10 Symptoms of Stress

8. Digestive Problems

People who are stressed often experience digestive issues and changes in appetite. They may report bloating, stomach pain, constipation, and diarrhea in moments of intense stress. Individuals with inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome may be particularly sensitive to stress. The reaction is the result of the body's fight or flight response, and both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems help regulate this response. These systems also interact with the enteric nervous system responsible for digestion. During the fight or flight response, the body redirects energy that would be used for digestion to the muscles, so a person can flee or do battle. This shift in priorities can lead to digestive disturbances.