Anxiety Related Reflux Pain

By Dr. R. E. Freedman

Most people have experienced feelings of heartburn and indigestion at one time or another in their lives. One overeats or ingests spicy food only to pay the consequences later on in the day. Heartburn, indigestion, burning and often burping up acid into the back of the throat are a few of the symptoms. One often experiences colicky pain in the area along with discomfort. If you are aggravated due to stress and tension, these physical symptoms might become more intense, frequent and even interfere with daily living.

This is the time to stop and take a closer look at what is going on and what you can do to interrupt this glitch in digestion.

We are what we think and when we are worried or fearful, the stomach (also known as the second brain) begins to produce more acid. It is working overtime, even when there is little or no food to digest. This takes it toll on the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), which the muscle at the base of the esophagus, responsible for preventing the back flow of stomach contents and for allowing food to easily pass through the esophagus while swallowing. If this muscle becomes irritated, one might even experience pain in the area under the ribs, on the left side of the body.

In order to aid in healing this area and prevent future episodes of reflux and pain, it’s helpful to apply the following natural approach:

– Raw Honey- One tsp. when feeling pain helps to naturally heal the area and bring relief from heartburn as well.
-Avoid Crunchy Foods for 3-5 days- In order to allow the LES to heal.
-Avoid Spicy Foods– Hot, spicy foods will aggravate the area.
– Avoid Foods that are Too Hot or Too Cold in Temperature– Extreme temperatures interfere with healing.
– Use Water- Sip water in small amounts after eating to flush the LES area. Do not drink larger drinks until 3 hours after meals as not to interfere with digestion.
– ACV- Apple Cider Vinegar- Aids digestion for those not producing enough hydrochloric acid.
– Practice Relaxation Skills- This Will Calm an Upset System and stop the constant production of stress hormones and stomach acids.
– Eat 5 Small Meals a Day- Smaller more frequent meals will be easier on the system rather than 3 larger ones, as this will allow the stomach to rest and avoid overworking.
– Lose Weight- Less pressure on the stomach while sitting, reclining and sleeping.
– Stop Smoking- Smoking aggravates digestion.
– Elevate Upper Body while sleeping- Use a wedge pillow or raise back portion of bed.
– Moderation in Exercise- Avoid over-exercising as it stresses digestion.
– Avoid Over Use of Pain Relievers- They often upset stomach and aggravate this area. Acetaminophen is preferred over stronger NSAID’s.
– Loosen Clothing- Opt for clothes that are not too tight.
– Hiatal Hernia- Coughing, sneezing, reaching, or strenuous lifting may cause your stomach to slide up which also may create similar pain and symptoms. Eating mints, taking aspirin, using alcohol or pain relievers will often relax the LES, causing the stomach to slide up.

Here is a list of foods that should generally be avoided if your LES is experiencing pain or spasm.

– Fatty and Fried Foods
– Citrus
– Tomato
– Onions
– Chocolate
– Mint
– Alcohol
– Caffeine

It’s also essential to deal with stress effectively, acknowledge strong emotions and learn to cope with life’s daily tensions. There are ways to interrupt these upsets and turn off overreactions by learning to “retrain the brain” and use foods to work for you rather than against you.

Naturally, if the pain and discomfort intensifies, it is best to check with your physician and rule out any physical cause.