By Dianna Yvonne Smith

Acid reflux is one of the very most common complaints, affecting just about everyone at some time or another. Also known as GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease), this is something familiar to all of us as heartburn. The characteristic symptoms of acid reflux are due to stomach acids making their way into the esophagus; the name “heartburn” is due to the pain of acid reflux that is usually felt in the center of the chest.

There are a number of different things which can trigger acid reflux. Many find that they are prone to having symptoms after eating certain foods, especially acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits. Fried foods are also believed by many to cause acid reflux. But can stress cause acid reflux? The general consensus is yes; and there are few of us who have not experienced the symptoms of acid reflux at a time of especially acute stress. However, the truth of the matter is a little more complex.

While most people would answer yes if asked “can stress cause acid reflux?”, it happens that stress does not actually cause acid reflux, per se. However, stress can be an aggravating factor which can make the symptoms of acid reflux seem far worse than they are. We all know how stress has a way of intensifying unpleasant sensations – and this is certainly true of heartburn.

It is believed by many that stress can be a contributing factor to acid reflux; part of the reason why we seem more prone to heartburn at times of stress is that we also tend to eat for comfort as a response to heightened stress levels. What’s more, the foods we tend to turn to for comfort are often those which are known to be common triggers for acid reflux. Along with our heightened sensitivity at times of stress, we’re more likely to have an attack of acid reflux – and it will seem even worse than it would otherwise.

Studies have shown that relaxation techniques can help to reduce the severity of acid reflux symptoms. When you are experiencing a high stress level, try breathing techniques and exercise in order to take your mind off of your stress – this will help to alleviate your acid reflux symptoms somewhat. Walking is an especially good exercise in these cases. Keeping an upright posture is a good way to keep stomach acids from infiltrating the esophagus and causing heartburn – and walking can also be very relaxing in and of itself.

By keeping an eye on what you eat and using stress reduction techniques, you can reduce both the severity and the frequency of your acid reflux symptoms. Remember; the answer to can stress cause acid reflux? Is no – but stress can make your acid reflux symptoms a lot worse than they would be otherwise and that some of the ways that people cope with stress can also lead to heartburn.

Dianna Yvonne Smith is a consultant and expert in several areas of internet marketing. She has published articles and e-books in the family, home, fitness, business and cooking categories. To learn much more about Can Stress Cause Acid Reflux, visit http://www.AcidRefluxExplained.com