It is well known that everyone who struggles with GERD on a daily basis will tell a different story about the symptoms and triggers that are problematic. Some have to carefully watch what they eat, and others can eat most anything with no issues. Others have to give up alcohol and some don't. This is also true when talking about stress. For some there are issue with anxiety, GERD, and troublesome side effects. When stress is a major contributor to acid reflux pain and flare up, changes will need to be made in order to keep this type of trigger under control.

Though it is thought that stress and anxiety are major triggers for acid reflux related symptoms, this is only partially true. The connection is more about behaviors than anything else is.

Though stress might not be a direct trigger, it does make people do things that are going to cause problems. Stress management is essential for these people.

Anxiety and stress is the reason many eat and drink things they know are going to cause problems, but they do them anyway to deal with the feelings that come with stress. It allows them a reason to make the wrong choices.

One thing many do when the are experiencing stress is to go out for a few drinks. Though not applicable to everyone, there are many that chose this form of stress relief. The problem with this is that alcohol is a trigger for acid reflux symptoms, and it should be avoided by anyone struggling with GERD.

Others deal with stress by eating many things that they consider comfort foods. Cookies, muffins, sweets and filling foods such as pastas are often eaten for their feel good comforting abilities. Unfortunately they can all be acid triggers in the stomach when ingested.

Stress might be momentarily forgotten during these times, but the result will be more pain when the GERD symptoms make themselves felt!

Stress can be managed though, and one of the best ways to go about stress management is to take up some form of exercise. Though running is great, there are many people who find this idea pretty unappealing and either don't want to do this, or aren't able. That is not the only option though.

Many with GERD find that yoga is good, as it is easier to do, and it comes with breathing techniques that can be used any time you're feeling overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. An added benefit of exercise is that it helps you sleep better at night, leaving you feeling more rested and revitalized each day.

Another great action to take to relieve stress and anxiety is to quit smoking.

Though some smokers feel their habit helps keep stress down, it is a huge trigger for acid reflux. In many cases, smoking aggravates stress anyway, so it's a double whammy. Stopping smoking is a great idea.

Though these habits can be hard to break life, doing without them can help with relieving anxiety GERD symptoms, and they will have far reaching health benefits beyond helping with the symptoms and pain of heartburn. That can help reduce stress and anxiety even more!