How Stress Saps Your Health

If you’ve ever felt nauseated before a presentation or had the sudden urge to go to the bathroom during an exam, you’ve most likely experienced the effect of stress on digestion first hand. Digestive issues are among the most common symptoms in those under a heavy load of stress. As a reaction to immediate stressors, the central nervous system diverts blood flow away from the digestive system, which affects stomach and colon muscles and potentially leads to diarrhea or constipation. Stress also can cause an increase in stomach acids, leading to indigestion and nausea. Additionally, certain digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease, can flare up as a reaction to stress.