Healing Beyond Symptoms: Psychotherapy's Role in Managing GORD

Several recent studies have correlated stress and GORD. Chronic and acute stress can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms with a directly proportionate association.

How does stress impact acid reflux?

• Increased cortisol secretion: stress hormones like cortisol increase the acidity of gastric fluids;
• Altered digestion: stress can impact gastric motility causing food build up in the stomach;
• Weakened esophageal sphincter: anxiety can influence the physiological barrier of the esophago-gastric junction, making it easier for acid to travel up.
• Increased pain sensitivity: stress can make us more reactive to normal amount of stomach acid. The body exaggerates physical symptoms as its way of telling us something is wrong emotionally.

Stress doesn't just affect the body directly — it can also change our habits in ways that make acid reflux more likely, such as:

• drinking excessive alcohol
• smoking
• overeating and eating foods high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar

This is why taking a holistic approach to health is so valuable. When we care for both the emotional and physical aspects of a condition, we not only treat the symptoms but also gain insight into their deeper causes.

If you're considering treatment for reflux or other chronic conditions, and would like to learn how psychotherapy can support your healing and help you reconnect with your body and emotions, please feel free to reach out: https://www.silviabodinitherapy.com/

References

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23883104/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40090389/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40248394/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40099101/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39741020/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39809207/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38691536/