Whenever you feel stressed or anxious, do you ever experience stomach discomfort or heartburn? This is because feeling stressed can lead to acidity, an uncomfortable and debilitating condition. To understand more about this phenomenon, the team of OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Pratik Tibdewal, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.
Stress Causes Acidity
“Stress can contribute to increased acidity in the stomach due to its impact on the body’s physiological response. When you’re stressed, your body can produce more stress hormones like cortisol, which can stimulate the production of stomach acid,” shared Dr Tibdewal.
According to the National Institute of Health, acid reflux happens when the contents of your stomach are expelled back into the oesophagus, due to overproduction of gastric acid. Some common symptoms of acidity are:
- Heartburn, which is a burning sensation in your chest, usually after you eat, or lay down.
- Foods and liquids coming back up in your mouth.
- Upper abdominal or chest pain.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Feeling a lump in your throat.
Stress Alters Eating Habits
“Additionally, stress can lead to behaviours that increase acidity, such as overeating, consuming spicy or fatty foods, or smoking, which can worsen acid reflux,” said Dr Tibdewal.
This is because, as a defence mechanism, the body looks for comfort whenever it feels stressed. In turn, you find yourself turning to comfort foods that are high in fat or cigarettes, both of which can exacerbate acidity.
Also Read: Can Your Acidity Be A Sign Of Heart Attack? A Doctor Answers
Managing Stress-Induced Acidity
Stress is an ever-present aspect of modern life. From work deadlines to personal responsibilities, our daily routines can be filled with anxiety-inducing situations. As per GOQii’s India Fit Report 20-23, a whopping 24% of Indians are dealing with stress.
If you are one of those, here are a few tips shared by Dr Tibdewal that can help you manage increased acidity due to stress:
- Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
- Maintain a healthy diet with smaller, more frequent meals and avoid trigger foods.
- Stay hydrated, but avoid excessive consumption of acidic beverages.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking.
- Elevate the head of your bed to reduce acid reflux during sleep.
- Over-the-counter antacids or medications, if recommended by a healthcare provider.
- Get regular exercise to help reduce stress and maintain a healthy weight.
Stress and acidity are intimately connected, with stress often acting as a trigger for digestive discomfort. Understanding this relationship and adopting a holistic approach to managing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in preventing and alleviating the symptoms of acidity. Concluding her advice, Dr Tibdewal recommended that if you experience chronic or severe acidity, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.
