Anxiety and Digestive Symptoms: Understanding the Link

Most people think of anxiety as excessive worry that takes over your life. Panic attacks and a funny feeling in your chest are just a few symptoms, but have you ever noticed your GI system takes a hit, too?

Indigestion, diarrhea, and nausea are all symptoms that go hand-in-hand with anxiety – but why? There's a more significant connection between the gut and brain than you may think, which is why many people dealing with anxiety also have stomach troubles.

Sometimes, the only way to eliminate GI discomfort is to get anxiety under control. At Pacific Phoenix TMS, Dr. Elia R. Gonzalez-Rodriguez offers support and treatments for mental health issues like anxiety.

Dr. Gonzalez-Rodriguez is an experienced psychiatrist providing talk therapy, medications, and TMS for severe anxiety and associated symptoms.

Anxiety and your gut

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point, whether it's before a big speech at school or during a stressful day at work. However, most people move on from that anxiety, and it's short-lived.

For others, anxiety is a chronic mental health issue that interferes with everyday life. It takes over, causing intense worry and negative emotions related to everyday stressors. Symptoms may come and go, but the mind never stops running.

But anxiety doesn't just affect the brain; it often causes symptoms throughout the body, including gastrointestinal upset – but why? Stress caused by anxiety is one of the main reasons for GI symptoms that include:

• Stomach cramps
• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Increased hunger

Living with constant anxiety means the body is constantly stressed, which causes a cycle of physical changes. The "fight-or-flight" response is how the body reacts to a threat, telling you to get to safety.

During a stress response, the body releases certain chemicals that increase alertness and prepare your body. During that response, other reactions happen, including a slowdown in the GI tract and intestines, which may lead to some GI symptoms.

Other associated GI issues

Some people only experience mild-to-moderate symptoms, like nausea or diarrhea during an anxiety attack, while others deal with daily stomach issues. However, symptoms related to anxiety aren't the only problems that arise.

Other GI conditions may also happen with anxiety, especially those that are chronic because of the ongoing stress your body endures. Two issues that seem to go hand-in-hand with anxiety are irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.

IBS is a chronic condition that often occurs in people with anxiety disorders. It leads to gas, bloating, and other symptoms that disrupt everyday life. Controlling anxiety and changing your diet help reduce the symptoms.

GERD is another chronic problem that causes reflux of acid into the esophagus. People with anxiety may have GERD because of a stress response that increases acid in the stomach. It's a treatable condition, but managing your anxiety is essential.

Tips to calm your gut at home

Managing anxiety is a feat in itself, but dealing with GI symptoms on top of it may seem never-ending. There are ways, though, to take control of your mental and physical health in the comfort of your home.

Many people love coffee, but it doesn't always love them back. The caffeine in coffee is a stimulant, which may exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety but also cause GI upset. Reducing your caffeine intake is an easy and efficient way to manage both conditions.

Your diet is another thing you can tweak to reduce GI symptoms with anxiety. Aim to eat foods that are high in fiber and those that contain natural probiotics for enhanced gut health. Avoid foods that cause stomach upset, such as anything fried, overprocessed, spicy, or sugary.

Relaxation techniques are also an essential aspect of calming anxiety and stomach issues. Everyone experiences stress, but your symptoms may subside if you learn to cope with it.

To relax the body and mind, practice meditation or take a yoga class. You can also learn to breathe deeply and use progressive muscle relaxation to deal with stress and anxiety.

Treating anxiety helps control GI symptoms

Sometimes, home care just isn't enough to control your symptoms. If you're struggling with anxiety and GI symptoms, Dr. Gonzalez-Rodriguez offers various professional strategies and treatments.

After talking to you about your symptoms and emotions, Dr. Gonzalez-Rodriguez creates a customized treatment plan for your needs. The plan usually involves psychotherapy and sometimes medications for symptom relief.

Incorporating talk therapy along with lifestyle changes and medications often works well to control anxiety and gut health.  

Call Pacific Phoenix TMS today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rodriguez-Gonzalez for anxiety, or request a consultation on our website.