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does stress cause gastritis
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Digestive Health
Question #15175
45 days ago
111

does stress cause gastritis - #15175

Amara

I am struggling a bit with all these stomach issues lately. My doctor told me I have gastritis, but I can't help but wonder—does stress cause gastritis? Honestly, my life’s been a rollercoaster ride. Work has gotten super hectic and I’m always stressed out about deadlines. I keep battling this annoying upper abdominal discomfort, and sometimes it feels like a heavy weight pressing down! Like just last week, I was so anxious that I couldn’t even eat, and boom, here comes the nausea and all that. I tried to pinpoint what’s triggering it, and I read somewhere that emotional stress can mess with your stomach and could lead to gastritis. But like, really? Does stress cause gastritis or is it just me trying to connect dots that don’t exist? I mean, I get that there could be dietary causes or even past infections, but I've been noticing this pattern.... more stress equals more pain. How do I figure out if it’s my emotional state or maybe something food related? I just wanna know—does stress cause gastritis and can managing my anxiety actually help ease these symptoms? Super confused here!

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Doctors’ responses

Stress can indeed play a role in gastritis, but it’s a bit more complex than just saying stress “causes” it directly. Gastritis, which is essentially inflammation of the stomach lining, can be triggered by various factors. The most common are infections like Helicobacter pylori, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive alcohol consumption, and yes, even stress. While stress itself may not directly cause the stomach lining to become inflamed like an infection would, it can exacerbate symptoms and influence your susceptibility to gastric issues. When you’re stressed, your body releases more acid and reduces the protective mucus production in the stomach, potentially making you more prone to irritation and inflammation.

In your case, the link between stress and your gastric symptoms might well be due to your body’s response to stress, leading to increased acid production and slower gastric emptying, which can cause the discomfort and nausea you’re experiencing. Additionally, stress often changes eating habits, making individuals eat either too much, too little or choose foods that are harsher on the stomach lining, inadvertently increasing gastritis risks. Figuring out whether it’s stress or diet requires observing your symptoms closely. Try keeping a food diary and note your stress levels to see if any particular foods or stress peaks coincide with your symptoms’ flare-ups.

Managing stress, which can involve lifestyle changes such as regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques like mindfulness or yoga, might certainly help reduce symptoms. Mindful eating and avoiding foods and drinks that irritate the stomach can also be beneficial—like alcohol, caffeine, and overly spicy or acidic foods. If your symptoms persist, it’s crucial to consult your doctor, as severe or prolonged gastritis may require medical treatment like proton pump inhibitors or antacids to control stomach acid. Remember, while stress is an important piece in the puzzle, it’s best managed alongside dietary adjustments and any necessary medical treatment.

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