Heartburn and Stress

The University of Arizona conducted a study that examined the link between heartburn and stress. One portio of the study had subjects listen to two different types of music simultaneously (one played in each ear). This reliably led to a feeling of stress and frustration in the subjects. The study involved slowly increasing the amount of acid in the esophagus until subjects reported the onset of heartburn symptoms. Under the condition of stress, subjects reported acid sensitivity symptoms at lower acid levels much faster than they did when listening to relaxing sounds of nature.

Identification

• A survey performed by the National Heartburn Alliance reveals that 58 percent of people who suffer from frequent heartburn cite "hectic lifestyle" as a personal reason for having this problem, and 52 percent identify work-related stress as a heartburn-contributing factor. Other than the University of Arizona study (and one done by the University of California at Los Angeles), no direct connection between heartburn and stress has, however, been established through research.

Considerations

• Stress causes people to increase smoking, drinking alcohol, eating late at night and consuming fast foods. It also causes them to eat too much. These behaviors are known to trigger heartburn. In stressful situations, people disrupt routines related to exercise, meals and medication, which also leads to heartburn. People under stress are also more likely to be acutely aware of heartburn symptoms that are easier to ignore in the absence of stress (as was illustrated by the University of Arizona study).

Effects

• Good digestive health depends on the proper functioning of the body's hormone signals and nerve impulses. Stress can negatively affect these signals. The effects can be acid indigestion and other digestive health problems like stomach aches and diarrhea. Additional effects include a burning feeling in the chest and throat; pain in the chest after lying down, bending or eating; difficulty swallowing; and a feeling that food is stuck in the middle of your chest or throat.

Prevention/Solution

• Try to stay on a regular meal schedule. Eat smaller portions. Don't eat or snack for at least two to three hours prior to sleeping. Decrease the amount of carbonated, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages you consume. Stop smoking. Exercise and proper sleep also help prevent stress and decrease heartburn symptoms. Physical activity keeps your digestive system moving as it needs to.

Warning

• Consult your doctor if you experience a great deal of heartburn and stress. It is possible that one of the medications you take might be triggering your heartburn. Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications are known to contribute to harsh stomach acid. Some antibiotics, aspirin, ibuprofen and other pain medications can also aggravate your heartburn symptoms.