Can Stress Really Trigger Heartburn?

Did you know that around 60 million Americans experience heartburn once per month or more?

About one-quarter of that amount experience heartburn daily. The main cause of heartburn is acid reflux. And if you’ve ever had it, you’ll agree that it’s a most unpleasant, uncomfortable, and unsettling experience.

But is it true that stress can trigger heartburn? Keep reading to discover whether this is true or false, what causes it, and how you can treat it.

True or False: Stress Triggers Heartburn

If you’re wondering if heartburn triggers stress, the answer is yes. When you experience emotional stress, your body can boost acid production in your stomach.

The problem is that this process can trigger acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD for short.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

Heartburn happens when acid in your stomach backs up into your esophagus.

If your lower esophageal sphincter isn’t working correctly, stomach acid can move back into the esophagus and cause heartburn. You might find the acid backup symptoms more severe if you’re lying down or slumped over.

Why is this the case? If you’re lying down during an episode of GERD, what happens is that the acid backflow from your stomach to your esophagus can go as high as your throat.

This will produce a choking or coughing sensation, making it difficult to sleep.

What Things Contribute to GERD?

It’s essential to understand heartburn causes. Yes, stress can trigger the problem. But what are some of the underlying things that can leave you susceptible to dealing with GERD in the first place?

What follows is a look at things to be mindful of if you either experience heartburn or want to avoid getting it in the first place.

Watch What You Eat

One way to ward off GERD is by watching what you eat. While you might enjoy drinking coffee, coffee can contribute to acid reflux. So can alcohol. Eating spicy food, fatty food, tomatoes, and chocolate can also cause issues.

Weight Matters

If you’re overweight, your risk of heartburn will increase. Extra weight boosts abdominal pressure, which can increase the chances of stomach acid backflow. Take measures to reduce weight and keep off the pounds if you’re overweight.

Put Down the Cigarettes

If you have heartburn and are also a smoker, you should consider quitting smoking. Your esophageal sphincter will weaken if you smoke, permitting acid from your stomach to flow back into your esophagus.

It’s long been proven that cigarettes are harmful to your health. But now you see yet another reason to quit if you currently do smoke.

Pregnancy Increases Risks

Heartburn is common among women who are pregnant. It occurs because of hormonal changes and the baby pressing up against the mother’s stomach.

You can control heartburn issues by adjusting your diet. It’ll be worth your while to get recommendations for your doctor. The medical professional will be able to recommend steps you can take to reduce the odds of getting GERD.

How to Reduce Stress

Understanding how stress can trigger heartburn and what causes a lactic acid build-up in the first place is essential. But it’s also a good idea to look at some ways to lessen or deal with stress to avoid these types of problems.

Take Supplements

While not all supplements are worth buying, some are effective. Do some research and look for supplements that can treat heartburn. Heartburn isn’t something you have to live with. It can be treated with the right supplements.

When you find a supplement from a reputable company, you’ll get to ask any questions needed to make an informed choice. The right heartburn solutions will set your free.

Simplify Your Life

If you’re stressed out, you might need to take proactive measures to simplify your life. Do you work multiple jobs? Maybe you need to give up a part-time job so that you have more time to do other things and experience less stress.

If you have kids and sometimes need a break so you can do chores, find a babysitter or leave them with an adult you know and trust for a while.

Stay Positive

It’s also important to stay positive. Try not to let things get to you as much. And ensure you surround yourself with positive people who will help keep your head above the proverbial waters of discouragement.

What you don’t want is to allow negativity to get you down. That’ll dampen your mood and leave you feeling discouraged and stressed out.

Keep Fit

It’s long been understood that exercise reduces stress. So, incorporate exercise into your daily routine.

Whether you like going for walks, pedaling on an exercise bike, or doing other physical activity, you can stay fit, have fun, and reduce stress with regular exercise.

Seek Help

If you find it hard to deal with stress despite your best efforts, seek professional help. You can speak with your family doctor to find out what steps you can take. Your doctor can recommend someone who can help you.

Do You Want Help Dealing with Heartburn?

If you have heartburn and aren’t sure how to get relief, you’ve come to the right place.

We offer heartburn natural supplements that will help you combat the discomfort caused by lactic acid. So, you don’t have to merely accept the condition.

Get in touch with us today to see what we have in store for you. We’re here to assist in any way we can.