Coping Strategies To Manage Stress:
1. Incorporate Exercise to your routine
Exercise releases a natural feel-good hormone that in turn makes you feel relaxed and most importantly helps you forget your stressors to some extent.
2. Stay away from trigger foods
For a few people, chocolate may trigger acidity and for others coffee or spicy and oily food. Know your trigger foods that trigger your acidity symptoms and avoid consuming them.
3. Get enough sleep
Stress and sleep are interrelated, if you dont get enough sleep, stress hormones get released thus resulting in stress the next day. So, getting enough sleep must be your first priority as inadequate sleep also aggravates your symptoms.
4. Relaxation techniques
Try relaxation techniques like yoga, tai chi and meditation.
Lemon Grass Tea Herb & Gastritis
Native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia, lemongrass is used as a culinary herb and a medicinal tea for stomachache, fever and insomnia.Symptoms of heartburn sometimes mimic those of a heart attack, including shortness of breath and a fiery pain running from your chest to your neck and throat area.Lemongrass tea is a traditional remedy to treat gastrointestinal problems, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center 1.Additionally, it is a nervine, a substance that can dissipate stress and nervous tension, primary culprits underlying gastritis.Lemongrass tea and the fresh herb are sold at Latino and Asian grocery stores, sometimes under its Indonesian name, sereh.Negative reactions to lemongrass include thirst, increased urination, lethargy and loss of balance. .
Ways To Relieve Acid Reflux Without Medication
Image: Bigstock
A few lifestyle changes are worth trying before resorting to drugs for controlling gastroesophageal reflux.
If you are sounding a little hoarse and have a sore throat, you may be bracing for a cold or a bout of the flu. But if you’ve had these symptoms for a while, they might be caused not by a virus but by a valveyour lower esophageal sphincter. That’s the muscle that controls the passage between the esophagus and stomach, and when it doesn’t close completely, stomach acid and food flow back into the esophagus. The medical term for this process is gastroesophageal reflux the backward flow of acid is called acid reflux.
Acid reflux can cause sore throats and hoarseness and may literally leave a bad taste in your mouth. When acid reflux produces chronic symptoms, it is known as gastroesophageal reflux disorder, or GERD. The most common symptom of GERD is heartburnpain in the upper abdomen and chest that sometimes feel like youre having a heart attack.
Three conditionspoor clearance of food or acid from the esophagus, too much acid in the stomach, and delayed stomach emptyingcontribute to acid reflux, says Dr. Jacqueline Wolf, a gastroenterologist and associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and author of A Woman’s Guide to a Healthy Stomach: Taking Control of Your Digestive Health.
If you’ve been having repeated episodes of heartburnor any other symptoms of acid refluxyou might try the following:
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Improve Stomach Acid Levels
Conventional treatment for LPR and silent reflux often involves suppressing stomach acid with PPIs like omeprazole, esomeprazole , lansoprazole , or H2 blockers . The thinking goes that if stomach acid is backing up into the esophagus, there must be too much of it.
However, the opposite is often true: Theres actually not enough stomach acid present for proper digestion to take place. You may be at risk for low stomach acid if you:
- Are over 65
- Have anemia or autoimmune disease
- Frequently use painkillers or consume lots of coffee
- Have been diagnosed with H. pylori
- Have chronically used antacids or proton pump inhibitors .
You can try improving your stomach acid levels by supplementing with betaine HCl with meals. Not everyone needs to do this, but many of our patients have found huge symptom relief with this extra support. If you find it doesnt help your symptoms or makes things worse, simply discontinue.
Facts On Acid Reflux And Anxiety
Facing stress and anxiety is hard. From stressful world news to current events, a number of factors can put you on edge and make you feel unlike yourself. If youve experienced stress or anxiety, you know that the effects are both physical and emotional. They can affect the whole digestive system, in fact. Today, were here to discuss acid reflux and anxiety.
Before we dive in, lets talk about the difference between stress and anxiety. While the two share similar symptomslike uneasiness, headaches, loss of sleep and, yes, heartburnthey differ in other aspects.1 Stress is characterized as a response to a given situation, while anxiety is a persons specific reaction to that stress.2 While stress is temporary, anxiety may be prolonged. The line between the two is certainly a little blurry, but its important to understand the difference.
Is there a link between acid reflux and anxiety or stress? Explore the information below, and find answers with Nexium 24 HR.
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Lemongrass: Overview Uses Side Effects Precautions
View abstract.View abstract.View abstract.View abstract.View abstract.View abstract.A. and Agbaje, E.
O. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of fresh leaf aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf.View abstract.Blanco, M.
M., Costa, C. A., Freire, A. O., Santos, J.
G., Jr., and Costa, M. Neurobehavioral effect of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus in mice.View abstract.View abstract.Carbajal, D., Casaco, A., Arruzazabala, L., Gonzalez, R., and Tolon, Z.
Pharmacological study of Cymbopogon citratus leaves.View abstract.Carlini, E. A., Contar, J. de DP, Silva-Filho, A.
R., Silveira-Filho, N. G., Frochtengarten, M. L., and Bueno, O. F. Pharmacology of lemongrass .View abstract.Cheel, J., Theoduloz, C., Rodriguez, J., and Schmeda-Hirschmann, G. Free radical scavengers and antioxidants from Lemongrass .Stapf.).Impact of lemongrass oil, an essential oil, on serum cholesterol.Food Chem Toxicol.J Med Food 2010 13:681-690.Lalko, J.
and Api, A. M. Investigation of the dermal sensitization potential of various essential oils in the local lymph node assay.Food Chem Toxicol 2006 44:739-746.Lee, H. J., Jeong, H. S., Kim, D. J., Noh, Y.
H., Yuk, D. Y., and Hong, J. T. Inhibitory effect of citral on NO production by suppression of iNOS expression and NF-kappa B activation in RAW264.7 cells.Santoro, G.
F., Cardoso, M. G., Guimaraes, L.
S. Comparative anticonvulsant activities of the essential oils from Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt and Cymbopogon citratus Stapf.Souza Formigoni, M.
How Do I Know Im Having Heartburn And Not A Heart Attack
Chest pain caused by heartburn may make you afraid youre having a heart attack. Heartburn has nothing to do with your heart, but since the discomfort is in your chest it may be hard to know the difference while its going on. But symptoms of a heart attack are different than heartburn.
Heartburn is that uncomfortable burning feeling or pain in your chest that can move up to your neck and throat. A heart attack can cause pain in the arms, neck and jaw, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, extreme fatigue and anxiety, among other symptoms.
If your heartburn medication doesnt help and your chest pain is accompanied by these symptoms, call for medical attention right away.
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Treatment Options For Heartburn From Anxiety
Traditional heartburn treatments only have a moderate effect on anxiety heartburn. Eating smaller meals, taking antacids, and eating foods that do not contribute to heartburn are a good place to start. But they’re only going to do half the job, as many people that experience heartburn from anxiety fail to get complete relief when they utilize these treatments alone.
Some of those with anxiety claim to get relief from jogging and other forms of exercise. However, it should be noted that in general, exercise actually makes acid reflux temporarily worse. In the long term, though, it helps a lot with heartburn. While these options may prove helpful, there is one thing that should be considered first by people looking to get rid of their heartburn anxiety: address the root of the problem by treating your underlying anxiety!
Summary:
Anxiety can trigger heartburn in several ways, from muscle tension to digestion changes to hormone alterations. It can also be a trigger for anxiety, especially in those with hypersensitivity as a result of panic attacks or health fears. Heartburn can often be treated with dietary changes and over-the-counter medications, although anxiety will need to be treated concurrently to keep the symptoms away.
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Is Your Job Giving You Heartburn
Houston ranks among Americas most stressful cities. Endless working hours and long daily commutes are major contributors to stress Houstonians are paying a huge price with their health. Chronically stressed people are more likely to suffer from obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. But does stress cause acid reflux disease?
Many patients report stress as a trigger for heartburn. More than half of the patients that report to Houston Heartburn & Reflux Center attribute recurrent heartburn to a hectic lifestyle. The reality is that stress in and by itself does not cause acid reflux. The lower esophageal sphincter is a ring of muscles acting as a barrier against acid reflux. Stress does not affect the competency of the lower esophageal sphincter hence, stress does not cause reflux. However, chronic stress can exacerbate the intensity and duration of an already existing acid reflux problem. Indeed, stress increases stomach acid production, as well as the sensitivity of the esophagus to pain. As a result, acid reflux, if already present, is felt more intensely with stress.
At Houston Heartburn & Reflux Center, we comprehensively target the causes of acid reflux rather than the symptoms. If stress is contributing to your acid reflux disease, we have solutions for you.
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Can Anxiety Cause Acid Reflux
As discussed above, stress and anxiety share some overlap, as far as symptoms go. Stressful situations may worsen your heartburn pain, and depending on how your body reacts to stress, they can also trigger anxiety. While more research needs to be done on the topic, some studies report a connection between acid reflux symptoms and anxiety.5 If a person suffers from stress or anxiety, they may also experience symptoms of acid reflux.
Keep in mind that this does not mean anxiety necessarily directly causes acid reflux. Just like stress, anxiety may make you more sensitive to heartburn pain, making symptoms harder to manage.6 In addition, frequent acid reflux itself can be a stressful experience, which can trigger anxiety or anxious feelings in certain individuals. In a way, it can be a continuous circle, with anxiety affecting acid reflux and vice versa.
What Other Healing Powers Does Cabbage Juice Have
The benefits of drinking cabbage juice, as discovered so far, would surprise you.
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What Triggers Acid Reflux
Certain habits can affect acid reflux like eating spicy foods or foods with caffeine and chocolate, which may be heartburn triggers. Eating too much or lying down too quickly may increase the chances of acid reflux as well. But acid reflux triggers go beyond food. Smoking or taking certain medications can make your more prone to acid reflux, as can hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Another factor that may trigger acid reflux is stress. Stress itself does not cause acid production, but it may worsen the pain symptoms you experience. In one study, people who experienced anxiety or stress reported higher levels of pain from acid reflux.4 Taking steps to manage your stress by engaging in activities like meditation and exercise might be a good way to help relieve heartburn symptoms.
Can Cabbage Juice Cure Acid Reflux
The simple answer to this question is yes! cabbage juice most certainly is a reliable cure for acid reflux.
A 1949 study reveals 13 patients with a peptic ulcer, a disease that has progressed from acid reflux to deep large sores in the stomach lining being given fresh cabbage juice over some time.
Success is shown as an average healing time for seven of these patients was only 10.4 days, while the average time reported for all 62 patients was 37 days.
So, if cabbage juice can cure a deeply progressed condition of acid reflux, it will definitely help you treat your acid reflux at the very early stages itself much faster and more effectively.
When you need quick relief for the discomfort and pain that comes with gastritis, drinking a glass of cabbage juice or even carrot juice should do the trick.
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What Medications Do I Take To Manage The Symptoms Of Gerd
Many over-the-counter and prescription medications relieve GERD. Most of OTC drugs come in prescription strength too. Your provider will give you a prescription for these stronger drugs if youre not getting relief from the OTC formulas.
The most common GERD medications:
- Antacids include Tums®, Rolaids®, Mylanta®, Riopan® and Maalox®.
- H-2 receptor blockers include Tagamet®, Pepcid AC®, Axid AR® and Zantac®.
- Proton pump inhibitors include Prevacid®, Prilosec®, Zegerid®, Nexium®, Protonix®, AcipHex® and Dexilant®.
- Baclofen is a prescription drug used to reduce the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter which allows acid backwash.
Does Stress Really Make Acid Reflux Worse
Often, we may experience acid reflux when we are stressed, so it might seem obvious that there is a connection, but is this really the case? Its true! Acid reflux and stress are connected. Although, the exact reason as to why is up for discussion. In one study, 45.6% of participants noted that stress was a contributing factor in their acid reflux, meanwhile, another, comprising over 19,000 participants, noted that anxiety was a common element in patients with GERD than in the control group.
But why is this? Scientists suspect a number of factors to be at fault. Stress naturally causes muscle tension and over time as anxiety builds this can lead to pressure on the stomach. In addition, anxiety may increase its acid levels causing them to flow backward into the esophagus, which is already under stress. Combined, these give that feeling of burning and discomfort that we know so well.
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When Tests May Be Needed
You’ll usually only need to be referred for tests in hospital if:
- your GP is unsure whether you have GORD
- your symptoms are persistent, severe or unusual
- prescription medications aren’t controlling your symptoms
- your GP thinks you might benefit from surgery
- you have signs of a potentially more severe condition, such as difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss
Tests can help to confirm the diagnosis of GORD, check for other possible causes of your symptoms and determine whether you may be suitable for surgery.
Who’s Most At Risk Of Gord
The following factors may increase your risk of developing GORD:
- being overweight or obese this can place increased pressure on your stomach and weaken the muscles at the bottom of the oesophagus
- eating large amounts of fatty foods the stomach takes longer to get rid of stomach acid after digesting a fatty meal and the resulting excess acid may leak up into the oesophagus
- smoking, alcohol, coffee or chocolate these may relax the muscles at the bottom of the oesophagus
- pregnancy temporary changes in hormone levels and increased pressure on your stomach during pregnancy can cause GORD
- hiatus hernia when part of your stomach pushes up through your diaphragm
- gastroparesis when the stomach takes longer to get rid of stomach acid, which means excess acid can leak up into the oesophagus
- certain medicines some medicines can cause GORD or make the symptoms worse, including calcium-channel blockers , nitrates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- stress
GORD can sometimes affect several members of the same family and it’s been suggested that the genes you inherit from your parents may also affect your chances of developing the condition.
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How To Deal With Anxiety And Heartburn
- Heartburn, and GERD , have several links with anxiety.
- Some people already have GERD that gets worse when they have anxiety.
- Symptoms of GERD can also trigger further anxiety, especially in those with panic attacks.
- There are at least 4 links between anxiety and heartburn.
- Treating heartburn independently can be effective, although anxiety treatment should still be prioritized.
Acid Reflux And Stress Natural Remedies
You will find literally hundreds of pharmaceutical drugs and medications on relieving acid reflux and chronic heartburn.
However many of these proton pump inhibitors and antacids can do more damage than good. These drugs can actually increase your acid reflux because they reduce or inhibit the production of stomach acid.
A lack of acid is a common cause of acid reflux. It can prevent the proper digestion of food and the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.
A lack of acid can affect the functions of the LES because it is acid sensitive. If it detects low levels of acid in the stomach it will relax more.
It is better to try natural relief remedies first to see if they work. A popular treatment is raw apple cider vinegar. This contains ascetic acid, which has a lower acidity than your own stomach acid.
This dilutes the gastric acid in your stomach, which helps to re-balance your ph levels.
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