Can Stress Cause Acid Reflux?

Multiple studies report that the likelihood of having acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms increases in people who are under stress.

Stress can affect esophageal sensitivity. In a small 2017 study , researchers administered corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), a neuropeptide released during stress, to healthy participants via intravenous infusion. They found that CRH increased the esophagus’s sensitivity to electrical activity.

When stressed, you become more sensitive to smaller amounts of acid in the esophagus.

Increased sensitivity in the GI tract can also contribute to other GI disorders, including functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome.

A 2023 study in Sri Lanka found that people with moderate to high stress were 1.95 times more likely to have acid reflux symptoms than people with low stress. Those with higher stress levels had more frequent GERD symptoms, including:

• heartburn
• regurgitation
• chest pain
• cough
• burping

A 2019 study based on a survey of Saudi Arabian students determined that GERD was more common in those exposed to high perceived stress.

Mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, may also raise your risk for acid reflux.

A 2021 study noted that both anxiety and depression were more common in young people with GERD than in those without it.

A 2022 review of research found that while psychosocial disorders can contribute to developing GERD, having GERD can also increase your likelihood of developing a mental health disorder.

Anxiety and depression can also worsen symptoms of acid reflux.

Treatment and home remedies may help reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Reducing stress

Reducing your stress levels and your responses to them may help reduce your symptoms of acid reflux.

You may be able to reduce your stress levels with changes to your daily routine. This can include:

• getting more exercise, which releases naturally stress-relieving hormones
• getting enough sleep
• practicing mindfulness or meditation
• practicing yoga or tai chi
• trying calming activities, like listening to music, drawing, or journaling
• setting healthy boundaries and maintaining them
• practicing self-care

Preventing acid reflux

Some strategies that affect when, how, and what you eat and drink may also help reduce symptoms of acid reflux.

Learn about lifestyle behaviors to help reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Treating mental health disorders

If you are dealing with an anxiety disorder or depression, getting treatment for your mental health disorder may help you feel better and also reduce your acid reflux. Treatment may include:

• talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy
• complementary therapies, including mindfulness and stress management techniques
• medications for anxiety or depression

Treating acid reflux

Acid reflux can also contribute to your stress levels, which can, in turn, worsen your symptoms. Depending on how often your symptoms occur and their severity, a doctor may recommend medications to treat them.

Learn more about treatment for acid reflux.

Stress can cause and worsen acid reflux symptoms by increasing the sensitivity of your esophagus.

Reducing your stress levels may help reduce your acid reflux symptoms.