Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Can Stress Cause Gas And Bloating

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What Causes Wind Gas And Bloating

4 Ways Stress Could Be Hurting Your Stomach + Tips For Relief | Dr. Roshini Raj

Everybody has gas-related symptoms from time to time. In most cases, this is part of the natural working of the body and the symptoms soon pass. Some people complain they are feeling bloated all the time. As mentioned above, people are occasionally sensitive to normal amounts of gas in the tummy. The reasons for this are not entirely clear.

There are some conditions associated with larger than normal amounts of gas in the tummy:

How Gas Can Cause Anxiety

While symptoms of anxiety can cause gas, the opposite can be true as well, in that gas can cause anxiety – especially those already prone to it.

Significant amounts of gas can cause physical pain, and if the person experiencing the gas is unable to pass that gas anxiety can be induced. This can be a vicious cycle, with anxiety causing gas and gas contributing to increased anxiety.

How to Reduce Anxiety-Related Gas

Once gas builds up in a persons body, it needs to be released. This means finding a place where this can be done comfortably through belching or flatulating. Once the gas is out, the symptoms of that gas should decrease.

Individuals whose gas is caused by digestion issues may benefit from eating healthier meals with fewer gas causing ingredients. Dairy, for example, often contributes to gas. Talking to your doctor about food intolerances and anti-gas medications is also an option. Additionally, it could be helpful to rule out gastroesophageal reflux disease , or acid reflux, which can cause gas and other symptoms of anxiety.

If gas is primarily due to hyperventilation and air swallowing, learning to slow ones breathing could be helpful. If you notice when the rate of breathing accelerates, try these techniques:

  • Breathe in slowly, at a speed which lasts 5 seconds.
  • Hold for a few seconds.
  • Breathe out slowly, at a speed that lasts about 7 seconds.

Other ways people have reported managing their anxiety-related gas include:

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Signs Of A Kidney Infection

What does a kidney infection feel like? According to the NIDDK, the most common kidney infections symptoms are:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • But depending on a persons age, they may not experience all of these kidney infection symptoms. Children younger than two may only experience high fever as a sign of kidney infections, the NIDDK says, and people older than 65 might only present with cognitive issues, like confusion, hallucinations, and disorganized speech.

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    Eat Properly To Help Your Digestion

    It’s very easy to spend our working lives eating on the move or at our desks, gulping down food between meetings and then crashing out in front of the TV with a takeaway in the evenings.

    But eating this way can play havoc with our digestive system.

    Follow some basic rules to prevent problems:

    • Do not rush your food. Take the time to eat slowly. Try putting your fork down between bites and chew each mouthful well.
    • Do not overeat. Reduce the size of your portions at mealtimes, or try eating 4 to 5 small meals instead of 3 large ones.
    • Eat regularly and try not to skip meals.
    • Avoid eating a big meal just before you go to bed. Eat your last meal at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down.
    • Make sure you have plenty of water to drink.

    The ‘fight Or Flight’ Response

    How to Stop Gas and Bloating in Your Stomach Naturally ...

    The digestive system is particularly susceptible to stress as the CNS essentially shuts down or slows down gastrointestinal function via the ENS when there is a perceived threat. The body responds to stress by producing stress hormones which rapidly increase our physical and mental ability to deal with the dangerous situation. During this state of hyperarousal, processes such as digestion that aren’t essential for physical exertion are repressed in favour of those which focus on dealing with the stressor.

    Blood flow to the gut, intestinal motility, intestinal permeability, digestive enzyme production and protective mucus secretion are all affected7 by stress. This is why anxiety and bloating often go hand in hand. When stressed and anxious, many experience sensations such as: butterflies in their stomach, nausea, a choked up feeling, trouble swallowing, indigestion, heartburn and perhaps even diarrhoea.

    When the stress or danger that we are facing is short-lived, the stress response’s brief inhibition of digestion is of little concern as normal function returns once the perceived threat has passed. However, with chronic or ongoing stress the digestive system remains subdued, making it difficult to digest food effectively, predisposing not just the gut, but the entire body to problems8.

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    Surprising Causes Of Excessive Gas

    Bloating and intestinal gas are familiar to everyone — but it’s a good bet that not all sources of gas are. Find out where that gas could be coming from.

    Under normal circumstances, a person produces up to four pints of gas a day, and passes gas up to 20 times a day. How is that possible, you say, if those people arent always eating foods like beans, cabbage, and broccoli?

    The answer is because excess gas can be made in myriad ways. Thats why up to 20 percent of the population complains about having excessive gas that causes frequent belching and flatulence.

    Upper Intestinal Gas

    One of the most common sources of upper intestinal gas is swallowed air. The medical term for swallowed air is aerophagia. Swallowed air contains nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. Too much swallowed air can lead to bloating and belching. Here are some ways that air gets inside you:

    • Eating or drinking too fast
    • Chewing gum
    • Loose dentures
    • Drinking through a straw

    Being stressed can also cause bloating. People tend to swallow a lot more air when they are nervous.

    Another unusual cause of bloating is continuous positive airway pressure therapy machines. CPAP is one of the most common treatments for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine forces air into the throat during sleep, and some of this air goes into the stomach. If you have bloating and you use CPAP, talk to your sleep specialist. In many cases, bloating can be avoided by changing the settings on the machine.

    Lower Intestinal Gas

    How To Treat Stress

    There are several things you can do to reduce the effects of anxiety and stress on your gut. ‘There is a direct link between our microbiota and our stress hormone system – alterations in our gut microbiota may lead to a heightened or suppressed hormonal response to stressful situations,’ says Dr Ashton. ‘The direct approach would be to identify the “stress trigger” and try to remove it, or alter its impact, from your daily life, where possible.’

    If you feel yourself getting stressed out with a task take a mini-break from the activity.

    For instance, Dr Ashton suggests, you may get stressed by not being prepared for some activity at work like giving a presentation make sure that you allow plenty of time to adequately prepare and rehearse to prevent or reduce anxiety.

    Think about how you can calm your day from the beginning – walking some of the journey to work rather than all of it being spent on busy trains or in traffic jams.

    ‘If you feel yourself getting stressed out with a task take a mini-break from the activity by making a hot drink or writing a list of things you would like to do with your weekend before returning to your work.’

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    Ibs And Other Functional Gi Disorders

    Functional gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome , functional abdominal bloating and distention, functional constipation, and functional dyspepsia may cause problems with gas symptoms.

    Functional GI disorders are related to problems with how your brain and your gut work together. These problems can cause you to feel more bloating or abdominal pain or can affect how gas moves through your intestines.

    Fitness Trainer Shares The Surprising Cause Of Her Intense Bloating

    GAS n’ BLOATING TIPS STRESS Video 5 of 13

    Tiffiny Hall said her bloat affected her so badly, she stopped posting new pictures on Instagram for a while.

    Bloating can happen to anyone whether you’re an avid clean eater or you haven’t gone to the gym since 2014, your digestion can find itself off-balance and you often pay the price with a stomach shaped like a balloon.

    That’s exactly what happened to Australian fitness influencer Tiffiny Hall, who recently took to Instagram to post a picture showing the extent of her bloat.

    “There’s a reason I’ve been posting #throwback pics the last couple of days, and that’s because I’ve been hit with full on bloating,” Tiffiny wrote, clarifying that she’s definitely not pregnant.

    Indicating she feels insecure about her bloated stomach, despite having a body many women would envy, Tiffiny added: “I almost didn’t post this, but trainers have bad days too and it’s important to share the highs and the lows with you.

    “It gets so bad sometimes my clothes dont fit. I swear its like my gut has access to my calendar, cos my bad tummy often hits right before I’m about to shoot fitness videos,” the Instagrammer wrote.

    But what makes her post most interesting, as well as the bravery in exposing a side of herself she’s often reluctant to show, is what Tiffiny says the cause of her bloating: stress.

    This, Brendan explained, is because the digestive system is controlled by the nervous system the mediator of stress.

    Follow Cat on .

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    Alleviating Discomfort Caused By Uti Bloating

    The bloating and pain associated with UTIs can cause severe discomfort and may last for a few days or even up to a week. Some suggestions for helping to alleviate this discomfort include:

    • drink lots of water at least one large glass of water every hour to try and flush the infection out of the body
    • eat small healthy meals regularly
    • reduce sugar intake as certain types of bacteria feed off it in particular, avoid fizzy drinks as these can also cause gas
    • limit your intake of any foods that you know you react to, such as wheat or beans
    • certain nutrients have been shown to help with the symptoms of UTIs, including cranberry extract , D-mannose, and good bacteria

    Look At Supplements And Medications

    Some supplements, such as iron, can cause constipation and other symptoms of indigestion. This can increase bloating. Potassium, on the other hand, may reduce bloating by helping to balance the bodys sodium levels .

    Medications may also cause side effects that affect GI function or cause indigestion. If this happens, a doctor or pharmacist can suggest alternatives that are more gentle on the digestive tract.

    Although it is not common, bloating and swelling of the abdomen can signify a severe medical condition. Liver disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure, kidney problems, and some types of cancer can cause bloating.

    Bloating that continues for days or weeks may indicate a health issue that needs medical attention. It is advisable to speak to a doctor about ongoing bloating that does not go away over time.

    People whose bloating occurs alongside these symptoms should seek medical advice:

    • appetite changes or trouble eating
    • bright red blood in the stool
    • black or dark maroon stools

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    Why Does The Stomach Feel Stress

    Stress impacts the gut because each person has a hard wired connection between the brain in the head and the nervous system housed within the GI tract called the enteric nervous system, Chey says. The enteric nervous system lives within the wall of the GI tract and communicates through the spinal cord with the brain. While the enteric nervous system typically runs the GI tract independently, the brain can influence how it behaves. In times of stress, it may send a distress signal that makes the GI system run differently. In addition, stress makes the nerves in the gut overly sensitive so things that normally arent even perceived at a conscious level are perceived as unpleasant gut symptoms.

    Everybody knows somebody that during high school before a big exam or an athletic event would have to run to the bathroom, Chey says. It happens because of the impact of stress or anxiety in the GI tract.

    Avoid Rapid Weight Gain

    Causes Severe Abdominal Pain Bloating Symptoms Belly ...

    Rapid weight gain is linked to bloating for several reasons.

    First, a buildup of fat in your stomach area may constrain your bowels, increasing tension and contributing to bloating. Additionally, fat may have inflammatory effects, contributing to hypersensitivity in your gut .

    Finally, unwanted weight gain may cause you to focus attention on your stomach area, which may increase your perception of bloating .

    If you have overweight or obesity and are experiencing bloating, trying some healthy strategies for weight loss such as exercise and limiting portion sizes may be beneficial.

    Summary

    Rapid weight gain may contribute to bloating by increasing bowel tension, inflammation, and mental focus on your stomach area. Conversely, weight loss may help reduce these effects.

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    Try Calming Diffuser Oils Or Incenses

    Herbal incenses, or essential oils used as aromatic diffusers, have been known to help some people with anxiety.

    Purchase products with calming herbs like chamomile, lavender, vetiver, or rose. Follow the products directions. Combine this with some relaxing time and space for yourself when dealing with a nervous stomach.

    What Are The Symptoms Of Stomach Stress

    There are many terms we already use to describe the symptoms of stomach stress. We probably use these without even realising it.

    Terms such as gut feeling or butterflies in the stomach, can be key indicators that stress is building up. Often, as already mentioned, the first we may be aware of the stress were experiencing is when our stomach turns over.

    If the stress passes, then so will this sensation. However, chronic and ongoing stress can lead to disruptions that may last long after the stress has subsided.

    The sensation of bloating and the visible distention can worsen during these periods of stress. Other digestive symptoms such as reflux and altered bowel patterns can also occur.

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    Urinary Tract Infection Faqs

    Q: What causes a urinary tract infection?A: Urinary tract infections are very common, especially in women, and are most often caused when bacteria from the bowel or genital region enter the body through the urethra. This can lead to an infection of the urethra, bladder, ureters or kidneys. Over 85 percent of UTIs are caused in this way.

    UTIs can also be caused by viral, fungal or parasitic infections, but these are much less common causes.

    Q: Can men develop a urinary tract infection?A: Yes, although they are rare in men under 50 years of age. Men are less likely than women to develop a UTI because the male urinary tract has more natural defences to infection, such as a longer urethra and further distance between the urethra and the anus.

    For this reason, urinary tract infections in men are more likely to be due to a medical cause or an anatomical predisposition to UTIs.{^33]

    Q: Can children develop a urinary tract infection?A: Yes, urinary tract infections are a common condition in babies, toddlers and children. In fact, it is the most common bacterial infection in children under two years of age. The usual cause of UTIs in children is similar to adults: bacteria from the anal region entering the urinary tract through the urethra. Some children may be at added risk of developing a UTI due to not having developed effective personal hygiene methods, such as wiping from front to back after using the toilet.Read more about Pediatric Urinary Tract Infection û.

    Take A Warm Bath Soaking And Relaxing

    What causes shifting chest pain Can gas & bloating lead to it? – Dr. Suresh G

    The heat of the bath can provide relief for a sore abdomen. Relaxation can reduce stress levels, which may allow the GI tract to function more effectively and help reduce bloating.

    Quick fixes are not always effective for some causes of bloating. However, people who have frequent bloating may find that certain lifestyle changes can tackle the causes and reduce bloating over time.

    People can use these simple steps to try to prevent bloating in the long-term:

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    The Key To Relieving Heartburn Bloating And Even Stress

    Despite a burning sensation rising up into the throat and that gnawing feeling right beneath your rib cage, heartburn is usually caused by too little stomach acid, not too much.

    Hypochlorhydria, or a low concentration of gastric acid, has been linked to a long list of disorders related to digestive, immune, and brain function.

    Common symptoms of hypochlorhydria include:

    • Heartburn
    • Difficulty digesting proteins

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    Health And Medical Supplements

    Flatulence can be an undesirable side effect of nutritional supplements and some prescribed or over-the-counter medications.

    The mode of action of these drugs may influence the natural digestive processes of the body to some extent. Generally, people under fixed dosages of medicines are more susceptible to constipation and gas problems.

    Gi Issues Caused By Kidney Stones

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    Normally, kidney stones cause symptoms such as pressure and pain in your lower back, fever, frequent urination, discomfort urinating, and bloody or discoloured urine. However, sometimes kidney stones can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort.

    If youre experiencing sudden low back pain and gastrointestinal discomfort, dont ignore the possibility that it might be kidney stones.

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