Stressful events can also trigger emotional feelings of anxiety, fear, insecurity and anger. For most people, brief stressful encounters are well tolerated. Prolonged stress, however, has been linked to many health problems including sleep disturbances, ulcers , irritable bowel syndrome , high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and depressed immune function. Scientists have been researching the effects of stress on illness for over fifty years. Many studies have shown a link between chronic stress and some digestive diseases, as well as impaired immune system function.
Researchers believe that chronic stress affects the digestive tract in a number of ways.
For example, the hormones released in response to stress may increase stomach acid production or cause increased movement of the small and large intestine. Moreover, stress has been shown to increase gastric acid secretion, aggravating ulcers . Therefore, managing stress is an important factor in preventing digestive disease and maintaining good digestive function. To manage stress effectively, you need to be aware of your major sources of stress. Since it is easy to underestimate or overlook some factors that create stressful reactions for you, it may help to keep a 'stress diary' for a week or two.