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Reflux and Anxiety: Is There a Correlation?
July 12, 2024
Everyone experiences heartburn occasionally. However, when this annoying symptom occurs frequently, it could be a symptom of other problems.
Among the various factors that can influence reflux, anxiety is one that deserves more attention. The connection between anxiety and gastroesophageal reflux is a topic of growing interest, and in the following guide, we will try to better understand the reason for this correlation.
Moreover, in the final part of the article, we will focus on actions that can help alleviate the symptoms of these disorders to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from them.
Anxiety and Gastroesophageal Reflux: What Are the Symptoms?
Before delving into the correlation between gastroesophageal reflux and anxiety, it is essential to clarify the main symptoms associated with these two problems.
Symptoms of Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition in which stomach acids rise into the esophagus, causing the following symptoms:
Heartburn
Nausea or stomach ache
Chest or abdominal pain
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Vomiting
Bad breath
This condition affects a significant portion of the adult population and generally occurs after consuming very heavy meals. However, there are individuals for whom reflux is constant. In these cases, it is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease, and thorough studies are needed to understand its cause.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Compared to reflux symptoms, anxiety tends to manifest differently from person to person, but generally, the symptoms of an anxious person are:
Accelerated heart rate
Nervousness or restlessness
Muscle contractions
Feeling of physical and mental tension
Rapid breathing or hyperventilation
Feeling of terror or constant imminent fear
Difficulty concentrating
Digestive problems, such as gas, diarrhea, or constipation
Insomnia
Sudden panic attacks
Can Gastroesophageal Reflux Cause Anxiety?
Although it is not possible to establish a cause-effect relationship between stress and gastroesophageal reflux, several studies have shown how common it is to find patients with gastroesophageal reflux who suffer from anxiety. The two conditions would influence each other bidirectionally and in various ways.
First of all, anxiety can decrease the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to rise into the esophagus and causing that terrible heartburn sensation typical of those with reflux. This sensation could also be perceived with greater intensity in individuals with anxiety, as stress generally tends to amplify pain sensations.
At the same time, people with stress and gastroesophageal reflux are more likely to develop nighttime anxiety because heartburn occurs more frequently in the evening, when lying down, preventing adequate rest and thus contributing to the accumulation of fatigue and stress, which are the main causes of anxiety and insomnia.
Symptoms of Anxiety-Induced Reflux: How to Alleviate Them
To understand how to alleviate the symptoms of stress esophagitis, it is necessary to consider the severity of the problem. If the patient is diagnosed with a stress-induced hiatal hernia, they will necessarily need to consult a doctor to find relief.
On the contrary, if the sensation is that of typical anxiety chest pain causing reflux, some lifestyle changes could already be helpful. The advice is to:
Avoid foods and drinks that can trigger reflux (fried foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, caffeine, and alcohol)
Get used to consuming small and frequent meals to reduce pressure on the stomach
Maintain a normal weight
Avoid lying down immediately after meals
Raise the head of the bed or sleep with more pillows
Quit smoking
Practice relaxation techniques like yoga
Anxiety-Induced Esophagitis: How Supplements Can Help
Supplements can play an important role in alleviating gastroesophageal reflux and anxiety problems because they act on various fronts. In particular, they can help reduce anxiety and stress, which, as we have seen above, are known aggravating factors of reflux. Increasing levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, thanks to specific nutrients, can improve mood, promote relaxation, and reduce excessive stomach acid production.
At RedMoringa, we have developed supplements that, thanks to their unique combination of natural ingredients, can be a valuable aid in supporting your psychological and physical well-being. These are dietary supplements based on Griffonia, rich in 5-HTP to increase serotonin levels and reduce anxiety, Vitamin B6 to support the nervous system and stabilize mood, Moringa, a plant that helps with digestion and metabolism, thus reducing inflammation, Agrimony, known for promoting emotional serenity, and Oat extract, which helps with relaxation and stress management.
This powerful combination proves to be an excellent natural remedy for alleviating anxiety, as well as an ally in finding relief from the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, thereby improving overall quality of life.