Nerves in the stomach: what are they, symptoms, how to control them

Day-to-day conflicts, concerns and responsibilities can generate certain levels of stress and anxiety that can manifest themselves in very different and curious ways. One of them is through nerves in the stomach.

Traditionally it has been said that our stomach is our second brain due to the large number of neurons linked to our digestive system, So it is logical to think that an overload of worries and negative emotions ends up manifesting itself through this type of pain ABS.

• Related article: "The 7 types of anxiety (causes and symptoms)"

What are the nerves in the stomach?

Daily anxieties and worries can be reflected in the form of physical symptoms. One of these symptoms is the nerves of the stomach. States of anxiety or experiences with a very high emotional charge can cause discomfort in the area popularly called the "pit of the stomach".

This pain can be throbbing and highly annoying, causing a general discomfort that is difficult to make disappear. Because they are a real nuisance, it is very important to know what thoughts and situations provoke them, as well as learn to manage them in cases where they continually appear.

What is the cause?

As we mentioned earlier, states of anxiety and high stress are the main reason that causes the appearance of these nerves in the stomach. These states of emotional disturbances are factors caused by worries, concerns and nerves that have their origin in our cognition. That is, in our thoughts and in the way we face situations or problems.

The cognitive symptoms of anxiety usually manifest in the form of intrusive thoughts and ideas, constant worries and feelings of anguish. Over time, these thoughts can seriously interfere with our mood as they become the sole focus of our mind's attention.

In addition, these thoughts not only act in our mind or mood, but, if we do not solve them, can affect us physically through a process called somatization.

The somatization it is the unconscious ability to convert psychological symptoms or disorders into organic and functional symptoms. That is, in physical symptoms. Through this process we can observe how our mind and ours are closely linked and that a serious discomfort or alteration in one will inevitably manifest itself in the other.

In the specific case of the nerves in the stomach, when these states of anxiety and stress turn into emotions, they usually cause the physical symptoms of this alteration: stomach aches and pains.

In what situations do they appear?

There is no specific situation or experience that brings out this discomfort, but rather there are several circumstances that can give rise to nerves in the stomach.

1. In response to a specific stimulus

Throughout our lives we will have to face different specific situations in which nerves and stress can play tricks on us. Times of examinations, job interviews or the moment prior to the delivery of medical results, are situations in which the appearance of nerves in the stomach is considered as something perfectly normal.

In these situations our body is activated in response to a stimulus that disturbs us. However this pain caused by the nerves in the stomach it will disappear as soon as the dreaded situation ends or disappears.

2. Chronic stress and anxiety states

The most disturbing and disabling nerves in the stomach are those caused by chronic stress and anxiety.

When negative emotions are permanently installed and nerves appear in the stomach, stomach discomfort does not go away, so it is vitally important to carry out actions that improve our psychological health and thus, also eliminate the associated physical discomfort.

• You may be interested: "Chronic stress: causes, symptoms and treatment"

7 guidelines to alleviate this discomfort

Fortunately, even in the most disabling cases of nerves in the stomach, there are actions that the person can take to relieve them or even to eliminate them completely.

Below you will find several suggestions to calm or eliminate the nerves in the stomach.

1. Try to control anxiety

It has already been made clear on numerous occasions that the first and main cause of nervousness in the stomach are states of anxiety and stress, caused by constant worries in relation to any topic.

For this reason, one of the first steps to take is to try to detect what are the thoughts and concerns that these negative states generate, and then try to modify them or put a solution to these.

Given that, in cases where anxiety has become chronic, it can be really difficult to do this mental work by yourself; It is highly recommended go to a mental health specialist to help us with this work.

2. Avoid day-to-day stress

Although it seems easier said than done, a good organization of the day can help us prioritize what is important and leave us free time to relax and escape. In this way we will spend the days much more relaxed, with a calmer life and the daily demands will wear us down to a lesser extent.

3. Breathing and relaxation exercises

Since our goal is to lead a much calmer and calmer pace of life, learning to breathe correctly and relax can be of great help.

Performing abdominal breaths, using the muscles located in the gut area will help us to oxygenate ourselves better and to feel relaxed during the day.

In the same way, on occasions when anxiety or stress begin to overcome us, carry out relaxation exercises in calm environments and through slow, deep breaths It will also be highly effective in reducing the activation levels of our body.

4. Control what we eat

High-calorie foods, excess carbohydrates, and stimulating foods and drinks can only further aggravate our state of discomfort and gastric pain.

Therefore, both the moments in which the nerves in the stomach affect us, and throughout our lives, it is vitally important to maintain a varied and balanced diet, that helps us to make light digestions and not to force our gastrointestinal system.

5. Perform relaxing physical exercise

There are numerous disciplines of physical exercise such as yoga or Pilates that, in addition to having innumerable physical benefits, will help us to maintain a calm and relaxed mental state.

Through these exercises we can relieve both physical and mental tension and will help us improve in many aspects of our life. By performing a few simple exercises we will quickly notice how this tension decreases and the nerves of the stomach are relieved and even disappear.

6. Pleasant activities

If our thing is not physical exercise, we can dedicate a space of time each day to carry out activities that we like, relax us and are pleasant for us. Painting, crafts or reading can help us disconnect.

In the same way, outdoor activities can also be highly beneficial when it comes to reducing stress levels.

7. Relaxing drinks and infusions

In the event that the pain associated with the nerves of the stomach has already made its appearance, there are many natural remedies in the form of herbal teas and infusions that can help us reduce the intensity of these inconvenience. Some of these infusions are:

• Chamomile.
• Passionflower.
• Balm.
• Anise.
• Clove.
• Linden and mint.
• St. John's wort or St. John's plant.
• Valerian infusion.