The connection between the mind and body is a dynamic and often underestimated aspect. Anxiety, a common mental health condition, can manifest not only in emotional distress but also in physical symptoms. Despite its rampant nature, anxiety is still widely misunderstood, and its physical symptoms like digestive issues, are often overlooked.
This is a topic of concern as currently, somewhere close to 4% of the global population, or 301 million people are living with an anxiety disorder. Sharing more such alarming statistics, the World Health Organisation also informed that anxiety is the most common mental disorder in the world. To know more about these digestive symptoms, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Kshiteej Kothari, Consultant- Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospitals, Kharadi- Pune.
Anxiety And Gut Issues
A study published in the Annals of Gastroenterology stated that the gut and the brain are connected by a bidirectional communication system which connects the central nervous system and the intestinal nervous system. This intricate network influences various physiological processes, which when disrupted can lead to a range of health issues, including digestive symptoms triggered by anxiety. Sharing a few of these symptoms, Dr Kothari listed:
- Upset Stomach and Nausea: Anxiety can activate the body's ‘fight or flight’ response, redirecting blood flow away from the digestive system, resulting in queasiness, upset stomach, and nausea.
- Diarrhoea or Constipation: Anxiety alters regular contractions of the digestive muscles, leading to changes in bowel habits. Some individuals may experience increased bowel movements causing diarrhoea, while others may face difficulties with bowel movements causing constipation.
- Abdominal Pain and Discomfort: Tension and stress can contribute to muscle contractions in the abdomen, causing pain and discomfort.
- Bloating and Gas: Anxiety can affect the balance of bacteria in the gut, potentially leading to increased gas production and bloating. This can exacerbate existing gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
- Appetite Changes: Anxiety also influences appetite. Emotional eating or loss of interest in food are common responses to heightened stress levels.
Managing Anxiety-Induced Digestive Symptoms
Dr Kothari suggested, “Managing anxiety regularly is the only option to treat its associated digestive issues. Reducing your stress levels will help your body to focus on absorbing the nutrients instead of responding to anxiety, reducing the inflammation in the gut, improving digestive distress, and keeping the body nourished.” Here are some tips you can follow:
- Mind-Body Techniques: Practice deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
- Dietary Modifications: Adopt a balanced diet rich in fibre and probiotics.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in mild but consistent physical activity.
- Professional Support: Consult a mental health professional for chronic anxiety.
Understanding the interplay between anxiety and digestive symptoms is essential for holistic health, and to seek timely intervention for this most common mental disorder. Remember, a healthy mind contributes to a healthy body, and the journey toward well-being involves nurturing both aspects of your being.