constipationstresswhich is a problem caused byanxietythat arises
We all face stress in life, whether it’s starting a new job or a new school year. We live in a world where anxiety can hit us at any moment. Stress is a physical and mental response to external triggers. Sometimes stress can be beneficial because it motivates us to do our tasks, but some people experience digestive problems under stress, which leads toconstipationin them.
Common effects of stress
When stress exceeds controllable limits, it may last longer and cause noticeable changes in mood, behavior, and body. Stress can have various physical and mental effects on individuals, including:
- depression
- anxiety
- anger
- stomach issues
- heart problems
- headaches
In large countries, the average number of people experiencing stress has increased by 44%. It’s crucial to identify the source of stress and learn how to manage it to protect your physical and mental health. If you struggle with stress, consider seeking help from a mental health professional.
The link between stress and constipation
One of the first body systems affected by stress is the digestive system. Long-term stress can lead toindigestion, constipation, or diarrhea, which you should monitor; otherwise, it may result in irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive issues.
How to know if you have constipation?
Constipation refers to the difficulty in passing stool through the intestines. You can identify if you are constipated by the following signs:
- You don’t have bowel movements every day or every other day.
- Your stool is hard and very small.
- You’ve experiencedbloatingin your stomach.
- You feel discomfort and pain.
- You experience a lot of pressure when going to the bathroom.
- You feel that you haven’t completely emptied yourself.
Severe constipation can make it difficult to perform normal activities. While constipation is not life-threatening, if left unchecked, it can affect you and lead topainful hemorrhoids.Advertisement
Your stomach and intestines are your second brain and have their own ecosystem. They contain a massive network of neurons, far more than any other part of the body. Constipation is one way these neurons can help alleviate stress.
Scientific observations have shown that bowel movements can stop during stressful periods, meaning when you are stressed, your body ceases to pass stool. Constipation often changes to
diarrheaquite suddenly.This is why it’s crucial not to take medications during such times; let things happen naturally, because taking anti-diarrhea medicine can disrupt the body’s natural rhythm.
Other factors contributing to
stress-related constipationAnother reason for this issue is that when you experience stress, you often forget to take care of yourself, resulting in lifestyle changes like the following:
drinking less water
- skipping meals
- overeating
- eating unhealthy foods
- not exercising
- breathing problems
- All these factors contribute to constipation. Chronic stress can also lead to transformations that present physical symptoms, including:
muscle tension
- indigestion
- acid reflux
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- stomach pain
- These symptoms reduce your body’s ability to produce regular bowel movements.
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You can adopt various methods such as changing your diet, which means increasing fiber intake and drinking more water, minimizing
caffeine, taking fiber supplements, using probiotic sources, engaging in exercise, and practicing mental exercises likemeditationto control and prevent constipation, effectively combating stress.yn-ad
