Understanding and Managing Nausea and Vomiting Caused by Stress

Nausea due to stress can affect us all. Maybe you have a lot of stress at work, or your private situation is messy. Do you want to know what to do against nausea due to stress or gagging due to stress? Then read on.

Can stress make you feel nauseous?

According to Aäron Spapens, lifestyle doctor at OpenUp Medical, stress can take various forms, of which physical symptoms such as nausea are an example. “This response arises from the complex interaction between the brain and the body during stressful situations,” he explains.

‘Stress reduces blood flow to certain organs to conserve energy. Digestion is then slowed down, which can cause nausea and abdominal pain,” Spapens continues. ‘In addition, your sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which enable your body to respond to the danger. Your stomach may be particularly sensitive to the substance cortisol. That can make you feel nauseous.’

Can nausea be psychological?

“The connection between the mind and the body is complex, and psychological stress can affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in nausea without a direct physical cause,” says Spapens. ‘It is important to consider both the physical and psychological aspects of health when evaluating symptoms such as nausea.’

What to do against nausea due to stress?

“If the cause of your nausea is stress, you will have to make changes to your lifestyle,” says Rianne Toenhake, lifestyle doctor at OpenUp Medical. ‘Try to reduce stress yourself with relaxation exercises, for example. In addition, regular exercise not only helps reduce stress but also promotes healthy digestion. It is also wise to drink enough water to prevent dehydration. Eat light, nutritious meals to avoid further burdening your digestive system. Avoid high-fat and highly spicy foods during stressful periods.’

What to do if you vomit due to stress?

Are you so stressed that in addition to nausea you also have to vomit? According to the experts, it can be nice to place a cold compress on your forehead or neck. This can help lower your body temperature and make you feel calmer. Get some rest and, when you are ready, eat a light meal that is easy to digest.

If you experience frequent or severe vomiting due to stress, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Are you already following Men’s Health? Facebook in Instagram?