Acid Reflux Stress

Stress causes to experience changes in behavior like immoderate consumption of alcohol and so called "comfort foods". It can also lead to late night binging and excessive smoking. All of these lead to the triggers and symptoms of acid reflux producing excessive acid in the stomach. Stress causes body to tense up, delivering most of its energy to heart, lungs and muscles. This intensifies hyperacidity, as stomach is robbed of oxygen and enzymes necessary for proper digestion. In stressful times, routines are disrupted and people may forget their normal patterns as related to meals, exercise and medication.

Here are few reminders to help the sufferers to control heartburn symptoms during especially stressful times.

Meals- stress can affect the motility or the movement of food through the digestive system. It causes acidic stomach content to linger in the stomach allowing more times for acid reflux to occur. By minimizing intake of high fats food and foods that are particularly spicy, limit consumption of caffeine, carbonated and alcoholic beverages. Exercise- exercise not only helps to alleviate stress but it can decrease heartburn as well. Physical activity helps the digestive system moving, as it should. Exercises should be performed at least two hours after and before meals. Medications- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can relax the LES and allow stomach juices to flow upwards into the esophagus, esophagus it to harsh acid. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can increase the incidence of the heartburn. Also, some antibiotics and iron tablets aggravates symptoms of the acid reflux.

The Steps for non- stress exacerbating conditions,

1. Take the pressure off yourself. 2. Exercise to peace the mind. 3. Get massage- acupuncture is very relaxing. 4. Talk to friend - a very therapeutic when trusted friends gives advice. Sympathy from friends and relatives has calming affect and can reduce stress. Encouragements are invaluable.