I get acid reflux atleast 2-3 times a week at night time before bed sometimes also after I've had an argument , im quite a stressed person. Can it be caused by stress ? Also should I go doctors about it or isn't 2 times a week a big deal ?
Hi Katie
Yes I find stress can make it worse, are you taking anything for the acid reflux? You should go to the doctors as I think 2-3 times a week is a big deal. X
No I suffer from anxiety aswell so I think it could be related to that. I'm not on any medication as the acid reflux is really on and off so I wasn't sure if I needed it x
Hello Katie, as Shannel says, stress is not good for reflux or anything else other than survival in an emergency, so do your best to avoid it. Anxiety is the really quite the same thing, our instinctive fight-or-flight response to pain or danger. But diet is also a main cause of heartburn/reflux and related stomach troubles, and by being aware of some common dos and don'ts you might be able to prevent further attacks and not need medication at all. You should think about if there is a specific food you have eaten before the times reflux occurs.
I suffer from gastritis, and the measures which help me be better than I was when it started are below. Maybe they can help you too. You could also read about stress and anxiety management online, or ask your doctor for advice. Best wishes.
Several small/medium meals per day (I have seven medium, one every two hours or so), rather than fewer bigger ones, so you don't overfill your stomach. Eat relaxed, chew well. Be sat upright for and after meals, not bent or reclining, so you don't squash your stomach and press its contents upwards.
Fried foods, high-fat foods/meats, dairy, high-salt foods, spicy-hot foods, tomatoes, carbonated drinks, caffeine, alcohol and chocolate can all impact on stomach and reflux troubles for some people, so personal experimentation is key. Minty foods relax the lower oesophageal muscle which can let acid up easier, so they are bad. I use a fruity toothpaste, and strawberry gaviscon tablets for the now only occasional acid burn.
Wholewheat bread, cereals, bananas, hardboiled eggs are a few of the foods that suit me, but there are pulses, rice, various beans (not kidney beans apparently) and many other things to try. Chicken is one of the best meats due to its lower fat content, though even that can hit me and is not eaten lately.
Stress, excercise and bending activity that pressure and squeeze the stomach are also to be avoided. Be as calm and stress-free as you can.
Having your last meal a few hours before bed can prevent or lessen reflux at night, but I found that waiting to be too empty caused hunger discomfort and kept me awake. Because of this I lie down about an hour and a half to two hours after last meal, and this is much better. I lie raised a bit on three pillows, on my right side, which is best for me, though the left side is usually recommended. Other people raise the bed-head itself about 6 to 8 inches.
Another thing that helps me greatly is to not burp after ten minutes after eating, as this can bring acid up and cause heartburn.