Stress and Digestive Problems

Stress can cause a whole host of health problems. Stress and digestive problems often go hand in hand, and it goes back to the body’s natural fight or flight response. When in an emergency situation, digestion becomes low on the body’s priority list, which is why things like diarrhea, constipation, heartburn and other problems arise in stressful situations.

Think about what happens to your body in the days and hours leading up to that big presentation you have to give.

• Did you spend a few extra minutes in the bathroom?
• Did you pop a few extra Tums to help settle your stomach?
• Are you feeling the burn hours after the presentation is over?

The problem with chronic stress is that it causes these disruptions on a regular basis, which isn’t healthy. It can wear your stomach lining down, increase acid production and damage your esophagus. That’s why you need to take steps to help your body’s digestion process, and de-stress your life.

First, to help digestion, less is more. By eating less more often you’ll help your body properly handle the amount of food you’ve given it, rather than stressing it out by throwing more than your stomach can handle in the ring. You’ll still get the same amount of food by eating three small meals and two snacks as you would if you ate two giant meals, it’ll just be spread over a longer period, which gives your stomach time to process what’s there.

Second, take steps to lower stress levels in your life. Although some stress has been shown to be good and keep productivity levels high, too much stress can be extremely detrimental to your health. So, reprioritize. You may be concerned about money, relationships, the holidays, work, deadlines, that home renovation that never seems to be done, a death in the family, your kids or any number of problems. But, worrying about them won’t make them better. So, focus on what will make your situation better. If you need help learning some techniques, see someone, i.e. a therapist or counselor. Although you may feel like this adds to your financial stresses and takes time away from your family, it can help you deal with what’s going on, and learn techniques for dealing with future stressors.

You also may benefit from getting a massage. Treating yourself to something like this can help you reduce your stress levels and promote healing in your body if chronic stress has done any damage to your digestive system. Like seeing a therapist, you may view it as a time and financial suck, but it can pay dividends in the long run.

Additionally, you may want to look into adding exercise to your daily regimen. People who exercise regularly are much healthier and are proven to be less prone to stress related illnesses like heartburn and ulcers. So, go for a walk, take up running or tennis, do whatever you can to keep exercise fun and engaging and keep stress at bay.

Stress and digestive problems often go hand in hand. For more information on dealing with stress and helping your body’s digestive disorders heal naturally, visit refluxremedy.com today.