Untreated stress
Researchers suggest that severe and untreated stress patients are more likely to have digestive problems than healthy people. Prolonged stress results in decreasing the blood flow of the stomach, and eventually, less oxygen is available to the stomach. The decrease in oxygen level leads to inflammation and cramping of the abdomen. Another adverse effect of stress is that it causes the imbalance of the bacteria residing in the gut. This imbalance causes a reduction in the production of prostaglandins. The prostaglandins are the substances that protect the stomach from the acid. It means there is more acid production and leads towards the discomfort of the abdomen. Moreover, when stress combines with exhaustion, there is more acid reflux in the body.