Does Stress Cause Acid Reflux?

Although it has not been proven scientifically, many people believe that stress is a major contributor to acid reflux disease.

The characteristic symptoms of acid reflux are due to stomach acids making their way into the esophagus; the name "heartburn" is due to the pain of acid reflux that is usually felt in the center of the chest.

Physiologically, stress can cause the digestive system to come to a screeching halt. Food that should be moving along will linger and magnify the effects of acid reflux. Under stress the body sends energy to the muscles, via the blood stream, to help the body cope with a stressful situation. This means that less blood, or energy, is flowing to the digestive system. When digestion is slowed down in this manner, undigested food and gastric juices remain in the stomach much longer enhancing the occurrence of acid reflux.

While most people would answer yes if asked "can stress cause acid reflux?", it happens that stress does not actually cause acid reflux, per se. However, stress can be an aggravating factor which can make the symptoms of acid reflux seem far worse than they are. We all know how stress has a way of intensifying unpleasant sensations - and this is certainly true of heartburn.

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Stress can also cause people to experience changes in behavior like the immoderate consumption of alcohol and so called "comfort foods". It can also lead to late night binging and excessive smoking. All of which can trigger the symptoms of acid reflux, by producing excessive acid in the stomach and relaxing the Lower Esophageal sphincter or (LES). When the LES is relaxed, stomach acid can splash up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing the pain of heartburn.

Studies have shown that relaxation techniques can help to reduce the severity of acid reflux symptoms. When you are experiencing a high stress level, try breathing techniques and exercise in order to take your mind off of your stress - this will help to alleviate your acid reflux symptoms somewhat. Walking is an especially good exercise in these cases. Keeping an upright posture is a good way to keep stomach acids from infiltrating the esophagus and causing heartburn - and walking can also be very relaxing in and of itself.

"Let it be" You cannot control everything in life. There will always be planes that are late arrivals or departures. The weather may not cooperate with that family picnic that you planned. Your mother-in-law may show up when least expected and there will always be taxes to pay. It is important to learn to roll with the punches. You can always find something good in an otherwise bad situation, but most importantly don't let it stress you out.

By keeping an eye on what you eat and using stress reduction techniques, you can reduce both the severity and the frequency of your acid reflux symptoms. Remember; the answer to can stress cause acid reflux? Is no - but stress can make your acid reflux symptoms a lot worse than they would be otherwise and that some of the ways that people cope with stress can also lead to heartburn.

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