4. Stress-Induced Gastritis: When Your Mind Attacks Your Stomach
Stress—you can’t see it or touch it, but you sure can feel it, especially in your stomach. Unlike other causes of gastritis that stem from external factors like bacteria or substances, stress-induced gastritis is a unique beast. It’s your body turning on itself, a vicious cycle where mental unrest leads to physical discomfort.
So how does stress literally cause your stomach to inflame? During stressful events, your body’s fight-or-flight mechanism kicks in, diverting blood flow from non-essential organs like the stomach. This lack of blood flow can lead to a weakened stomach lining, making it more susceptible to the corrosive effects of stomach acid. It’s not merely an emotional reaction; it’s a biochemical one.
However, let’s put something straight: Not all stress is bad. Your body is designed to handle short bursts of stress. But chronic stress? That’s a whole different ballgame. When stress becomes chronic, your stomach doesn’t get the break it needs to repair its lining, which opens the door for gastritis to develop. (4)
