A Review on Various Gastro-Intestinal Effects of Mental Stress and Management

Abstract

Stress is caused by the situation, person cannot capable to cope with that unfavourable event and person’s judgment not capable to suit the demand of that event. Symptoms of stress includes Depression, anxiety. Anger, irritability, restlessness. Feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or unfocused, Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, Racing thoughts or constant worry, Problems with your memory or concentration, Making bad decisions etc. The physiological actions in gut are controlled by the Enteric nervous system [ part of central nervous system]. ENS carry millions of nerve cells as sensory motor and interneurons. They have sympathetic and para-sympathetic links. After the stress stimulus is delayed and reach Hypothalamic- pituitary – adrenal axis [ HPA axis] is producing Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF). It directly produces some effects on gut like Changes in permeability of gut, Hypersensitivity to pain in visceral portion of gut, Increase chance of inflammation, Changes in gut motility, Gut microbiota transformation etc. The gastro-intestinal diseases like peptic ulcer, GERD, Inflammatory bowel disease, Irritable-bowel syndrome are produced. Techniques likes Yoga, meditation, physical exercises produce prevention and reduction of stress. In case of gastro- intestinal disorders some anxiolytics, ulcer- protectives, food changes can manage complications. 

Keywords: Psychological stress, gastro-intestinal effects, Cortisol, Management techniques.