According to the U.S. Census, more than 40 million American adults have an anxiety disorder. Stress is normal for everyone from time to time, but it can be debilitating if you are dealing with anxiety on a regular basis. In addition to taking a toll on your mental health, anxiety can be the source of several physical symptoms. Dr. Lynne Ahn, an integrative gastroenterologist and functional medicine physician in Wellesley, discusses some of these symptoms in this blog.
Heart Issues
Anxiety puts undue stress on the heart. When you feel anxious, you may even notice your heart is pounding in your chest or even palpitations. This occurs because your body releases noradrenaline (also known as the “fight or flight” hormone) when anxious to help you focus during what your body perceives to be an emergency. Noradrenaline then temporarily raises your blood pressure and heart rate. Unfortunately, frequent responses like this can significantly elevate your risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke.
Digestive Problems
There is a known mind-gut axis, so thoughts and stress can wreak havoc on your GI system. The hormones and neurotransmitters released when you have anxiety can have concrete effects on your digestive tract. This is most often felt in the form of an upset stomach, but can also compound and lead to constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps. Chronic anxiety has been linked to conditions like functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Nearly half of all people who seek treatment for IBS are also diagnosed with anxiety or depression.
Disrupted Sleep
Everyone can relate to the feeling of having too much on your mind to fall asleep. However, the problem can be deeper than that. Stress hormones released when you feel anxious put your body on high alert, making it much more difficult to fall asleep. The lack of sleep combined with stress can make your body feel constantly exhausted. When you do fall asleep, your anxiety increases your chances of having nightmares.
Sweating
Developing sweaty palms when you are nervous/anxious is a legitimate symptom. That’s because stress hormones like cortisol cause your internal body temperature to elevate, which in turn prompts perspiration. While sweat is most likely to be noticed on your hands, feet, groin, and underarms, perspiration can strike almost anywhere on your body.
Weight Fluctuation
You may also find that you have difficulty maintaining a steady weight while dealing with anxiety. Weight gain is common because eating releases endorphins in some people, which can improve your mood. The aforementioned exhaustion related to anxiety can also cause you to be less physically active. Moreover, an increase in cortisol production is known to cause more fat accumulation around the abdomen.
However, you may also find that your stress has caused you to lose weight. Your body may accelerate its metabolic rate when stressed, hence burning more calories. You may also have a reduced appetite, which prompts you to consume fewer calories overall.
Manage Your Anxiety to Improve Your Mental and Physical Health
Coping with stress can help to relieve a range of psychological and physical symptoms. Dr. Ahn has helped many patients to lower their anxiety with coping strategies and lifestyle modifications to improve their overall wellbeing. To learn more, please schedule a consultation at Ahn Point Wellness by calling (781) 237-1600 today.
