Do you notice that you are stressed? And that you also suffer from abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, a lack of appetite or diarrhea? Nowadays there is increasing attention to the influence of stress on your stomach and intestines. Arjan Bredenoord, gastroenterologist and professor at the AMCtells everything about abdominal complaints due to stress.
What does a stomach ache due to stress feel like?
Abdominal pain due to stress can feel different for everyone. Bredenoord says that one person suffers from a nagging stomach ache, while the other feels a throbbing or stabbing pain. ‘Your intestines are squirming all day long. That is normal. But because stress makes your nerves more sensitive, you become more aware of those movements. That causes cramping pain for some people.’ Sometimes people also notice that stress makes them feel bloated more quickly. Increased awareness probably plays a role here too.
Which intestinal complaints due to stress?
‘Sometimes people have the feeling that food doesn’t sink in,’ says Bredenoord. Appetite may also disappear. Other notorious complaints of stress are constipation or diarrhea. ‘Stress can cause irritation of the intestinal wall. One intestine responds by squeezing faster. Stress sometimes leads to diarrhea. The other intestine, on the other hand, stiffens, for example due to the pain. This in turn leads to constipation,” says Bredenoord.
What to do about stomach ache due to stress?
“Pain relief alone is often insufficient to combat abdominal pain due to stress,” Bredenoord explains. It is important to discover what is causing your stress. ‘That is why it may be worthwhile to seek psychological help. There are many therapists who can specifically help you with these types of complaints.’ In the meantime, you can try to reduce the stress yourself.
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2024-01-05 10:45:14
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