Anxiety, physical symptoms, and discomfort can lead to gastrointestinal problems

The physical symptoms caused by anxiety may indeed lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, with common manifestations such as stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. The association mechanism between anxiety and gastrointestinal discomfort mainly includes autonomic nervous system disorders, abnormal secretion of stress hormones, gastrointestinal motility disorders, increased visceral sensitivity, and imbalanced gut microbiota. Under long-term anxiety, excessive activation of the brain's limbic system can affect digestive system function through the brain gut axis, and gastrointestinal discomfort can in turn exacerbate anxiety, forming a vicious cycle.

1. Autonomic nervous system disorders

Anxiety can activate the sympathetic nervous system and inhibit the regulatory effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on the gastrointestinal tract. This imbalance can lead to abnormal gastric acid secretion, disrupted gastrointestinal motility rhythm, and symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux. Methods such as abdominal breathing training and progressive muscle relaxation can help restore autonomic balance. It is recommended to practice relaxation exercises daily.

2. Stress hormone secretion

Continuous anxiety prompts the adrenal gland to secrete excessive cortisol, which reduces gastrointestinal mucosal blood flow and weakens intestinal barrier function. Common clinical manifestations include stomach pain on an empty stomach and bloating after eating. Regular sleep and moderate exercise can help regulate the circadian rhythm of cortisol, while yoga and exercise are more effective in relieving such symptoms.

3. Gastrointestinal motility disorders

Anxiety directly affects the frequency of smooth muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract, which may result in delayed gastric emptying and increased intestinal peristalsis. It manifests as alternating early satiety, postprandial discomfort, and irritable bowel symptoms. Doctors may prescribe drugs such as Trimebutine Maleate to regulate gastrointestinal motility, but it needs to be combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy to fundamentally improve.

4. Individuals with high visceral sensitivity

have a reduced perception threshold for normal physiological signals such as gastrointestinal bloating and spasms, and may experience strong discomfort even with mild stimulation. This central sensitization phenomenon is related to overactivity of the insula lobe. In addition to medication treatment, mindfulness meditation can effectively reduce excessive attention to physical symptoms, and it is recommended to continue practicing.

5. Imbalance of microbiota

Long term stress can alter the composition of gut microbiota, and a decrease in specific bacterial species may affect gut brain signaling. Clinical findings have shown that some anxiety patients are accompanied by a decrease in gut microbiota diversity. supplementing fermented foods containing bifidobacteria may be beneficial, but severe dysbiosis requires the use of specific probiotic preparations under the guidance of a doctor. Improving anxiety related gastrointestinal symptoms requires comprehensive physical and mental interventions. In addition to professional treatment, it is recommended to keep regular meals, avoid caffeine and spicy foods, and choose digestible Congee and cooking ingredients. Ensure moderate and gentle exercise such as walking every day to establish a stable sleep rhythm. When symptoms persist, timely consultation with a gastroenterologist should be sought, and if necessary, gastrointestinal endoscopy and other examinations can be performed to rule out organic diseases. Recording the correlation between daily diet and emotional state can help identify specific triggers. Be careful to avoid excessive attention to physical symptoms, as this attention itself may exacerbate discomfort.