from burnout to heartburn: the hidden link between stress and acidity

let's talk about how stress and anxiety can affect our digestive health, specifically when it comes to acidity and acid reflux.

you know how sometimes when we're feeling stressed or anxious, our stomach starts acting up? 

well, that's not just a coincidence. there's actually a strong connection between our mind and gut, often referred to as the gut-brain axis.

here's what happens:

stress triggers acidity

imagine you’re driving back home from work on a busy highway when suddenly, another car cuts you off, swerving into your lane and forcing you to slam your brakes to avoid collision.

in a split second, your body goes into "fight or flight" mode, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. these hormones can slow digestion, causing food to sit in the stomach for longer periods. this can lead to increased acid production, irritating the stomach lining and cause acidity.

the gut-brain connection

as you know from our previous blogs, our gut and brain are connected through the vagus nerve, which allows them to communicate with each other. when we're stressed, our brain sends signals to the gut, which can 

• slow down digestion,

• increase acid production and also

• alter gut bacteria (which can lead to inflammation)

stress-related acidity can manifest in a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including heartburn, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and acid reflux. when stress triggers the production of stomach acid, it can lead to heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest and throat.

bloating and abdominal pain can also occur as the digestive system slows down, causing discomfort and tightness in the stomach. 

additionally, stress can trigger nausea and acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a sour or bitter taste and discomfort. 

hence, these symptoms can be debilitating and disrupt daily life, making it essential to manage stress effectively to alleviate acidity and promote digestive well-being.

managing stress to alleviate acidity

so, what can we do? - here are some tips to help manage acidity and reduce stress:-

1. first, practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can really make a difference. they help calm your mind and body.

2. second, try to exercise regularly. physical activity not only reduces stress but also improves digestion, which is a bonus. 

3. another helpful tip is to eat smaller, more frequent meals. this can prevent overwhelming your stomach and reduce acidity symptoms.

4. identify and avoid trigger foods that make your acidity worse—things like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and chocolate can be culprits.

5. get good quality sleep. aiming for 7-8 hours can help regulate stress hormones and keep you feeling balanced.

6. consider adding probiotics to your diet as well; they can support gut health. you can find them in supplements or foods like yoghurt and dosa/idli, or sourdough.

if you find that stress and anxiety are really overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. talking to a mental health professional can provide you with additional support.

lavi can support you by offering personalized advice and recommendations for managing acidity, helping you achieve a healthier gut and improve your overall well-being. you can schedule a consultation to talk to our experts.