood and emotional symptoms. Common signs of IBS include:. Getting help for anxiety can make a big difference in both mental and physical symptoms.

Talking to a mental health professional is a good first step. Some people who experience GI symptoms and anxiety or depression find that antidepressants help with both sets of symptoms. Certain lifestyle changes could also help you manage symptoms of anxiety. Some tips that may be especially helpful for diarrhea and other stomach issues include:. When you start to feel your stomach knot up or before you even experience the first twinge , the following strategies can help:.

On a larger scale, it may also help to take inventory of your daily tasks, both at home and at work.