Upset stomach when anxious

[Calypso]

I notice that when I'm anxious or stressed out, my stomach tends to get very rebellious. So far I haven't found any medication that helps with this condition--I just have to wait until the stress dies down and then my stomach settles down, too. In the short term, I don't mind so much, but if the stress is ongoing, the stomach issues can be a bit of a problem. Any advice, anyone?

[Serenity]

I'd suggest you tackle the underlying problem of the stress first and foremost rather than the stomach symptoms it riles up, Calypso. Stress can affect us all in so many ways and yet we tend to look for ways to ease what it causes instead of tacking the root cause of it, the stress itself. Your bodily reactions are telling you this. Have you looked into the possibility that you might have an ulcer? It's aggravated by stress and might be worth mentioning to your dr.

[mollyL]

Serenity is correct about looking for the underlying cause. My granny used to make this little tonic when her tum was bothering her. Take the juice of about 1/2 lemon, put in a little water for washing it down, and then stir in a half teaspoon or so of baking soda. It fizzes for a second like the test tubes in an old mad scientist movie...well, not so much but it is fun. Drink it down soon as you can and you'll feel better soon.

[Taggart]

I think consulting a doctor is a good idea. I'd be curious to know if you have the beginnings of an ulcer?

I thought I had one a few years ago, but I think when my work and travel situation became less stressful, the symptoms went away.

[Calypso]

I hope it's not an ulcer--it's more of a queasy stomach than a burning pain so perhaps I'm safe. If it persists, though, I will check with my doctor. In the meantime, mollyL, thanks for the recipe. I'll try it the next time my stomach decides to act up.

[Lacey Anne]

My stomach does the same thing. I don't think it's anything to worry about though. Our bodies react in very real ways to our emotions.

[mollyL]

Another very good thing to take along in case your stomach gets queasy, is a simple peppermint drop. Peppermint seems to automatically tell the tum that it's time to stop the mischief. Peppermint also is good with nausea, heartburn, hiccups, and plain old sour stomach. I found out about how good peppermint was when I was broke and my stomach started to play up. You can also eat peppermint ice cream (watch out not to eat too much), or have a cup of peppermint tea.

[Green-Moo]

Ginger tea I think is also good for queasyness. And I think it tastes so much better than pepermint!

[SageMother]

Originally Posted by Calypso

I notice that when I'm anxious or stressed out, my stomach tends to get very rebellious. So far I haven't found any medication that helps with this condition--I just have to wait until the stress dies down and then my stomach settles down, too. In the short term, I don't mind so much, but if the stress is ongoing, the stomach issues can be a bit of a problem. Any advice, anyone?

The stomach reaction is the warning that continued contact with the stressor is more than just a little unwise. Medicating the anxiety and away is just hiding the symptoms and allowing this wear and tear to continue.

I am a firm believer in removing the source of stress instead of allowing it to continue.

[Calypso]

Originally Posted by SageMother

The stomach reaction is the warning that continued contact with the stressor is more than just a little unwise. Medicating the anxiety and away is just hiding the symptoms and allowing this wear and tear to continue.

I am a firm believer in removing the source of stress instead of allowing it to continue.

Unfortunately one of the biggest sources of stress is my job. And I'm lucky enough to have really nice employers. I know from experience that any other place I might find work in my field would be even more stressful. So, I "suck it up" and eat lots of peppermint and lemon.

[SageMother]

Originally Posted by Calypso

Unfortunately one of the biggest sources of stress is my job. And I'm lucky enough to have really nice employers. I know from experience that any other place I might find work in my field would be even more stressful. So, I "suck it up" and eat lots of peppermint and lemon.

Can you analyze when you feel this reaction at your job? It may take some creativity, but arranging things to get around the trigger is terribly important.

[tater03]

I have this same problem whenever I get stressed. I usually end up with diarrhea also. I hate it. I usually buy some Mylanta or something.