- Joined
- Apr 20, 2009
- Messages
- 6,741
MasteroniPepperoni is spot on. Stress can 100% effect digestion. It's a massive factor because the nervous system and digestive system are closely connected. Of course medications could also have an effect but the effects stress have on the enteric nervous system are well known. You haven't noticed sudden changes in digestion or needing the toilet when feeling nervous or stressed? One of the first things that will happen when stressed is a decrease in blood flow and oxygen to the stomach which over time can lead to numerous issues from slow digestion, bloating, cramping and gut bacteria imbalances. The volume and types of food we eat are obviously huge factors in regards to gut health but stress is 100% up there and I bet many on here have gut issues because of it.
How would we explain then that we hear people say they can't eat when they are stressed/depressed, then others say they eat more and get fat when they are stressed/depressed?
I personally have never had digestion problems when stressed, I have had high blood pressure, poor sleep, fast heart rate, but my bowel movements are my bowel movements.
Conversely I have absolutely felt bloated when eating large volumes of food. If someone is eating large volumes of food, taking prescriptions for various reasons, and they are stressed, how can they make a statement that stress is causing their issues? The other 2 factors are proven things that affect digestion. So for them to say it is stress, to me this seems illogical.
If someone takes a new supplement, switched to a new laundry detergent, then gets a new cat....and break out in a rash, they wouldn't then conclude they are allergic to cats.