You may find yourself experiencing hyperacidity when you are in a stressful situation. An impending exam or a dreaded meeting may cause you to feel a sudden bout of acid reflux. It’s not just coincidental. Health experts have suggested that stress may play a part in inducing hyperacidity. Here is what you need to know about it.
What happens when you have hyperacidity?
A part of the body called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) connects the esophagus to the stomach. The LES is a valve-like bundle of muscles that allows food to enter the stomach and prevents it from going back up the esophagus. When this valve does not completely close, acid from the stomach may escape and flow into the esophagus, causing what we experience as acid reflux.
Symptoms of hyperacidity
These are the telltale signs of hyperacidity or acid reflux you should watch out for:
- Heartburn or a burning feeling in the chest
- A sour or bitter taste in the mouth which is caused by stomach acid
- A feeling of having food stuck in your throat
- Bloating or feeling sick
- Burping
- Hiccups
- Wheezing, dry cough, or a hoarse voice
Common causes of hyperacidity include smoking, being overweight, and even intake of certain foods that are fatty or spicy, and/or intake of drinks such as coffee or alcohol.
Can stress cause hyperacidity?
Another common reason believed to cause hyperacidity is stress. Certain psychological conditions may also trigger physical reactions. Stress or anxiety may increase acid production in the stomach, making it more likely for acid reflux to occur. One study conducted in 2018 suggested that psychological conditions like anxiety and stress may prompt acid reflux by lowering the pressure of the LES and consequently promoting gastric acid release.
How can I avoid hyperacidity?
When hyperacidity becomes recurring, it may develop into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The good news is that it can be managed with appropriate health habits and medications.
Antacids such as aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are also known to relieve heartburn and other symptoms related to hyperacidity. Some over-the-counter medications for hyperacidity also contain famotidine, as it cuts down the production of acid in the stomach.
Another way to lessen the risk of hyperacidity is by avoiding certain foods and beverages that prompt the onset of symptoms, such as those high in fat or salt. Adjustments to your eating habits may also contribute to better management of hyperacidity. Avoiding meals when it is near bedtime or opting to eat smaller and more frequent meals may also help.
While stress is a constant part of life, it is still possible to manage your experience with hyperacidity with appropriate lifestyle changes, proper diet, and exercise.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/digestive-health/9-ways-to-relieve-acid-reflux-without-medication
- https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/picture-of-the-esophagus
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/could-stress-be-making-my-acid-reflux-worse
- https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/stress
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/
- https://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/what-is-acid-reflux-disease
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534778/
