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Psychiatry Blog

Discussing topics like how to find a psychiatrist, psychiatrist vs. counselor, what is psychotherapy, and much more.


​Our blog is meant to provide information and answers to common questions in psychiatry, cognitive behavioral therapy, mental illness, mental health professionals, talk therapy, psychologists, substance abuse, and anything else that would be helpful to those seeking mental health information. Knowing how to find a good psychiatrist, and what a licensed psychiatrist is will help you in your search.

Nervous Stomach

2/10/2021

16 Comments

 

​How to Calm Down a Nervous Stomach

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You’ve probably felt it before- the flutter in your stomach when you’re about to speak in front of a crowd, talking with a crush, or facing a huge fear. However, the discomfort and ‘butterflies’ in your stomach can feel much worse, to the point it’s painful and can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
 
This is what we call a ‘nervous stomach’, which is one of the many prime examples of how our emotions can affect our bodies, physically. But what does a nervous stomach mean and how can we get rid of it?
 
We'll be tackling the causes, symptoms, and treatment for the nervous stomach.
 
Causes and Symptoms of a Nervous Stomach
Our gastrointestinal systems have their own nervous systems, known as the enteric nervous system. The nerve endings in our stomach respond to stress hormones that are transmitted from our brains, a part of the flight-or-fight response we have. This response causes our stress hormones to signal our stomachs to slow down, which helps more blood to pump in our hearts, lungs, and muscles.
 
High-stress levels can trigger the flight-or-fight response, causing our stomach to 'act up'. Stress levels and triggers vary from person to person, though common triggers include:

  • Fear or upcoming events that trigger nervousness
  • Financial issues
  • Relationship or family issues
  • Changes in work or school
  • Moving
  • Chronic illness
  • Death or loss of loved ones
 
Those with a nervous stomach can give people ‘butterflies’, which is a normal and mild feeling. Sometimes, it can go as far as making the person feel like they want to vomit.
 
Other times, the symptoms can get worse, mirroring the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. Here are symptoms associated with a nervous stomach:

  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Delayed gastric emptying
  • Frequent flatulence
  • Indigestion
  • Fluttering or warm feeling in the pit of your stomach
 
Take note that this is different from irritable bowel syndrome, gastroenteritis, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. If you experience other symptoms related to the mentioned disorders, do have it checked with a doctor for immediate treatment.
 
What You Can Do About It
The first thing you should do to treat the nervous stomach is to identify your stress triggers, which can help you know how to address them and reduce the symptoms. It’s also best to have it checked with your doctor to rule out any gastrointestinal disorders.
 
Treatments for the nervous stomach include:

  • Seeking professional treatment and therapy to reduce stress
  • Medication for anxiety and depression
  • Meditation and other stress-relieving techniques, such as breathing exercises or repeating a mantra
  • Other stress-relieving activities like journaling, reading, exercising, talking to loved ones, or even listening to music
  • Taking frequent breaks from work or school, if these are the main triggers of stress hormones. This can prevent the nervous stomach
  • Avoiding food that can worsen an already upset nervous stomach, such as caffeinated beverages, dairy products, among others
  • Using natural remedies such as ginger teas, supplements, or essential oils
 
Wrapping It Up
Having a nervous stomach can be quite painful and uncomfortable, leading to long-term issues. However, when you are more knowledgeable on its causes and identify the triggers, you can control the symptoms and reduce any pain felt when anxious or stressed. It all boils down to being aware of your emotions and performing exercises to control the negativity.
 
Take this information in mind and start learning more on how to keep your mental and physical health in check! Good luck and stay healthy.
 
For those who have questions or want to share their experiences with the nervous stomach, let us know what you think in the comments section below. Your thoughts are much appreciated!
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16 Comments
Pankaj Kr Singh link
11/16/2021 11:35:41 pm

This blog is really a good read and well written. We all go through upset stomach and abdominal pain during our life cycle, the main issue is the lack of awareness on when to reach the doctor. This blog has given the right direction on the same.
https://www.manipalhospitals.com/malleshwaram/specialities/gastrointestinal-science/
I have added this link which will give more idea to the readers and will be helpful for you also.
Thank you

Reply
Duteurtre
12/18/2022 03:41:20 am

Excellent advice thank you so much, it Will help me greatly because I recognize my symptoms...
Marianne

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Barbara
3/2/2023 02:24:47 am

Having over come anxiety myself, and without medication, I can certainly relate to wanting any way out of those feelings. Anxiety (any level) is an uncomfortable feeling. The good news is that you can get rid of anxiety naturally with this natural remedy: bit.ly/3ZfhGKz

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kennerh taura
12/8/2021 11:04:05 pm

butterflies belly take clonasapan also does not help my stomach

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Ashton
1/6/2022 08:33:50 pm

I’m 20 years old I have just been diagnosed with anxiety and depression and was given medication but from time to time your mind plays some tricks on you nervous stomach is real and makes you feel terrible! Many times I’ve called out of work and even had to cancel plans !! I’m still learning how to cope and I hope everyone else will find peace ! 💗

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Sarah Clark
2/16/2022 07:00:32 am

I have been suffering with anxiety IBS and nervous tummy for 28 years now. Some days are better than others and I feel so scared when my mind plays tricks on me. Although my symptoms flare up really bad every couple of years. I constantly live with this condition. I get very frustrated as I am a very strong person as a whole and hate the fact that I am suffering like this. I take Paroxetine and have just tried probiotic tablets which I hope will help. Hope you all feel better soon.

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Kathy
8/3/2022 01:19:52 pm

I’m sorry that you have been experiencing this for so long especially because I do understand as I too have a decades old nervous stomach. I’m tired of it. Therapy is helping, but I would like it gone for good.

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Katrina Ward
2/1/2023 12:11:27 pm

I was reading your post. I have a nervous stomach when I wake every morning so much going on in my life. Can you tell me what I can take either over the counter. It’s so frustrating every single morning. Thank you

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Rutuja
2/27/2022 09:55:23 am

I just feel stress and anxiety whenever I am in crowd around In tuitions...I am 19 years old...Hence, my stress level or I can say the anxiety starts coming up n my stomach hurts n come up to make some noices in stomach. I am just trying to wrap up this problem as soon as possible..:(

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Salem
3/17/2022 07:02:52 pm

Only in while visiting church gathering away from home.


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Gena bragg
4/30/2022 08:31:50 am

Have had this since about sixth grade when I see something that's scary or stand before a crowd or phone ring late at or just thinking of something bad makes my heart race so fast.what is wrong me?please tell me what to do to stay more calm.

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Maritzathankyouforhelp
9/21/2022 05:56:17 am

Thank you forhelp

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Jay
10/13/2022 05:27:10 am

I’ve always had stomach issues such as gastritis, i was diagnosed with the helicobacter in 2018 and I’ve been taking medication till my stomach got better physically, but one thing I’m still trying to cope with and i couldn’t cure which are stomach problems related to anxiety and stress, so every time i have a problem or just overthink things i feel nauseous and i have to go throw up immediately. It kind of broke me a little because i cannot control it anymore, sometimes might be just a thought on my mind then I’ll start feeling bloated then nauseous then i have to throw up, sometimes it goes for days where i can’t eat anything because i feel nauseous all day. I tried CBD oil recently, seems to help sometimes but not so effective in my case, I’m seeking help if anyone had same issue before or felt same way i would be very grateful

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Aniket gupta link
2/15/2023 08:03:15 am

Thank you for this article. It was very useful as I was searching for it from past few time and it helped me a lot. Thanks again.

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Pauly Konhaus iii
2/17/2023 02:56:04 pm

My friend is in constant emotional distress and always saying her stomach isn’t right. She is also trying to stop drinking and there in it self is most likely the issue. She takes Zoloft. Bunch of family issues and i just wish i could help her!!! She doesn’t wanna do any of these things., so im doing it for her. Thank you people 🙏❤️

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Juleen Carriere link
3/1/2023 02:53:50 pm

I've taken Imodium for years due to a nervous stomach or whatever you call it. I take 12-15 imodium first thing in the morning. A meeting or getting in a car or any place without a bathroom triggers instant problems. I take Xanax when needed. Nothing helps. Cant go on boat rides, dentist, dr. appts., haircuts, pedicures, anything that traps in a place.

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