When I was a child, my father taught us that the laws in Scripture aren’t just about God; they’re for our good. One of the examples he gave was: God doesn’t have a farm to steal from, so He didn’t command us not to steal because He’s afraid of losing His property. Instead, whoever steals and is caught faces consequences. Over time, I’ve seen the truth in my father’s words, and similarly, I’ve come to realize that this principle also applies to our struggles with anxious thoughts and worry. And so, the Scripture warns us against worry.
Let’s have real talk today about – WORRY. What do Scientists say about it?
We all do it. Some of us wear worry like a badge of honour, as though being constantly stressed means we care more or are more responsible. But here’s the truth, worry has never been, and will never be your friend. It’s that uninvited guest that overstays its welcome, eats all your snacks, and leaves you drained.
See, I used to think worry only caused issues like high blood pressure or hypertension – until I found in Norman Vincent Peale’s book “The Power of Positive Thinking” that worry may also cause ulcer. I was surprised, and so I conducted further research that revealed to me the hidden ways worry infiltrates not just the mind but also our physical health, including the stomach.
We often assume worrying is productive, and may help fix our problems. But guess what? Worry never solved a single thing. Instead, it leaves us with sleepless nights, a racing heart, and, at one point may cause ulcer.
Now, I’m no doctor, but I’ve learned enough to know that when you’re constantly anxious, your body goes into overdrive. Your stress hormones spike, your stomach churns, and before you know it, you’re dealing with acid reflux or even worse – a full-blown ulcer.
Let me paint you a picture: Imagine pouring acid on a surface over and over again. What happens? It corrodes. Now imagine your stomach lining is that surface. When we worry, our brain signals our body to release more stomach acid. This acid is meant to digest food, but when there’s too much and it lingers too long, it starts to attack the very organ it’s meant to protect.
The result? Pain, discomfort, and a reminder that worry doesn’t just affect your mind—it attacks your body too.
Let me share some of the ways stress and anxiety may contribute to or exacerbate the development of ulcers.
According to a 2022 study, peptic ulcer disease (PUD) affects four million people worldwide every year. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori – a gram-negative bacterium) infection is indeed a well-known cause of peptic ulcers. But it has been reported that psychological factors such as stress and anxiety may act as additional triggers, especially in individuals already predisposed to ulcers due to other risk factors. Chronic worry and stress have been reported by several studies to exacerbate existing conditions or contribute to the onset of ulcers (Read more here 1, 2).
While stress alone may not directly cause ulcers, it can increase stomach acid production and lead to behaviors (like increased NSAID use) that are associated with ulcer development. Chronic stress can impair the body’s ability to heal, potentially complicating existing ulcer conditions. Stress may weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections like H. pylori, which is known to cause ulcers.
Here’s the kicker: most of the things we worry about never happen.
That meeting you’re dreading? It’ll go fine.
That bill you’re stressed over? You’ll figure it out.
The child(ren) stressing you? Everybody will be alright.
That future you’re agonizing about? God’s already there, working it out for your good.
Remember the question of Jesus in Matthew 6:27, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
Think about that. Not a single hour. Instead, we lose hours – hours we could’ve spent smiling, enjoying good food, and laughing with loved ones.
So, what can you do about whatever wants to stress you?
- Talk to Someone: See a trusted friend, a mentor, a therapist, or God in prayer – don’t bottle it up.
- Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: Worry magnifies the problem; action shrinks it.
- Practice Gratitude: It’s hard to worry when you’re counting your blessings. Practice journaling.
- Take Care of Your Health: Drink water, eat balanced meals, and rest. Your body needs love too.
- Remember Who’s in Control: Cast your cares on God because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Friend, life is too short to let worry steal your peace and damage your health. You deserve better than that. So the next time worry tries to move in, kick it out!
You’ve got a purpose to fulfill, and ulcers should have no place in your story.
Your health is important to God, as well as the lives He has called you to serve.
Stay strong, stay peaceful, and remember – you’re not alone in this journey.
So, whenever you’re tempted to worry, remember that high blood pressure and ulcers are not your friend.
Love always!
References
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9342757/
Educating
Thanks for reading.
Thank you so much mama. This is so insightful. God bless you
Wow! Great write up, thank you for the enlightenment.