Can Stress Make You Nauseous
Can Stress Make You Nauseous? Stress is a normal part of daily life for most people, but some types are more harmful than others. We’re talking about chronic or prolonged stress that lasts longer than two weeks. When you experience chronic stress, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by everything on your plate — from work-related pressures, financial concerns, family responsibilities and health problems.
Not only does chronic stress take its toll, it has been linked with serious illnesses like heart disease, depression, anxiety disorders, cancer, stroke, hypertension, diabetes and obesity. It also raises your risk of developing conditions such as headaches, back pain, sleep apnea and asthma. However, one area where you may not expect to suffer from stress is your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. After all, your stomach should be doing what it was designed to do – digest food! But when faced with long-term stress, it becomes dysregulated, causing symptoms such as nausea, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gas and flatulence.
When this happens, you might wonder if there’s anything you can do to stop these uncomfortable feelings. Unfortunately, while stress itself isn’t considered dangerous, the negative effects it causes can impact your quality of life. The good news is that there are many ways to manage GI issues caused by stress, including lifestyle changes, diet modifications, herbal remedies and prescription medications.
The first step in managing nausea caused by stress is identifying exactly why you feel sick. Is it because you’ve eaten something that upset your tummy? Or could it have something to do with how much you’ve been eating or exercising? If you think it’s an issue related to exercise, then you need to talk to your doctor before beginning any new workout regimen. Your physician will help determine whether you should adjust your routine or try another type of exercise altogether.
Next, make sure you eat well-balanced meals throughout the day so you don’t overindulge at dinner time. Avoid foods high in fat and cholesterol, which tend to stimulate intestinal secretions. Also, avoid spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. These substances irritate your GI tract and can worsen your stomach discomfort.
If you still find yourself plagued by bouts of nausea, look into alternative methods of relieving stress. Yoga, meditation, massage therapy and acupuncture can relax tense muscles and calm your mind. Some studies even show that yoga can improve digestion [Source: Mayo Clinic]. Massage therapy can release tension in your neck, shoulders, chest and abdomen, reducing muscle spasms and inflammation. And acupuncture helps reduce stress and promote relaxation through stimulation of nerve endings.
Once you identify the reasons behind your nausea, start taking steps toward eliminating them. For example, if you notice that certain foods set off your symptoms, eliminate those triggers completely until you get better. Once you figure out what works best for you, stick to your plan. Don’t give up hope; if you find a solution that makes you comfortable, you’ll soon begin feeling better.
Keep reading to discover the secrets of treating acid reflux with dietary supplements.
Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD): Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, burping, belching, abdominal bloating and excessive flatus are just a few of the unpleasant side effects associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when gastric juices flow upward instead of downward, passing from the esophagus into the upper portion of the throat, mouth or nose. GERD affects approximately 20 percent of Americans. Although no cure exists yet, there are several treatment options available for patients diagnosed with GERD.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have proven effective in controlling symptoms of GERD. By inhibiting the production of gastric acids, PPIs allow the lower esophageal sphincter valve between the stomach and esophagus to open wider, preventing the regurgitation of gastric juices into the esophagus. Commonly prescribed PPI drugs include Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, AcipHEN, Omeprazole and Lactacort.
Since stress often worsens GERD symptoms, sufferers should consider using antireflux medication to relieve their distress. Antidepressants, antihistamines and H2 blockers can help ease the symptoms, too. A variety of herbs, vitamins and minerals, however, can also aid in healing damaged tissues that encourage the movement of stomach contents back up into the esophagus.
For severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage done to the lower esophageal sphincter valve. Surgical procedures such as fundoplication and a hiatal hernia repair involve wrapping the top of the stomach around the esophagus to prevent the passage of stomach fluids upward. While surgical treatments offer relief for many GERD suffers, they come with risks such as infection, bleeding, pulmonary embolism, pneumonia, anesthesia complications and death.
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Eczema is a skin condition characterized by dry patches, rashes, scabs and other signs of irritation. Eczema affects infants, children, teens and adults equally. There are three main varieties of eczema: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and neurodermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a common form of eczema that develops due to allergies and exposure to irritants. Contact dermatitis is caused by allergic reactions to chemicals, plants and animals. Neurodermatitis is a rarer form of eczema characterized by redness, scaling, itching and blisters. People with a history of eczema are susceptible to flare-ups during periods of emotional unrest, and the same holds true for people who deal with stress frequently.
