If you’re a hypochondriac, you know that your hypochondria and any subsequent anxiety resulting from said hypochondria can cause some pretty gnarly physical symptoms. One of the most common symptoms associated with hypochondria is an upset stomach. It makes total sense: when we’re anxious about our hypochondriac thoughts, neurotransmitters and hormones are released in the body that can negatively affect your gut motility. Anxiety can also affect the gut’s natural bacteria, which can cause additional stomach discomfort.
If you are currently suffering from a hypochondriac upset stomach, here are twelve ways to overcome it:
Get Some Fresh Air.
If your stomach hurts from your hypochondriac thoughts, one potential remedy is to get some fresh air. Taking a walk outside can help to calm you down and may also help to settle your stomach. If you don’t have access to the outdoors, simply opening a window can also be beneficial. Don’t underestimate the power of fresh air!
Drink Lots of Fluids.
When you have a hypochondriac upset stomach, it is important to drink lots of fluids. This will help to flush out your system and keep your body hydrated. Drinking herbal teas can also be helpful, as they can help to soothe your stomach and ease your anxiety. If you don’t have access to herbal teas, plain water or broth would do just fine.
Eat Small, Frequent Meals.
You may be able to overcome your upset stomach by eating small, frequent meals. This approach may help to keep your stomach from becoming empty, which can make your symptoms worse. Many people find that their anxiety can increase if they are hungry, so even if you don’t feel like eating, you should try to do your best to eat regularly.
Avoid Greasy, Spicy, and Fatty Foods.
When you have an upset stomach, the last thing you want is to eat something that will make it worse. Greasy, fatty, and spicy foods are some of the worst offenders when it comes to making an upset stomach feel worse. The best way to overcome an upset stomach is to avoid these foods altogether. It’s also important to avoid trigger foods and beverages, such as those that are greasy, high in acid, or spicy. If you’re not sure what’s bothering you, keep a food diary to help you identify problem foods. You may also want to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for more guidance on this to see if there is any correlation between what you eat and when your hypochondriac anxiety is bad.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol.
If you find that you get an anxious stomach when you drink caffeine or alcohol, it’s best to avoid those substances. There are plenty of other drinks out there that won’t make your stomach upset. Try experimenting with different drinks and see what works best for you…we’re big fans of both hot and iced tea!
Get Plenty of Rest.
Getting plenty of rest will help your body to heal and recover from the stress and anxiety that can trigger your hypochondriac upset stomach. Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night, and try to take some time out during the day to relax and rejuvenate. Your stomach will thank you!
Exercise Regularly.
Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. It can also help improve your overall health, which can help ease your fears about your health. Even though you may not want to exercise when your stomach hurts, it actually could help you in the long run. So get up and get moving!
Practice Stress-Relieving Techniques such as Yoga or Meditation.
When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, which can make your upset stomach symptoms feel worse. By taking some time out to relax and de-stress, you can help your body to feel more calm and ease your upset stomach symptoms. There are a number of different ways to do this, so find one that works for you! Some people find that deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation helps, while others prefer to listen to calming music or take a warm bath. Whatever works, is easy to do, and is something that you can regularly commit to…is something you should do.
See a Therapist or Counselor if Anxiety is Causing Stomach Problems.
While it’s normal to have some anxiety about your health, if your hypochondriac upset stomach symptoms are impacting your quality of life, it’s worth seeking professional help. A therapist can help you understand your anxiety and work on coping mechanisms to help you manage your hypochondria, overall. If you’re able to overcome your hypochondria, you’ll likely find that your hypochondriac upset stomach symptoms go away, and you’ll be able to live a more enjoyable life.
Keep a Food Diary to Track What Triggers Stomach Upset.
A food diary can help you overcome your condition by pinpointing the foods that trigger your symptoms. Start by keeping a record of everything you eat and drink for a week, as well as when you experience any stomach problems. Be sure to note the severity of your symptoms and whether you experience any other symptoms, such as heartburn, bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
Once you have a week’s worth of data, take a close look at what you ate and when your symptoms occurred. You may be able to identify some patterns, such as certain foods that always seem to trigger your symptoms. Eliminating these foods from your diet can help reduce the frequency and severity of your symptoms.If you’re not sure which foods are causing your problems, you may want to try an elimination diet. This involves eliminating all potential trigger foods from your diet for a period of time and then slowly reintroducing them one at a time to see if they trigger your symptoms.If you find that eliminating certain foods helps reduce your symptoms, be sure to talk to your doctor to rule out any other possible causes of your stomach problems.
Disclaimer: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.
If you are currently experiencing medical concerns, it’s important to talk to a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. HypochondriacHQ does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this website.
