Gut health ruined due to stress

[Servent]

My stress and anxiety causes a lot of digestive problems and discomfort.

The worst part is I am getting sharp crampy pains around my stomach and bowels.

It's like a gas trap...I do a lot of burps trying to relax but still sometimes get these disturbing intense pains.

[therising]

Hi Servent

I feel so much for you as you face terrible discomfort and pain while having to also face such challenging anxiety on top of it.

Besides looking into consulting a GP, dietician or gastroenterologist, I wonder whether you've ever looked into 'Gut microbiome and anxiety'. Such a fascinating area of research that could be well worth looking into.

[David35]

Have you tried Yakkult? It's a probiotic drink you buy from Coles or Woolies. It tastes like sugary milk. I found this helps. Degas tablets are another one which I find more effective than an antacid.

[sbella02]

Hi Servent,

Thank you for seeking help here with us, we're happy to have you here.

These "somatic" or physical symptoms can actually be quite common in conjunction with mental health struggles like stress and anxiety. Your GP may be able to offer some advice or tips to help you out with this. 

Do you get much sleep? Sometimes lack of sleep can compound this too, as well as other lifestyle factors like diet. I know that when I'm stressed, it tends to be a breeding ground for me eating things that are really high in sugar, which can make my stomach cramp up.

Always a good idea to consult your GP first though. They're well-trained to give you professional advice!

All the best, SB