For a long time now there have been suspected links between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and anxiety, stress, and nervousness. Could these emotional conditions really cause acid reflux, or is it the other way around, where acid reflux causes anxiety?
Anxiety / GERD Experiment
Researchers at the University of Alabama have taken this question head-on with their study of anxiety and acid reflux where they verified the connection between anxiety and Acid Reflux. In a later study, they induced anxiety through a psychologically difficult computer game that required mental arithmetic. This experiment caused increased levels of stress, along with symptoms of acid reflux. In a later study, they introduced relaxation therapy. During the relaxation phase, patients reported less outcomes of both anxiety and heartburn.
Digging further, the researchers did not find higher concentrations of stomach acid in the esophagus during the tests. From this, they have concluded that anxiety lowers the threshold for experiencing the effects of acid reflux. So although the amount of acid in the esophagus remained the same, its effect on the esophageal wall was increased. It is now understood that anxiety actually prompts the inner lining of the esophagus to become more sensitive to acid, and thus cause heartburn.
Overcoming Anxiety
Given what we now know about anxiety and acid reflux, it would be prudent to examine methods of overcoming anxiety. A common short term method of combating panic attacks and anxiety is with breathing exercises. Longer term solutions consist of cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT). The main function of CBT is to replace negative unproductive fears with sensible rational thoughts. This is an effect way to overcome anxiety, since most situations are not as devastating as initially perceived.
Exercise is another means of controlling anxiety and stress. Exercise occupies the mind from focusing on irrational thoughts, while also releasing chemical endorphins that reduce pain levels. Other ways of distracting the mind can help in overcoming anxiety too, such as listing to music or watching television.
double edged sword
i have been suffering with both anxiety and refux for the last seven months. ive tried everything but with no success.
its even more frustrating trying to figure out which is causing which. Im at the stage now where if im feeling refux i expect the anxiety and if im feeling anxious i expect to reflux. so i spend all day of everyday either in crippling pain or with my heart beating out of my chest and breathing that fast you would think it was going out of fashion.
Agree
You it happens to me too and I end up with irrational thoughts and it takes a while for my anxieties to stop but notice that when I heal from my acid reflux my anxieties stops all together and when I eat bad 2-3 days in a row without exercise my acid reflux comes back and my anxieties
excercise and reducing anxiety