Gastric Disturbances

Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances commonly include symptoms of stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Ayurveda have shown a correlation between anxiety, depression, and GI symptoms. People who have at least one GI symptom are more likely to have an anxiety disorder or depression than those without any GI symptoms.

Common GI symptoms that have been associated with anxiety disorders include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Increased hunger
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Stomach cramps

In addition to these general symptoms, some gastrointestinal conditions—such as irritable bowel syndrome and gastro esophageal reflux disease—have also been linked to anxiety disorders.

Whether or not you believe your GI symptoms are anxiety-related, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible if your symptoms occur with any of the following:

• Blood in the stool
• Feeling bloated or full after eating very little
• Having a bowel movement that is black, tarry, and foul-smelling
• Persistent, low-grade fever
• Unexplained weight loss

There are also some things that you can do to help cope with symptoms of anxiety and related GI problems:

• Avoid excessive caffeine: Not only can caffeine increase feelings of anxiety, but many caffeine-containing products can also lead to gastrointestinal upset.
• Eat healthily: Focusing on a gut-friendly diet may help calms symptoms of gastrointestinal upset. Make sure that you are eating fiber-rich foods and try adding foods containing probiotics to your diet (such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kombucha).
• Practice stress management techniques: Stress is a normal part of life, so developing good coping skills is important. Relaxation techniques that can help include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation.