Did You Know!
Stress Doesn’t Directly Cause Most Stomach Disorders—But It Can Make Them Much Worse
For years, people believed stress caused ulcers. Today we know that most stomach ulcers are linked to infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
However, chronic stress can:
- Increase stomach acid production in some people
- Slow or speed digestion
- Worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Increase the perception of pain
- Delay healing of existing stomach problems
Managing stress may not cure a digestive disorder, but it can often reduce symptom severity and improve quality of life.
