Transform To Wellness with Holistic Nurse Kathleen

Transform To Wellness with Holistic Nurse Kathleen

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Transform To Wellness with Holistic Nurse Kathleen
Transform To Wellness with Holistic Nurse Kathleen
Stress and GERD: Protect Your Digestive Health
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Stress and GERD: Protect Your Digestive Health

Stress and Acid Reflux- The Burning Truth 🔥

Kathleen Thorne RN, LMT's avatar
Kathleen Thorne RN, LMT
Oct 27, 2024
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Transform To Wellness with Holistic Nurse Kathleen
Transform To Wellness with Holistic Nurse Kathleen
Stress and GERD: Protect Your Digestive Health
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Ever felt that fiery burn in your chest and wondered why it hits hardest on stressful days?

It’s no coincidence—stress could be fueling the flames of GERD.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Stress: A Dangerous Duo

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition where chronic exposure from the acidic stomach secretions come up to the unprotected epithelial lining of the esophagus.

This can cause damage to to lining and potentially lead to cancer- like Barrett’s esophagus.

Causes of GERD

  • Poor lifestyle habits (e.g., overeating, lying down right after eating)

  • Certain medications- antibiotics, sedatives, nitrates, calcium channel blocker agents, anticholinergics and others

  • Obesity- having a body mass index >30

  • Smoking, and high alcohol intake

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Stress- increases acid production, weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, and heightens sensitivity to acid


Risk Factors

  • Age (over 50)

  • Men report more frequently than women

  • Chronic stress or anxiety

  • Hiatal hernia

  • Pregnancy

  • Poor diet, high in unhealthy fats and spicy foods


Signs and Symptoms

  • Persistent heartburn (especially after eating or at night)

  • Regurgitation of sour or bitter-tasting acid

  • Chest pain or discomfort

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Sore throat, chronic cough, or laryngitis


Complications

Esophagitis, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, anemia, peptic ulcer, peptic stricture, dysphagia, gastric cardia cancer, and Barrett esophagus.

GERD may also result in extra-gastrointestinal complications, including dental erosions, laryngitis, cough, asthma, sinusitis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Higher rates in people who experience chronic stress.

Stress and GERD: The Vicious Cycle

Stress can amplify GERD symptoms by increasing stomach acid production.

It weakens the esophageal muscles, allowing acid to escape into the esophagus.

Experiencing anxiety over GERD symptoms can lead to more stress, perpetuating the cycle.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis include but are not limited to:

  1. Endoscopy

  2. pH monitoring

  3. X-ray with barium swallow

Conventional Treatments:

  1. Antacids and proton pump inhibitors

  2. Lifestyle changes (diet and sleep habits)

  3. Surgery in severe cases

Learn holistic approaches and natural treatments.

Why reducing stress is essential for GERD prevention? ⬇️

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© 2025 Kathleen Thorne RN, LMT
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