Stress can have significant consequences for just about every aspect of your health, including heartburn. Stress has been known to affect the gastrointestinal system in many ways, sometimes temporarily and sometimes persistently.
If you’re suffering from heartburn and you think stress might have something to do with it, take a look at how the two might be connected and whether it might be the cause of your heartburn.
Heartburn is when the sphincter that separates the esophagus from the stomach becomes weakened and does not close properly. This allows stomach acid to rise from the stomach and into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the center of the chest or throat. Other symptoms of heartburn can include:
High stress can have a huge effect on the digestive system. During times of increased stress, people can experience various symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, or heartburn. In response to increased stress levels, the stomach produces excess stomach acid. The excess stomach acid can then travel up the esophagus, leading to the classic burning sensation associated with heartburn. Stress can also lead to delayed stomach emptying, making you feel full for longer periods.
People can develop behaviors during times of increased stress that can aggravate heartburn symptoms. Behaviors that can contribute to heartburn include:
Managing your stress levels is a great way to help reduce your heartburn symptoms. If you believe stress is contributing to your heartburn symptoms, some helpful strategies you could try to help relax include meditation, listening to music, or practicing yoga.
The best thing you can do to reduce your heartburn symptoms is to make some changes to your diet and lifestyle, including:
While it may not be obvious that stress can cause heartburn, once you understand the connection, it can be easier to implement practical strategies to manage your stress and maintain your digestive health. If you are struggling with stress and heartburn, talk with a doctor today to learn how to manage both conditions so that you can live a more balanced and happy life.
Don’t continue to live with heartburn – schedule an appointment today!
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