Written by N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe |Updated : March 13, 2026 1:31 PM IST
It's a well-known fact that stress negatively impacts mental health but the effect of stress on the digestive system is generally neglected. Experts note that this effect can cause stress- related gut symptoms, which include acidity, bloating and irregular or painful bowel movements. This interaction is described by modern medicine as the gut-brain axis which is a system of communication involving the gut tract and the brain. Under the stress the body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline which may change the gut motility, raise the stomach acid and the balance of the good gut bacteria. These changes can lead to long-term digestive disturbances in the long run.
"Psychological stress is known to cause bowel dysfunction. Psychological stress-associated gastrointestinal symptoms include, but are not limited to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and alteration in bowel habits," the National Institute of Health (NIH) explains. "Classically, many physiological responses to stress are mediated by the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis. In addition to the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis, stress-induced corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) release can also lead to bowel dysfunction by acting directly on the bowel itself and also through the CNS."
In both Western and Ayurvedic medicine, there is an understanding and recognition of the effect of emotional and mental states on digestion. Stress is the natural bodily response to challenge, whether that challenge is physical, emotional or mental. The body will release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to prepare for the coming challenge. While this response is helpful for a few short challenges, long or chronic stress can disrupt the many processes of the body, particularly the digestive system.
"From an Ayurvedic perspective, the understanding of the stress response incorporates an interpretation of the disturbance of the mind caused by excess Rajas and Tamas. When these qualities dominate, there is a disruption of the harmony of mind and body that may manifest as illness," said Vaidya ShikhaPrakash, Senior Ayurvedic Consultant , Padaav Speciality Ayurvedic Treatment Center, Uttarakhand.
"The ability of the body to break down food, absorb the nutrients and get rid of wastes is termed intestinal health, and all of this is a part of the digestive system. For ASEPSIS of the bowel to be achieved, organs like the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and liver must participate fully. Bloating, Nausea, and heaviness after a meal must also be absent."
Recommended Food for a Healthy Abdomen in Ayurveda!
Know the foods that promote digestion and help manage abdominal disorders naturally!#HealthTips#DigestiveHealth#AyushAahar@mppratapraopic.twitter.com/liPQ9NvMi1 Ministry of Ayush (@moayush) March 10, 2025
In Ayurveda, the state of digestion is said to be a function of the strength of one's digestive fire, or Agni. Shikha said, "Balanced Agni will ensure all food eaten can be fully digested and all nutrients can be fully absorbed. Agni that is weak or unbalanced will lead to the incomplete digestion of food and the formation of Ama, which is a toxin made from food that has not been digested. Consequently, Ama is believed to lead to the onset of several diseases."
Modern science has identified that digestion can be connected to the brain via something termed the gut-brain axis. This is a two-way communication system that is made of the central nervous system and the GI tract. Digestive function can be influenced by the emotional states of the individual affected by stress and anxiety and disturbances in digestion can alter the emotional state of the individual.
Charak Samhita advises taking a balanced diet and eating according to one's digestive capacity. The proper quantity of food is determined by the strength of one's digestion. Eating improper quantity of food can lead to various disorders. pic.twitter.com/efT62IQZ1T
All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi (@AIIA_NDelhi) August 6, 2024
When stressed, your body's sympathetic nervous system kicks in, wherein blood flow is redirected to the heart and muscles, causing your body's focus to lean towards immediate survival and away from the digestive processing of food.
"Chronic stress can even lead to digestive disorders like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
and Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which are very common but serious issues. Your body is even more stressed and less digestively effective due to the lack of gastric acids, bile and digestive enzymes," she said. "Stress is even known to alter gut motility, food passage through the digestive system. Gastrointestinal (GI) motility in some cases sped up which can cause diarrheoa."
Stress leads to disarray of the gut microbiome, which in turn causes inflammation and a drop in the body's ability to fend off infection https://t.co/63TlTLJTNY
nature (@Nature) August 10, 2024
Another vital aspect of sleep is its ability to improve one's digestive system. Shikha explains that during sleep, the body enters a phase that strengthens, or boosts, the body systems, which can calm the nervous system and releases a smaller amount of the stress hormones, diverting or inhibiting digestion. Furthermore, sleep can support digestion and a disturbance of sleep can elevate stress which can divert and inhibit the body's appetite, digestion, and the elimination of wastes.
The Ayurvedic system also appreciates the effect that digestion can have on emotions. An imbalance or disturbance of the doshas, including a weakening of the Agni can occur which will lead to the impairment of digestion and the formation of Ama. Stress that will almost surely occur in modern lifestyles can alter digestion. However, the ability to combat stress is a fundamental aspect of digestive health.
#EatRightIndia_108
The Ayurvedic healing system has 6 tastes: sweet,sour,salty, pungent,bitter & astringent. To ensure you're eating a balanced diet,include all 6 in each meal.The energy & intelligence of nature is packaged for you in these 6 tastes.#EatRightIndia@fssaiindiapic.twitter.com/NwdHpuS8dv Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) January 23, 2020
The good news is that simple everyday choices will have a large impact. Here are some essential tips to heal mind-gut imbalance, according to Ayurvedic principles:
"A common saying that describes a digestive imbalance is the phrase 'Hurry, Worry, Curry.' This saying means that eating quickly, living with chronic worries or stress, and eating spicy foods can all create digestive disorders and poor gut health," Shikha said. "Striking a balance with stress is very important and is a life skill to acquire, though modern life may not always allow the elimination of all sources of stress. When the mind is taken care of, it is often the first step to healing the body."
Ayurveda provides a complete solution with the integration of mindful eating, practices of the herb support and stress management that are aimed at restoring harmony between the mind and digestive system to help rebalance the gut and overall well-being.
The content on TheHealthSite.com is only for informational purposes. It is not at all professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for any questions regarding your health or a medical condition.
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