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Do Anxiety And Depression Have An Effect On The Digestion?

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Posted on Thu, 22 Jun 2017
Question: I am a patient of anxiety and depression too.This affects my abdomen and digestion. Kindly prescribe the treatment
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Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Stress reduction is important

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Stress and anxiety are known to increase the secretion of stomach acids and to thereby lead to gastritis and dyspepsia. Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces. If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate, stomach acid will reflux into the food pipe and on the other hand the bowel habits would not be proper. Degradation of undigested food in the intestines by the intestinal bacteria would lead to the excess gas formation.

In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following:
* Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals.
* Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit).
* Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast.
* Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake.
* Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper.
* If I had a patient like you I would perhaps have suggested Prodep (fluoxetine) 20 mg tablet (long term anxiolytic and a prescription drug) once daily for at least 2 months (it may take time for the action to set in). Discuss about this with your treating physician.
* Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help.
* Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1954

Answered : 4467 Questions

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Do Anxiety And Depression Have An Effect On The Digestion?

Brief Answer: Stress reduction is important Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Stress and anxiety are known to increase the secretion of stomach acids and to thereby lead to gastritis and dyspepsia. Our gastrointestinal tract has a forward propulsive movement (peristalsis) that moves the food material forward as it is digested, absorbed and finally expelled as feces. If somehow this movement gets hampered, food along with the digestive juices would stagnate, stomach acid will reflux into the food pipe and on the other hand the bowel habits would not be proper. Degradation of undigested food in the intestines by the intestinal bacteria would lead to the excess gas formation. In order to relieve yourself, you need to do the following: * Avoid spicy food. Take small but frequent meals. Avoid long gaps between meals. * Avoid alcohol intake (if it a part of your habit). * Take Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast. * Take plenty of green leafy vegetables as well as other sources of dietary fibers. Take fiber supplements like isabgol/psyllium husk or senna. I would insist you to increase your dietary fiber intake. * Regular morning walk and exercise to keep the bowel movements proper. * If I had a patient like you I would perhaps have suggested Prodep (fluoxetine) 20 mg tablet (long term anxiolytic and a prescription drug) once daily for at least 2 months (it may take time for the action to set in). Discuss about this with your treating physician. * Take curd or yogurt on daily basis. It contains beneficial bacteria and should help. * Stress reduction has a very important role to play. Yoga and meditation should help. Let me know if I could help further. Regards