Nerves in the stomach due to anxiety: symptoms and treatment

The "nervous stomach" feeling is a common symptom of anxiety. When a person experiences anxiety, the body goes into a state of alert, which can trigger a series of physical responses, including those that affect the gastrointestinal system such as the nerves in the stomach.

Often, the symptoms it presents can lead to confusion, as organic and psychological factors intermingle. In general, these types of manifestations arise in moments of uncertainty, discomfort and/or anger that trigger high levels of anxiety. In this Psychology-Online article, we explain the characteristics of the nerves in the stomach due to anxiety: symptoms and treatment.

Index

1. Symptoms of nerves in the stomach due to anxiety
2. Treatment of nerves in the stomach due to anxiety
3. How to prevent nerves in the stomach due to anxiety

Symptoms of nervous stomach anxiety can vary from person to person, but some of the most common symptoms include:

• Feeling of butterflies: Many people describe a feeling of "butterflies in the stomach" or a nervous feeling in the abdominal area.
• Nausea: Anxiety can cause nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
• Abdominal pain or discomfort: You may experience pain, discomfort, or a feeling of pressure in the stomach area.
• Increased heartburn: Anxiety can cause an increase in stomach acid production, which can lead to heartburn and heartburn.
• Changes in bowel habits– Some people experience diarrhea or, in other cases, constipation as a result of anxiety.
• Loss or increase in appetite: Anxiety often affects eating habits, which can lead to a lack of appetite or overeating.
• Bloating or gas: Anxiety can make the digestive system more prone to bloating and gas buildup.
• muscle contractions: You may feel contractions or spasms in your stomach muscles.
• Urgency to urinate or frequent urination: Anxiety can affect bladder function and cause an urgent need to urinate or more frequent urination.

It is important to remember that symptoms can vary in intensity, duration and frequency in different people. If you experience severe or persistent symptoms of anxiety that significantly affect your quality of life, we recommend seek help from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, to evaluate and treat your anxiety effectively. In this article, we give you advice on How to calm anxiety in the moment.

Treating "nervous stomach" symptoms caused by anxiety usually involves addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of anxiety. Here are some strategies and approaches that may be helpful:

• Talk therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used approach to treating anxiety. In CBT, you will work with a therapist to identify and change patterns of negative thinking and behavior that contribute to anxiety.
• Relaxation therapy: Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation, can help reduce anxiety symptoms and calm nerves in the stomach. Regular exercise: Regular exercise is beneficial for mental health and can help reduce anxiety. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that can improve mood and reduce stress. Healthy eating: Maintain a balanced diet and avoid foods that can trigger problems gastrointestinal disorders, such as caffeine and spicy foods, may help relieve symptoms in the stomach. Avoid alcohol and nicotine: Alcohol and nicotine can worsen anxiety symptoms and affect the gastrointestinal system. Avoiding its consumption can be beneficial. Medications: In some cases, a doctor or psychiatrist may prescribe medications to help manage anxiety symptoms. These medications may include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or other medications as evaluated by a healthcare professional. Social support: Talking to friends and family about your concerns and receiving emotional support can be helpful. Sometimes simply expressing your feelings can help reduce anxiety. Stress management techniques: Learning to manage stress is essential in the treatment of anxiety. This may include learning to set boundaries, manage time effectively, and reduce responsibilities when possible.

To avoid the appearance of the symptoms described above, there are some recommendations that can be followed continuously. In the next items, we will develop how to prevent nerves in the stomach due to anxiety:

1. Physical exercise: Playing sports and/or social exchange activities helps combat the appearance of high levels of anxiety. In this sense, it is necessary to clarify that the objective of physical exercise should be recreation to avoid social pressures. On the other hand, the release of endorphins allows the body to relax.
2. Balanced diet: Following a healthy diet rich in relaxing foods is essential. In short, you can choose to consume legumes, whole grains, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. On the other hand, it is recommended to drink plenty of mineral water and drink infusions.
3. Adequate rest: Carrying out effective sleep hygiene provides the possibility of having quality sleep. To do this, you should sleep in a quiet space away from distracting factors.
4. Writing: Putting into words what worries you leads to relaxation of both the body and the mind. In this way, worries stop being part of our thoughts and occupy other environments.

This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Nerves in the stomach due to anxiety: symptoms and treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.

Gomez, G. (2008). Freud: nervous diseases, anguish and stress. Or status of the body involved in the subject's ailments. Affectio Societatis Magazine, 9 (1), 1-21.