The Connection between Stress and GERD
Stress can be an indirect cause to heartburn and it is not uncommon to some GERD sufferers, that the burning in the chest may feel at times like they are experiencing a heart attack. If these acid reflux symptoms and feelings occur, it is most important to get checked by your doctor/physician
It has not been scientifically proven that stress is linked to heartburn but we do know that there is an indirect connection to acid reflux causes. To lessen your daily heartburn suffering, it is vital to your health to try to manage your stress levels.
Stress affects people in different ways – some may sleep less, eat more or eat less, make bad food choices, increase other habits like smoking and drinking. All of which may trigger your heartburn. Most sufferers will have a good idea of which foods to avoid with acid reflux.
What stress factors are currently affecting your life? Could it be your job, your finances being over stretched or maybe relationship issues. Any of these could contribute to your heartburn if you are making bad lifestyle decisions.
There are many simple ways of improving your lifestyle which in turn will help alleviate your stress and ultimately your heartburn. We all now have busy lives with work and families but try making some ‘me time’ say by taking just 15 mins a day to start with, to check out the sport, flick through that glossy magazine with a cup of coffee. Gradually build up the time so that maybe you could join an exercise class, a gym or maybe an art class. Anything, that allows you, sometime to yourself to relax and enjoy life a bit more.
Relaxing and unwinding whether it is by doing any of the above or by listening to a CD, trying meditation or having a massage will help you from overeating, drinking alcohol or smoking excessively, all of which can lead to instances of heartburn.
Find ways to reduce stress and prevent heartburn that won’t break the bank.
There are plenty of free activities for you to enjoy which will improve your lifestyle and help get the most of life as well as improving your control of GERD suffering.
