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Anxiety and stomach problems

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Posted 10/15/2006 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Does anyone else have this problem:  When my anxiety is bad, I have a hard time eating because I always feel a little uneasy after but if I don't eat then I feel light headed.  Doing bad times I pretty much live on crackers or rice.  I don't have a eating disorder but I hate not being able to enjoy my food.  Just one more thing that brings me down. :(.
Posted 10/16/2006 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
Major anxiety related tummy issues here! I get nauseous, but have never actually thrown up. Have terrible diarrhea sometimes (sorry TMI). My daughter gets the same way, but she actually does throw up. And I used to LOVE food! I lost 25 pounds but have stayed the same for several months now.
Posted 10/16/2006 1:50 AM (GMT 0)

Don't worry sami-jo...you're not alone. 

I get the same thing.  I have IBS as well as problems with anxiety, and when my anxiety flares up, my IBS almost certainly does too.  They're very closely connected.  I've also thrown up from anxiety - yuck. 

I'm starting on a calcium supplement as it's supposed to help with both anxiety and IBS - might be something to consider.  I think there's another post from someone else about this a little ways down.

All the best!

B.

Posted 10/16/2006 2:07 AM (GMT 0)
I have IBS too.  It hurts sometimes pretty bad.  Going to try calcium and hope this helps.
Posted 10/16/2006 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear about your tummy troubles Libby. I have IBS as well and I find heat packs on my belly really help with cramps...and peppermint tea helps with the nausea. It' s still annoying though isn't it? I try and look on the bright side that I can save money by shopping for my clothes in the kids section!!!
Posted 10/16/2006 5:54 AM (GMT 0)
I get nauseated and am hypoglycemic, bad combo. I passed out once. Kinda scary. But, oh well, do what ya gotta I guess.
Posted 10/16/2006 12:11 PM (GMT 0)
I'm the same way if my anxiety is present I can't eat and end up drinking an ensure or something with vitamins. I can always tell when my anxiety is really leaving because food will start to smell good again.
Posted 10/16/2006 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
I use to go days w/o eating til I had to be tube fed not a pleasant experience please do try to eat something if only soup n crackers ......toast and maybe scrambled eggs
It is important to get nutrients and eat or a/P becomes worse IMO
Lyn
Posted 10/16/2006 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
I tend to get migraines if i don't eat something, even if it is crackers, i also have diverticulitis, which is in some ways similar to IBS, so i know all about the stomach issues, they are hard to deal with at times, but please eat something, i agree that not eating does make the a/p worse, or in my case it does. I wish you the best, keep us posted and hope your stomach feels better real soon
shell
Posted 10/17/2006 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
I usually don't have a problem with not eating at all.  I just survive on rice, oatmeal, toast (with peanutbutter for protien), ect... Its just I know so many people who enjoy food and so many time I only eat to live.  It makes me feel like I'm missing out on a big portion of my life, but my stomach seems to be an entity of its own.  Of course I get all those comments on how thin I am but theres a sad reason for this (no I'm not too thin 5'3 and 130lbs at 40).
Posted 10/17/2006 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
i do get nausious alot from anxiety but it doesnt stop me from eating. a few years ago I lost 7 kilo just from throwing up all the time. Its also because I have IBS and am in the bathroom all the time,,,,

It helps me to eat bland foods. Because whenever I am nervous my stomache tends to bubble alot./

Now I have changed my diet to mostly whole foods-salads and whole grains.

 

Posted 10/17/2006 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
I THINK ANXIETY HAS A BIG AFFECT ON THE STOMACH , WHEN MY ANXIETY IS BAD I KNOW I WILL HAVE PROBLEMS EATTING BECAUSE I HAVE A LUMP IN MY THROAT FEELING. ALSO IT SPARKS MY ACID IN MY STOMACH. I THINK FROM WHAT I EXPIERIENCED IT MAY LINK TO DEPRESSION BECAUSE I NOTICED ON MY HAPPIER DAYS MY APPETITE IS GOOD TO GO ! SO I TRY TO FOCUS ON HAVING A GOOD EATING AROUND BREAKFAST ,LUNCH AND DINNER EVEN IN SNACKING TIME.

Posted 10/18/2006 9:43 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Libby

I suffer just like you with IBS and when anxious not able to eat. When my anxiety is bad over 2-3 days and not able to eat (even find water hard) I have to make sure that I am taking fluids on board. My counsellor told me that so long as you are drinking you can last many days until your anxiety passes. Although the anxiety will pass quicker if you can eat something.

Like Daisy I try to take some sort of nutrient drink, one glass that equals a meal. If you know that that is all you need to get down to get the calories it is easier to swallow. I tend to feel better after just one of these because I then know I am not going to die of starvation (which is one of the thoughts I have when I am anxious and can't eat).

You sound like a great healthy weight so you must be doing something right! I have lost 14lbs this year due to anxiety but I had some extra to lose so am now a healty weight too.

Take care

Bunny


Post Edited (Bunny_UK) : 10/18/2006 3:46:19 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/18/2006 10:20 AM (GMT 0)
I'm glad I saw this topic.

I thought I was going off loads of food (even recipies I invented for myself) and I can't eat a meal at the moment.

At least I know what's going on now! I have been eating anything crispy & salty - poppy & sesame seed crackers , toast & marmite , pretzels , crispy cheese triangles , salted popcorn etc...

I also suffer from IBS which is a bit of a vicious circle - the panic causes my IBS to start up , then the IBS causes me to panic (about finding a bathroom when I'm out , uncomfortable when socialising) so I'm back to the beggining again eyes

Life eh?

Posted 10/18/2006 11:48 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah Smiler that darn IBS.  I hate that any stress at all tends to set mine off, which in turn makes the stress turn into a panic attack.  Sometimes I just get so tired of it all.  I don't know what normal is but I wish I was normal.

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