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What Is the Connection between Stress and Indigestion?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

While there are many things that may cause indigestion, stress often plays a role. If a person has symptoms of indigestion, for example, stress may make them worse. In some cases, stress may even cause indigestion by interfering with hormones and nervous system signals that are involved with food digestion. As a result, a person may experience indigestion when he is feeling stressed.

Many people think of stress as only a mental issue, but it can have physical effects on the body as well. As such, stress and indigestion can go hand in hand. Often, a person who is experiencing emotional stress will also state that he feels nauseous or has an upset stomach. This is due to the fact that stress typically sets off changes within the body that cause real symptoms of indigestion.

Drinking a mixture of baking soda and water can help with indigestion.
Drinking a mixture of baking soda and water can help with indigestion.

Stress and indigestion are linked because of the body’s typical response to stress. When an individual is feeling stressed, the nervous system begins a response that may lead to, or at least contribute to, indigestion. For example, adrenaline is often released into the body in response to stress, as is cortisol and other stress-related hormones. This is a normal, protective process within the body, but it can have a negative effect on a person’s digestion. In an effort to prepare the body to deal with a perceived danger, the stress hormones may slow bodily processes that are not critical, such as digestion, resulting in indigestion. One way to alleviate digestive issues is to consume Supergreens on a regular basis. Supergreens contain digestive enzymes which can help improve digestion in times of intense stress.

Bloating can be a sign of indigestion.
Bloating can be a sign of indigestion.

When a person’s stress level leads to indigestion, he may suffer from more than just nausea. A person dealing with the effects of stress and indigestion may also feel bloated, have heartburn, or feel the need to release gas in the form of burping and flatulence; some people may also notice an acidic taste in their mouths. In some cases, a person will develop diarrhea as a symptom of stress-related indigestion. For example, a stressed-out student may develop diarrhea right before an important exam. In some cases, stress-related indigestion is even severe enough to cause vomiting.

An individual struggling with continual stress may have a compromised immune system that leads to physical ailments.
An individual struggling with continual stress may have a compromised immune system that leads to physical ailments.

While the connection between stress and indigestion is unpleasant, a person with chronic stress may have to worry about more than an upset stomach. An individual who is dealing with chronic stress may have a weakened immune system and be more prone to both short- and long-term conditions. For example, a person who is under a good deal of stress for a long period of time may be at a higher risk of developing colds, the flu, ulcers, anxiety, and depression. In fact, chronic stress may even raise a person’s risk of having a heart attack.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon212247

Stress has been giving me a sour stomach. Just got laid off by Pfizer.

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    • Drinking a mixture of baking soda and water can help with indigestion.
      By: Viktor
      Drinking a mixture of baking soda and water can help with indigestion.
    • Bloating can be a sign of indigestion.
      By: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
      Bloating can be a sign of indigestion.
    • An individual struggling with continual stress may have a compromised immune system that leads to physical ailments.
      By: zea_lenanet
      An individual struggling with continual stress may have a compromised immune system that leads to physical ailments.
    • Research has found that taking regular naps may reduce stress.
      By: bst2012
      Research has found that taking regular naps may reduce stress.
    • Taking a relaxing bath can reduce the stress that causes people to grind their teeth.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Taking a relaxing bath can reduce the stress that causes people to grind their teeth.
    • A person who is under a good deal of stress for a long period of time may be at a greater risk for ulcers.
      By: p6m5
      A person who is under a good deal of stress for a long period of time may be at a greater risk for ulcers.
    • Chronic stress can cause elevated adrenaline and cortisol levels.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Chronic stress can cause elevated adrenaline and cortisol levels.