Is Your Nausea from Anxiety? Here’s How to Tell

Published by Next Step Psychiatry · Lilburn, GA

You feel that familiar wave of queasiness roll through your stomach—but you haven’t eaten anything questionable, and no one around you is sick. Could anxiety be the culprit? For many people, the answer is yes. The connection between your brain and your gut is far more powerful than most people realize.

The Gut-Brain Connection

Your digestive system and brain communicate constantly through the vagus nerve and a network of over 100 million neurons lining your gastrointestinal tract—sometimes called the “second brain.” When anxiety triggers the fight-or-flight response, stress hormones flood your system. Some of these chemicals end up in your digestive tract, slowing digestion, causing cramping, and producing that familiar nauseous feeling.

Think about common expressions: “butterflies in your stomach,” “a gut feeling,” “sick with worry.” They all point to the same reality—emotional states directly affect your gut.

Signs Your Nausea May Be Anxiety-Related

• It appears during or right after stressful situations
• It comes with other anxiety symptoms (racing heart, sweaty palms, restlessness)
• It resolves once the stressful situation passes
• There’s no obvious dietary or illness-related cause
• It happens repeatedly in similar triggering scenarios

Signs It Could Be Something Else

• Persistent nausea that doesn’t correlate with stress
• Accompanied by fever, vomiting, or blood
• Sudden, severe onset
• Weight loss, dehydration, or other concerning symptoms

If you’re unsure, always consult a medical professional to rule out gastrointestinal conditions.

How to Soothe Anxiety-Related Nausea

Slow, Deep Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing calms the vagus nerve and eases both anxiety and stomach distress.

Ginger and Peppermint

Both have natural anti-nausea properties. Sip ginger tea or suck on a peppermint when symptoms arise.

Eat Small, Bland Meals

Heavy or spicy foods can worsen anxiety-related stomach issues. Stick to simple foods when you’re feeling anxious.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration worsens nausea. Keep water nearby, especially during Atlanta’s hot summer months.

Treat the Root Cause

The most effective long-term solution is treating the underlying anxiety. Medication management and therapy can dramatically reduce the frequency and severity of anxiety symptoms—including nausea.