can anxiety cause reflux symptoms (from this source)?

Traditional treatments for heartburn, such as acid reducers and antacids can help you manage your symptoms. For long-lasting relief, it's essential to lower your anxiety.

Research has shown that anxiety and acid reflux are connected. Stress can affect your digestive system, causing or worsening acid reflux.

Signs and symptoms

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus. Acid can irritate the esophagus, which can cause heartburn and other symptoms. There are a myriad of causes of acid reflux, which include certain foods, such as spicy ones and caffeine; medications, such as NSAIDs or being overweight, and stress. Acid reflux symptoms include a burning feeling in the throat and chest pain. There may also be a bad taste or a bad smell in the mouth.

Numerous studies suggest that there is a connection between anxiety and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which is the medical term for acid reflux. The two conditions have similar symptoms. For instance, GERD can cause chest pain that can be mistaken for a cardiac issue.

One theory is that anxiety alters brain signals to the stomach. This can cause the lower-esophageal-sphincter to relax in a different way. This can allow stomach acid to back into the throat. Additionally, anxiety can increase the production of stomach acid. People who experience high levels of anxiety might suffer more severe GERD psychosomatic symptoms of anxiety than those who don't suffer from anxiety.

Stress could also be a factor in the connection between anxiety and GERD. When you're stressed out, your body produces the hormone cortisol which can cause you to feel nauseous and have other digestive negative effects. Cortisol can cause your stomach to produce more acid. This can cause GERD symptoms and cause to heartburn.

Anxiety and GERD are often connected through their overlapping symptoms. It is difficult to differentiate between the two conditions and to treat them in a timely manner. There are a variety of home remedies and prescribed treatments that can help manage these disorders.

The most important thing is to discover what causes anxiety and GERD. For example, if your anxiety is due to stress at work, try to reduce stress. Try to avoid foods that cause GERD for example, the consumption of fried foods and beverages that are acidic. Think about seeking out psychological treatment in order to find the root cause of your anxiety. This can be done by taking medication or talking to the counselor.

Causes

Although everyone experiences occasional bouts of heartburn but when it becomes a frequent and ongoing issue, it may indicate that you suffer from GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. It's also common for people suffering from GERD to suffer from anxiety and both conditions typically are inextricably linked.

The signs of GERD include stomach acid or pepsin backing into the esophagus which may cause irritation and pain. It is believed that this is caused by a weakening of the lower esophageal Sphincter, which is the muscle that prevents liquids and food from entering the lungs when you swallow. This is caused by a combination of factors, such as muscle tension due to anxiety and stress, which can cause the muscles of the region to tighten.

It's also believed that when you're stressed your intestines may produce more acid than usual. This could be because your body's natural response to stress that triggers the digestive system. This extra acid can irritate the esophagus and trigger an uncomfortable burning sensation.

Research has also shown that the gut and brain are connected. This is referred to as the "gut-brain connection," and it is believed that your mood and feelings can impact your gut's bacteria and how your body works. This is why it is so important to tackle any parental anxiety symptoms issues you might be suffering from.

The good news is that you can treat both anxiety and acid reflux at the same time. You can do this in a variety of ways, such as by taking anti-acids, changing your diet, and working out regularly. It is essential to remember that physical therapy will not eliminate the root cause of the issue. Also, you'll need to pay attention to your mental health.

There are a variety of treatments available for anxiety, such as anti-anxiety medications and therapy. These will help to reduce your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. You can also join an anxiety support group to get together with other people who are living with anxiety and receive helpful tips from others. You can also participate in online forums where people suffering from anxiety about anxiety symptoms provide support and encouragement.

Treatment

There are many treatments for anxiety as well as acid reflux. If you're suffering from both, it is important to treat both simultaneously for long-lasting relief. You can also try medicines for heartburn that are available over the counter and avoid foods that cause acid reflux. It is also recommended to incorporate stress-relieving methods into your life such as meditation or yoga.

Experts believe that GERD and anxiety have a common cause, even though it isn't fully understood. Anxiety disorders can impact the way your stomach functions. Particularly, an anxiety disorder can cause your lower esophageal muscle work improperly. This can result in the formation of stomach acid, and it can then expand into your esophagus.

In addition, people with GERD might experience a greater level of sensitivity in the esophagus, which is further aggravated by anxiety and other mental health issues. It isn't easy to identify what is causing heartburn and to pinpoint the source.

Treatment for GERD and anxiety usually requires lifestyle changes, medication as well as therapy and therapy. Treatments such as proton pump inhibitors and antacids are able to help manage acid reflux by blocking the release of gastric acid from your stomach. These medicines can be very efficient, but they don't address the root of your issues. A psychotherapist can show you how to cope with anxiety and help you find ways to reduce stress in a healthy way.

Anxiety disorders can lead to GERD and the cycle is often negative. The anxiety causes discomfort, which in turn increases your stress. This can lead to a vicious circle where you suffer from both conditions. It is not necessary to suffer from both. There are numerous treatment options that can enhance your quality of life for both anxiety and reflux such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on changing negative thought patterns. Interpersonal Therapy teaches you how to improve your daily relationships.

Prevention

Heartburn is a condition that we all experience at times however if it occurs often it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can cause stomach acid to leak up into the esophagus or throat. This can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation in your throat or chest and may make you feel anxious about the potential damage.

There are some steps to keep your anxiety from causing acid reflux and heartburn. Consult your physician if you are taking anxiety medications to discuss how they might affect your symptoms of reflux. Certain anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines could increase the risk for reflux. They should not be taken in the event that you suffer from GERD.

Also, try to stay clear of drinks and foods that trigger your heartburn or may worsen your symptoms. Alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods are all to be avoided. Stress and anxiety may also increase your appetite. It is important to eat an adequate diet and get enough rest.

Anxiety can make you overeat, which can result in obesity and other health issues. The excess weight puts pressure on your abdomen which may cause reflux. If you're worried about your digestion, talk to a doctor who will suggest healthy eating habits and possibly prescribe medication to ease your health issues.

While prescription medicines can ease heartburn symptoms, it's a good idea also to find ways to reduce stress. This could mean doing exercises, meditating, or taking time to unwind.

Certain studies have revealed that those with GERD suffer from higher levels of anxiety than people who don't suffer from the condition. Researchers suggest that this could be due to the way GERD triggers anxiety.

You should also be aware that some over-the-counter acid reflux medicines can aggravate your GERD. Therefore, it is an excellent idea to consult with your doctor prior to taking them again. They may also suggest other medications such as antacids or lansoprazole or omeprazole. They can also give tips on how to reduce anxiety symptoms to decrease your stress levels, which can reduce anxiety and GERD.