Ask a doctor - Can stress cause loss of appetite and nausea?

Q. Can stress cause loss of appetite and nausea?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Absolutely! Stress can be a major cause of loss of appetite and nausea. In fact, research has found that chronic stress has been associated with an increased risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, when the body is under a lot of psychological pressure it produces hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline which can lead to feelings of anxiety and distress. These feelings may then trigger digestive issues such as loss of appetite, nausea, changes in gut motility or decreased ability to digest food properly.

Furthermore, high levels of stress are linked to compromised immune system functioning which may contribute to increased risk for developing gastrointestinal infections like Helicobacter pylori or viral gastroenteritis. Reduced immunity levels can also lead to poor digestion and make you more likely to experience discomfort after eating certain foods or develop symptoms like bloating and cramping.

Therefore, it is important that we find ways to reduce our stress levels in order to ensure healthy digestion and nutrition We should focus on cultivating healthy coping strategies such as mindfulness practices, deep breathing exercises or physical activity – all proven methods for managing feelings of anxiety. Additionally therapeutic treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) have shown great promise in helping people overcome their negative thought processes & behaviours in order counteract their elevated stress levels & effectively manage their anxious states.