Often people notice that in moments of anxiety they feel the desire to visit the restroom.
Is this because emotions are linked to the gut? Let's try to answer this question.
Emotions do affect many systems of the body. The digestive system is no exception.
Our gastrointestinal tract is very sensitive, which is due to the presence of a large number of nerve endings in it.
There are even pathologies associated with psychological factors, called functional diseases. They are characterized by the absence of damage to the stomach and intestines, ideal tests, but at the same time the person constantly feels discomfort.
The culprit may be the increased sensitivity of those same receptors. Hyperexcitable nerve endings of the digestive tract transmit false signals to the brain, which are perceived as a threat. In response, the brain affects the work of the intestines, causing a feeling of pain or heaviness.
For some people, stress, anxiety or depression can cause the body to perceive the normal digestive process as dangerous, leading to chest pain, abdominal heaviness, belching, nausea and vomiting.
As for isolated cases, called bear disease, it is related to the "fight or flight" response, when a person feels threatened and their autonomic nervous system prepares the body to fight or flee. In such a situation, it is better to get rid of excess weight.
