5. Stress: Not Just in Your Head, but in Your Stomach
Let’s debunk a myth right off the bat. Stress alone may not cause stomach ulcers, but it sure as heck exacerbates them. People under chronic stress have a heightened risk of developing ulcers, but the mechanics behind it are not as straightforward as one might think.
Stress triggers the ‘fight or flight’ response, releasing a cocktail of hormones, including cortisol. Now cortisol does many things, but relevant here is its ability to boost stomach acid production. Increased acid levels, in turn, put the stomach lining at risk, rendering it vulnerable to ulcer formation.
Another indirect pathway involves coping mechanisms. People under stress often resort to habits like smoking or excessive drinking, which we’ve already established are risk factors for ulcers. In that way, stress acts like a gateway, leading to behaviors that increase the chances of developing an ulcer.
But stress also affects the body in a more insidious way by weakening the immune system. A weakened immune system can’t fight off bacteria or repair tissue effectively, making existing problems worse. In terms of ulcers, this means a slower healing process and an increased likelihood of complications. (5)
