In: Anatomy and Physiology
List the physiological changes brought about by stress on the gastrointestinal system.
Stress affects our digestive system in many ways. When stress occur there will be alteration of the brain gut actions.This may lead to gastrointestinal disorders and inflammatory bowel disease.The stress will effect the gastrointestinal motility ,alterations in gastrointestinal secretions,negative effects on intestinal microbiota,increase in intestinal permeability,it also effect the regenerative capacity of gastrointestinal mucosa.One of the major stress hormone is cortisol.This is released at the time of stress.This results in stress related food cravings by boosting abdominal fat along with insulin.Stress will cause a decrease in blood flow and oxygen flow to the stomach.It may lead to cramping. It is important to control stressful situations to keep away all these irritations and disorders.By yoga,meditation,by regular exercises,and by eating stress busting foods we can manage and control stress