Stress is produced by a hormone, known as epinephrine – which is released when humans initiate, the “fight or flight” response to potential dangers and hazardous situations. During this response blood-flow is increased to the body’s muscles, but decreased to the other regions of the body, including the digestive-tract. Therefore, extended bouts of stress can lead to the overproduction of hormones, which can have a detrimental effect on the body’s systems and functions – often resulting in episodes of heart-burn. Acid-reflux can also be triggered by an acceleration in the production of stomach-acids during stress which leads to an increased secretion of the hormone, cortisol.
Therefore, in order to minimize episodes of heart-burn, it is important to employ methods to reduce it – which can be achieved with a series of fairly simple approaches. One way of doing this is to engage in exercise regularly, as it can promote blood-circulation in the body which alleviates stress and aids digestion. Chewing gum can also help to stave-off heartburn, as it increases the production of saliva that can serve as a digestive-tool, as can reducing the intake of caffeine, alcohol and spicy food.
So whilst heartburn can often be uncomfortable and debilitating, making simple adjustments to your lifestyle can result in the rapid-relief of its symptoms. It is also easy to find medications for heartburn in most chemists and pharmacies, although, as always, it is important to consult with a medical-professional before you use them.
