One indication that you are in good health is the status of your digestive health. When your gastrointestinal system is operating normally, that is an indication of your overall health and wellness. You will immediately know if your digestive system needs attention, and one symptom to look out for is acid reflux. At SoCal Digestive Wellness in Arcadia, CA, Dr. Sunny Lo will talk to you about how stress and other factors can impact your acid reflux and other digestive problems.

Understanding Acid Reflux

When acid in the stomach regurgitates into the esophagus and eventually up into the throat or mouth, that is called acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). A study published in the American Gastroenterological Association determined that approximately 44 percent of Americans have experienced GERD. The muscle at the bottom end of the esophagus relaxes instead of closing and allows acid to flow back upward. Eating fatty or acid foods causes the acid to flare up, exacerbating the reflux symptoms.

How Stress Can Impact Acid Reflux

While food and beverage choices are most often the cause of acid reflux, it can also happen as a result of intense stress. Some experts refer to the gut as the “second brain,” meaning that it gets signals just like the first brain does that can trigger a bodily response. Extreme levels of stress can increase the production of stomach acid, making acid reflux worse.

Common Treatments for Acid Reflux

If your acid reflux has progressively gotten worse over the months or years, you may need medication and other therapies. These are some of the common acid reflux treatments that your Arcadia, CA, doctor may suggest:

• Medication to neutralize stomach acid or reduce its production (histamine blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and antacids).
• Medication to strengthen muscles in the gastrointestinal tract (prokinetic agents).
• Dietary changes (no more spicy or acidic foods).
• Lifestyle changes (no more smoking, reduced consumption of alcohol, and weight loss programs).

If you and your doctor determine that stress is a factor, you can also talk about stress management techniques and ask about getting a referral to a counselor or therapist.

Reduce Stress to Reduce Acid Reflux Symptoms

In serious cases of acid reflux, patients can lose the ability to eat food normally or experience esophageal damage, which can lead to rapid weight loss and other health conditions. Before this happens, see Dr. Sunny Lo at SoCal Digestive Wellness in Arcadia, CA, to discuss how stress may be affecting your acid reflux and come up with solutions for your symptoms. You can set an appointment by calling (818) 659-5887.