Effect of stress on the body
Stress not only affects mental health, but it also has a deep impact on physical health. When many people are under stress, they feel pressure in the stomach, heaviness or a sudden need to go to the toilet. This reaction is not just of the mind, but a biological process. In medical science this has been explained through the gut-brain axis.
cause of stress
When you experience stress, anxiety, or panic, your brain identifies it as a threat and activates the body’s fight-or-flight response. In this process, the brain signals the adrenal glands to release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones speed up the heartbeat, tighten the muscles and prepare the body to respond faster.
gut and brain connection
The human gut contains millions of neurons, often referred to as the second brain or enteric nervous system. It constantly communicates with the brain. During times of stress, the brain sends distress signals directly to the gut, causing the muscles of the stomach and intestines to become more active.
Stress and digestion
When the amount of stress hormones in the body increases, energy is diverted from non-essential functions like digestion to organs that are essential for life. Digestion slows down in the small intestine, while activity in the large intestine increases, causing bloating and discomfort in the stomach.
Butterflies or cramps in the stomach during stress
The feeling of butterflies in the stomach is actually caused by rapid muscle contractions and changes in blood flow in the digestive tract. Stress reduces blood supply to the intestines and increases the sensitivity of nerves, making even mild digestive movements uncomfortable or painful. About 95% of the body’s serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that regulates mood, is made in the gut. Stress disrupts the balance of serotonin, which has a negative impact on both mental stability and digestion.
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