Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can worsen heartburn symptoms, and one study even suggested a connection between acid reflux and stress. According to experts, people who feel anxious produce more stomach acid. Moreover, stress can lead to other dysfunctional behaviors, such as stress-eating, avoiding exercise, drinking alcohol, or smoking. At the same time, chronic reflux could make worsen stress.
Researchers say that several factors play a role in the link between stress/anxiety and acid reflux, especially on the effects of the on the gastrointestinal tract of those emotional conditions. They believe there are underlying mechanisms in the relationship. For example, anxiety may lower pressure on the LES. Stress due to anxiety may likewise affect the contractions in the esophagus. When there are irregular contractions, reflux can occur. Higher anxiety and stress levels also increase stomach acid production.
Another published research showed that patients with mental health issues such as anxiety could be more sensitive to small changes in their digestive tract. But in a test of people suffering from anxiety who believed they had acid reflux, the pH levels in their esophagi were normal. Thus, the researchers concluded they did not have reflux. However, people with acid reflux conditions are more anxious. In their assessment, anxiety triggers its development.
