1 February 2022

Stress cannot be digested

Since the start of the pandemic, twice as many people have felt stressful as a year earlier. Constant stress severely damages the digestive system - including the gut microbiota - causing unpleasant symptoms and leading to serious complications.

The pandemic has had a significant impact on all of our lives, we were under more and longer-lasting stress. According to a study, 70% of people said they felt stressed in 2020, which is more than double compared to the 2019 data. These results are especially true for managers, executives, who also need to deal with the economic impact of the pandemic. But how does this constant and intense stress affect the digestive system? This was briefly summarized by Dr. Róbert Sike, internal specialist and gastroenterologist at the Affidea Gastroenterology Center.

Stress puts the digestive system into standby mode

Stress affects not only our digestive system but our entire body. This is a defensive reaction with which we respond to specific emergencies.  The pulse and blood circulation speed up to transport blood to the muscles, the central nervous system also focuses on the given task, the pupils dilate, which puts the functioning of the digestive system in the background. In such cases, it is not primary that the digestive juices are produced in large quantities or that the food-transfer movement of the intestinal tract functions properly. “Normally, this heightened state lasts only a few minutes, the problem is if it lasts for days or even weeks and chronic stress develops. - says Dr. Róbert Sike - Due to the pressure of civilization, nowadays the human body does not have enough time to regenerate and rest. The persistent 'reserve state' of the digestive system leads to unpleasant symptoms and, as a later complication, to serious illness.'

Stomach ulcer is not the most common gastrointestinal stress disorder

“Although stomach ulcers are considered the main consequence of a stressful lifestyle, in reality this is not the case. Patients come to Affidea with the most varied gastrointestinal symptoms, such as poor digestion, constant hunger or a feeling of fullness after a meal, not being able to eat, bloating, constipation or unjustified diarrhea.” said the gastroenterologist. Stomach ulcer is caused primarily by helicobacter bacterial infection, secondly by taking certain types of medications, and stress is only in third place as a causal factor. Damage to the microbiome (gut microbiota), which is caused by inadequate nutrition, is much easier to associate with a stressful lifestyle: we consume too many fast-digesting carbohydrates, not enough fiber and other nutrients, and all this is done unsystematically and in addition we destroy it with alcohol.

We do not deal with the symptoms caused by stress unless they are already severe

“Our current experience is that people overworking don’t take much time to remedy their symptoms, which have worsened in the last year. They feel the pandemic is not over yet, so they don’t see a doctor. However, it would be very important to recognize the changes caused by stress in time to make them easier to treat before more serious complications develop.” emphasized Dr. Róbert Sike. Stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms are examined according to age. In all cases a detailed inquiry (medical history), full laboratory examination (liver, kidney, inflammatory markers, iron level), stool blood analysis and abdominal ultrasound is necessary. Due to the increased risk of cancer, for patients over 45 years of age it is also necessary to supplement it with colonoscopy.

Under 30 years of age food intolerance, over 50 years of age cancer is a risk

An irregular diet high in carbohydrates and alcohol damage the microbiome, the gut flora. As a result, the antigens of various nutrients and foods are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to food intolerance and unpleasant symptoms. This is a symptom mainly of younger age groups, while over 50 years of age cancer may be suspected.  The problem should be examined and treated by a specialist in all cases, regardless of age. “If all screenings are negative and we haven’t found any serious problems, treating the symptoms can only be remedied with a lifestyle change. It is important to eat regularly for the right amount of time with proper chewing. You need proper calorie-rich food with fast and slow carbs, protein and fat, and plant fibers. If possible, do not substitute your vitamin and other nutrient needs from tablets, rather from natural, fresh, seasonal food sources. Avoid alcohol and smoking which is harmful to the microbiome and get at least 6-7 hours of sleep a day.” added Dr. Róbert Sike.

Affidea Bank Center Diagnostic and Gastroenterology Center can be found in Bank Center on Szabadság Square. Our patients can enter our center through the office building on the ground floor and directly from Sas street, next to the entrance of the underground garage. Located in the heart of the city, Bank Center offers state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, gastroenterological and specialist examinations.

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00663-2

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