The conflicts, worries and responsibilities of everyday life 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 .

It has traditionally 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 will end up manifesting itself through this type of abdominal pain.

What are the nerves in the stomach?

Daily anxieties and concerns may be reflected in the form of physical symptoms. One of these symptoms is the nerves in the stomach. Anxious states 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 sharp and highly annoying, causing a general discomfort that is very 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 to learn how to manage them in cases where they appear continuously.

What’s the cause?

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

The cognitive symptoms of anxiety often manifest themselves in the form of intrusive thoughts and ideas, constant worry and feelings of distress. Over time, these thoughts can seriously interfere with our mood as they become the sole focus of our mind.

Furthermore, these thoughts not only act on our mind or state of mind, but if we do not resolve them they can affect us physically through a process called somatization .

Somatization is the unconscious ability to convert psychological symptoms or disorders into organic and functional symptoms. That is, into 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 irremediably manifest itself in the other.

In the specific case of the nerves in the stomach, when these states of anxiety and stress become 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 makes this discomfort appear, 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 concrete situations in which nerves and stress can play tricks on us. Examination periods, job interviews or the moment before the delivery of medical results are situations in which the appearance of nerves in the stomach is considered perfectly normal.

In these situations our body is activated in response to a disturbing stimulus. However, this pain caused by the nerves in the stomach will disappear as soon as the feared situation is over or disappears .

2. Chronic anxiety and stress states

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

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

7 guidelines for alleviating this discomfort

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

Below are several suggestions for calming or eliminating nerves in the stomach.

1. Trying to control anxiety

It has already been made clear on numerous occasions that the first and main cause of nerves in the stomach are states of anxiety and stress, caused by constant worrying about any subject.

That is why one of the first steps to be taken is to try to detect what thoughts and concerns generate these negative states and then try to modify or solve them.

Given that, in cases where the anxiety has become chronic, it can be really complicated to carry out this mental work by oneself, it is highly recommended to go to a mental health specialist who can help us in this task .

2. Avoiding day-to-day stress

Although it may seem easier to say than to do, a good organization of the day can help us to 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 more tranquil life and the daily demands will wear us out to a lesser extent.

3. Breathing and relaxation exercises

Since our goal is to lead a much calmer and more peaceful life, learning to breathe properly and relax can be a great help to us.

Doing abdominal breathing, using the muscles located in the area of the belly will help us to oxygenate better and feel relaxed during the day.

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

4. Controlling what we eat

High-calorie foods, excess carbohydrates, and stimulant foods and beverages can only further aggravate our gastric discomfort and pain.

Therefore, both when the nerves in our stomach are affected, and throughout our lives, it is vitally important to maintain a varied and balanced diet , which helps us to perform light digestions and not force our gastrointestinal system.

5. Perform relaxing physical exercise

There are many disciplines of physical exercise such as yoga or pilates that, in addition to possessing countless physical benefits, will help us stay in a calm and relaxed state of mind.

Through these exercises we will be able to relieve both physical and mental tension and they will help us to improve in many aspects of our lives. By doing some simple exercises we will quickly notice how this tension decreases and the nerves in the stomach are relieved and even disappear.

6. Pleasant activities

If physical exercise is not your thing, you can spend some time each day doing activities that you like, relax and enjoy. Painting, handicrafts or reading can help us disconnect.

Similarly, outdoor activities can also be highly beneficial in reducing stress levels.

7. Relaxing drinks and infusions

In the case 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 to reduce the intensity of this discomfort. Some of these infusions are:

  • Chamomile.
  • Passionflower .
  • Melissa.
  • Aniseed.
  • Clove.
  • Linden and mint .
  • Hypericum or San Juan plant.
  • Valerian infusion.