“Gastrointestinal symptoms are common physical symptoms of anxiety,” says Dr. Vasan. TikTok user @alwaysanxiety is one of many people whose anxiety affects their digestive tract. In a recent video they wrote: To date, the video has garnered him over 2.2 million views and he has over 2,580 comments, many of them from like-minded people.
“The nausea reflex is the body’s defensive response,” says Dr. Vasan. She gives the example of trying to swallow food that is too big for her throat. “But for some people, anxiety can trigger this same defensive/protective response,” she says. There is a possibility.”
How do you treat anxiety-induced nausea and increased acid reflux?
First and foremost, it’s important to make sure that’s what caused the problem and not another medical problem.
“You want to check with your doctor first to rule out other physical conditions,” says Dr. Vasan. After that, it’s all about minimizing anxiety. “Take a walk in nature, listen to music, or do something creative like drawing or coloring,” she suggests. These activities calm your nervous system and can reduce the frequency and severity of nausea and acid reflux, says Dr. Vasan.
She also recommends activities such as deep breathing to keep the body in tune, and notes when reflux and nausea occur. “There is a possibility that we are in the middle of nowhere,” says Dr. Vasan. “A diary or a note-taking feature on your smartphone can help with this, so you can get to the root cause of your anxiety and find ways to reduce it for the rest of your life.” Consider seeking help and guidance from a professional.