Can Stress Cause Acid Reflux?

Have you noticed that your acid reflux gets worse because of stress? You’re not imagining it. It’s a common question among people with acid reflux. Acid reflux, stress, and anxiety are closely related.  

While stress itself cannot directly cause the condition, it can increase the risk of an acidity attack or make the symptoms of reflux feel more distressing. It’s not the only mechanism. Stress acts on your gut, leading to several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.  

So, does stress cause acid reflux? What’s the connection? And how can you treat acid reflux brought on by stress? Let’s find out.

Can Stress Cause Acid Reflux? 

Yes and no.  

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when stomach acid repeatedly leaks into the food pipe (oesophagus), causing irritation. Common symptoms include heartburn, a hoarse voice, coughing, strange tastes, and bad breath.  

So, how does stress cause acid reflux? Well, anxiety or stress works on almost every part of your body. Technically, stress itself doesn’t cause acid reflux. However, in people with predisposing factors, symptoms can worsen or exacerbate. 

In a 2018 study, over 19,000 people with anxiety were investigated, noting a higher likelihood of experiencing GERD symptoms. Potential reasons include: 

• Reduces pressure in the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). Usually, your stomach acid cannot backflow due to the LOS, which prevents any leakage. However, if the pressure is reduced or the muscle relaxes, then the LOS can open. If you’ve eaten a large meal or have significant acid production, acid reflux can occur. 

• Increased stomach acid production. Perhaps the most obvious connection between stress and acid reflux is the rise in acid production. The more acid you produce, the greater the risk of reflux. 

• Rising pressure inside the stomach. When we feel stress, we often experience GI symptoms. That could include butterflies in the stomach, nausea, and even vomiting. This is because stress increases muscle tension, pushing acid from the stomach into the oesophagus.  

Another 2024 study confirmed these findings. It found that acid reflux was 95% more likely to happen in those considered to have high levels of stress compared to those with low levels of stress. 

Acid Reflux and Stress-Related Medications 

It’s not just stress that causes acid reflux. Stress is often accompanied by other mental illnesses, such as anxiety or depression. If a person feels these conditions aren’t manageable on their own, then a doctor may prescribe medication.  

Several of these medications can trigger acid reflux: 

• Antidepressants. Some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil), can relax the oesophageal sphincter, which might lead to gastroesophageal reflux. 

• Anxiolytics (Anti-anxiety medications). Benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) might relax the oesophageal sphincter, contributing to symptoms of acid reflux. 

• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin, often used for stress-related symptoms like headaches and muscle pain, can irritate the stomach lining and increase acid production.  

• Beta-blockers. Such as propranolol, used for anxiety, migraine prevention, and other cardiovascular conditions related to stress, can potentially aggravate acid reflux symptoms.  

It’s no surprise that people begin to associate acid reflux with stress. After all, these medications may only be taken during a stressful episode. It’s natural that a person connects the medication to the symptom. Speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing medication-related acid reflux. 

How to Treat Acid Reflux from Stress 

Dealing with acid reflux because of stress? The obvious solution is to resolve your stress levels. Often, people find a noticeable drop in their acidity attacks. Here are some tips: 

• Get more exercise. Regular exercise is a fantastic stress reliever, releasing stress-busting hormones.

• Get enough sleep. The more sleep-deprived we are, the worse our stress levels. Ensure you get 7-8 hours per night – add a few extra pillows or lying on your left-hand side to prevent acid reflux during the night. 

• Practice yoga or mindfulness. Activities like yoga, tai chi, and mindfulness can lower your stress levels. Alternatively, pick a calming activity you enjoy.  

• Eat healthily. It’s tempting when we’re stressed to binge on junk food. However, that will only exacerbate your symptoms. Avoid fatty, spicy foods that trigger reflux. 

Getting Diagnosed with Acid Reflux 

Do these acid reflux signs and symptoms look familiar? If so, it’s worth getting tested. Here at The Functional Gut Clinic, we offer several testing options for people with acid reflux. These include 24-hour reflux testing to confirm the presence of acid in your oesophagus or oesophageal manometry, which measures if your LOS is working properly.  

We provide you with a comprehensive explanation of the results and advise you on the next step. With years of experience, we’re the best option for reflux testing. Confirm your GERD symptoms with our help. Contact us today to learn more.