So is reflux caused by anxiety, or is anxiety caused by reflux? Your digestive health is inextricably connected with your emotions. You may notice acid reflux increases during a family crisis or a job transition. Some studies suggest tension in the workplace or low job satisfaction increases the risk for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a progressive disease that can lead to long-term digestive complications. So how are GERD and anxiety related?

Research claims tension does not escalate acid production or regurgitation. Rather, it reduces the pain threshold and makes the esophagus more sensitive to acid erosion. Stressful situations can also cause you to overeat, drink alcohol, smoke and eat unhealthy food, which can all contribute to reflux and heartburn.

“Work hard in silence. Let success be your noise.” –Unknown

What Does the Research Say?

A 2016 study examined the social, psychological and physical connection between gastrointestinal disorders and other common physical and psychological illnesses. The researchers found that anxiety disorders are the most common condition linked to other conditions, including acid reflux.

Another 2017 study uncovered that symptoms of stress are reported more often among people with acid reflux. They also found that this population perceived more pain from their symptoms, further increasing stress.

This 2018 study discovered that anxiety can change the pressure in the esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that is supposed to keep stomach acid in the stomach.

“Those who flow as life flows know they need no other force.” –Lao Tzu

Anxiety Can Cause Acid Reflux

Yes, research shows that anxiety and stress can increase the amount of acid in the stomach and contribute to acid reflux. GERD anxiety may also be contributing factors to acid reflux in some cases. Conversely, acid reflux can be stressful and may cause anxiety in some people.

For instance, a 2018 study involving more than 19,000 people found that those with anxiety were more likely to experience gastroesophageal reflux disease anxiety symptoms. The study authors suggest several possible physical reasons for this:

Anxiety may reduce pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the band of muscle that keeps the stomach closed and prevents acid from leaking into the esophagus.

Stress responses and anxiety may cause long lasting muscle tension. If this affects the muscles around the stomach, it could increase pressure in the organ and push the acid up. High anxiety levels may increase stomach acid production.

In some cases, people with anxiety who had the same number of acid reflux episodes as people without anxiety rated these episodes as more severe. Scientists have also noted that GERD can be a significant source of stress and anxiety for people.

In 2019, researchers noted that people with GERD anxiety who experienced chest pain had significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety than those who did not have pain in this part of the body. The study authors also suggest that people may associate symptoms such as chest pain with other more serious conditions, increasing their anxiety about these symptoms.

“Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence.” –Abigail Adams

Anxiety Reflux Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of GERD include:

• A burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), usually after eating, which might be worse at night or while lying down
• Backwash (regurgitation) of food or sour liquid
• Upper abdominal or chest pain
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
• Sensation of a lump in your throat
• A sour taste in the mouth
• Burping
• Wearing away of tooth enamel
• Trouble swallowing or feeling like there’s a lump in the throat

You might also experience this if you have nighttime acid reflux:

• An ongoing cough
• Inflammation of the vocal cords (laryngitis)
• New or worsening asthma

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”– Maya Angelou

Can Certain Meds Affect GERD?

Certain medications and dietary supplements can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing heartburn pain. Others can increase the severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Medications and dietary supplements that can irritate your esophagus and cause heartburn pain include:

• Antibiotics, such as tetracycline and clindamycin
• Bisphosphonates taken orally, such as alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva) and risedronate (Actonel, Atelvia)
• Iron supplements
• Quinidine
• Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and aspirin
• Potassium supplements

Medications and dietary supplements that can increase acid reflux and worsen GERD include:

• Anticholinergics, such as oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), prescribed for overactive bladder and irritable bowel syndrome
• Tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, doxepin, others)
• Calcium channel blockers, statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and nitrates used for high blood pressure and heart disease
• Narcotics (opioids), such as codeine, and those containing hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Norco, Vicodin, others)
• Progesterone
• Sedatives or tranquilizers, including benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and temazepam (Restoril)
• Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theochron)

“Understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.” – Arianna Huffington

Gerd and Anxiety Panic Attacks Treatment

You can manage acid reflux with lifestyle changes in many cases, such as:

Avoiding certain food groups, particularly at night. We recommend avoiding chocolate, acidic foods, fatty foods and caffeinated drinks within two to three hours of bedtime. Instead, eat lighter foods from Health Haven II in Medford, like bananas, oatmeal, low-fat Greek yogurt, whole wheat bread, honey, lettuce, brown rice, etc.

Eating smaller meals because overeating can put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and cause acid reflux.

Staying upright after eating, as you’re more likely to experience acid reflux if you lie down after eating. When you go to bed, elevate your head.

Losing weight, if necessary, because excess weight can put pressure on the esophageal sphincter.

Quitting smoking and drinking, as both cigarettes and alcohol can increase your likelihood of experiencing acid reflux.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” –Alexander the Great

Conclusion

Does Gerd and anxiety go hand in hand? It’s kind of like, “did the chicken or the egg come first?” I take Omeprazole for my gastroesophageal reflux disease and it’s working really good. Although, sometimes I have heartburn after I take my night meds. When that happens, I drink lots of chocolate milk to coat my throat and stomach.

The combination of these factors can allow a vicious cycle to develop. Gastroesophageal reflux disease may cause stress and anxiety, yet stress and anxiety also contribute to GERD. Finding both physical and psychological ways to treat these symptoms is vital to break the cycle and find relief. Certain medications may also cause GERD anxiety or worsen its symptoms.

Articles

-Acid reflux and anxiety: What to know

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/acid-reflux-and-anxiety

-What’s the Connection Between Anxiety and Acid Reflux?

https://www.everydayhealth.com/gerd/symptoms/connection-between-anxiety-acid-reflux/

-The Connection Between GERD and Anxiety

https://www.verywellhealth.com/gerd-and-anxiety-5179657

Have a Good One,

Cindee Murphy, One Voice – Unstoppable

“The only Limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt