CAN ANGER CAUSES ULCER TO DEVELOP?

Anger itself doesn’t directly cause an ulcer, but chronic anger and the physiological stress it generates can contribute to conditions that make ulcers more likely to develop. Here’s how:

1.   Increased Stomach Acid Production: Anger triggers the release of stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, which can increase stomach acid production. Over time, excessive stomach acid can damage the protective lining, increasing the risk of an ulcer if other risk factors are also present.

2.     Impact on Digestion and Stomach Lining: During episodes of anger, the body enters a “fight-or-flight” state, which redirects blood flow away from the digestive tract. This can disrupt digestion and weaken the stomach lining’s defenses against acid.

3.     Lifestyle Behaviours: People who frequently experience anger may be more likely to engage in behaviours that contribute to ulcer risk, such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, or eating an unhealthy diet. They may also rely on NSAIDs more frequently to manage related tension headaches or muscle aches, which can weaken the stomach lining over time.

4.   Delayed Healing of Existing Ulcers: Chronic anger and the associated stress response can impair the body’s healing mechanisms, making it harder for an existing ulcer to heal.

While anger itself isn’t a direct cause of ulcers, the physiological and lifestyle impacts associated with chronic anger can make the body more vulnerable to ulcer formation, especially if combined with other risk factors like H. pylori infection or frequent NSAID use