There is a certain correlation between stomach discomfort and mood. The gastrointestinal tract of the human body is known as the “second brain” because it has a complex neural network capable of information processing and reaction independent of the brain’s centre. The following is a detailed analysis of the relationship between stomach discomfort and mood:The effect of psychological factors on the gastrointestinal tractEmotional and gastrointestinal functions: Studies show that emotional fluctuations can directly affect the function of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, when people feel nervous, anxious or stressful, gastrointestinal creeping can accelerate or slow down, leading to diarrhoea or constipation. At the same time, emotional stress may also lead to increased stomach acidity and symptoms such as stomach pain and stomach fever.Brain-intestinal axis: The brain-intestinal axis is a two-way communication system linking the brain and the gastrointestinal tract through complex interactions between the nervous, hormone and immune systems. When a person is under stress or emotional fluctuations, the brain sends a signal to the gastrointestinal tract through the brain-intestinal axis, affecting its function.Stress: When faced with stress, the body initiates a “combat or escape” response, which is a stress response. This reaction leads to a decrease in gastrointestinal blood flow, which in turn affects digestive and absorption functions and can lead to stomach pains, stomach swelling, etc.Relationship between mood and gastrointestinal diseaseFunctional indigestion: This is a common functional gastrointestinal disease with symptoms of stomach pain, stomach swelling, early saturation, etc. Studies have shown that psychological factors such as anxiety, depression and the occurrence of functional indigestion are closely related.IBS: A disease characterized by abdominal pain, abdominal swelling and defecation habits. Psychological stress is an important factor in triggering or exacerbating IBS symptoms.GED: Even though the main reason for the back-up of the stomach is excess stomach acids or abnormal duct-eating aphrodisiac muscle, emotional stress is also considered a trigger.The mood affects the specifics of stomach disorders.Stomach pain: Stress and anxiety can cause stress on stomach walls and stomach pain.Stomach swelling: Emotional fluctuations can lead to an abnormal movement of the gastrointestinal tract, with food staying too long in the intestinal tract, generating too much gas and causing stomach swelling.Disgusting vomiting: Strong emotional reactions, such as extreme anxiety or panic, can lead to nausea and vomiting.Changes in appetite: When people are in a bad mood, their appetite may decline, or extreme behaviour, such as drinking, can have an impact on the stomach.ResponseEmotional management: Learning stress management and emotional management techniques, such as deep breath, meditation, yoga, etc., help to reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.A healthy lifestyle: Maintaining regularity, balancing diets, adequate exercise, and helping to improve mood and gastrointestinal health.Psychological counselling: In the case of long-term or serious emotional problems, the help of a psychologist is more effective in dealing with emotional distress.Drug treatment: The appropriate use of anti-anger and anti-depressants, under the guidance of a doctor, can help to regulate emotions and reduce gastrointestinal symptoms.ConclusionsThere is a close link between stomach discomfort and mood. Psychological factors can influence the function of the gastrointestinal tract through the brain-intestinal axle, leading to various digestive system symptoms. Therefore, the maintenance of mental health is essential for maintaining gastrointestinal health. When the stomach appears to be irregular, attention should be paid to its emotional state and measures taken to improve it, in addition to consideration of dietary and lifestyle factors. Through an integrated approach, stomach disorders can be managed and mitigated more effectively to improve the quality of life.
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