Nervous Stomach and Stress
A “nervous stomach” or an “anxious stomach” is a colloquial term often used to describe a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms that can be associated with emotional factors, such as stress, anxiety, or nervousness. It is not a specific medical diagnosis but rather a common way people express the connection between their mental state and gastrointestinal symptoms. Some of the symptoms include:
- Butterflies in the stomach
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Changes in bowel habits
- Bloating
In the past few years, research studies have provided a clear connection between the gut and the brain and this connection is referred to as the gut-brain axis. It is believed that the gut-brain axis is involved in nervous stomach. Biochemical signals in the gut-brain axis run in both directions and they link the brain with intestinal function. Therefore the emotions someone feels can affect them physically, and the physical functioning of the gut can affect the emotions. In addition the composition of someone’s gut microbiome seems to play a role in nervous stomach, as well (UCLA Health 2023; Mayer et al 2021).
Managing a nervous stomach typically involves a multidisciplinary approach:
- Persistent or severe gastrointestinal symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional to rule out underlying medical conditions. A doctor can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.
- In some cases, antidepressants or antianxiety medications may be prescribed.
- Some people benefit from seeing a therapist
- Mindfulness and deep breathing can be used to manage stress (Mayer et al 2023).
