Stomach Problems? Blame it to Stress, Research Suggests

Amy Taylor June 29, 2016

Do you always struggle with stomach problems? According to the latest research by Cambridge University, nearly 90 per cent of women have had tummy trouble in the past 12 months. And the culprit? It’s not food intolerance. It’s stress.

The brain-gut link has been established in different studies. The study found that upsets were rarely caused by an intolerance, infection or virus. Rather, 30 per cent of adults who have had stomach problems blamed stress. The next top reason was a poor diet, at 26 per cent, followed by lack of sleep, at 17 per cent. Viruses only account for 14 per cent of complaints, and alcohol for another 14 per cent.

Many women forgo treatments. 40 per cent experiences wind, bloating or flatulence, and simply wait for the symptoms to naturally subside.

The research found that women were twice as likely to have severe stress and anxiety as men. The dramatic shift in women’s role plays a big factor. In the past, women tended to stay at home and be responsible for the family, but they are now more likely to hold down a job while bringing up children as well, the researchers said. Such effect was exacerbated by the psychological differences between men and women, they added.

‘The spike in stomach ailments amongst women can be partly attributed to their experience of menstrual cycle-related symptoms.’ said Senior Mintel analyst Jack Duckett. ‘However, it is also linked to women largely remaining the main care providers for children, with the increased exposure to children consequently rendering women more susceptible to germs they may be carrying.’

Not only does stress causes digestive problems. It can also affect our diet and food choices, which may harm gut function. The new findings were published in the journal Brain and Behaviour.

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Are you plagued by stomach problems? STRESS is more likely to blame than a food intolerance

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