Stressful lives can be full of quick takeout meals and eating on the run, dependent on coffee for a caffeinated "energy" boost, or reliant on tea to soothe jangled nerves. Bad eating habits; hectic and disrupted eating schedules; not to mention stress, stress, and more stress, can lead to symptoms of heartburn and GERD.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acids backflow upwards into the esophagus. Those acids irritate the tissue and cause the symptoms of heartburn.
People dealing with stress will sometimes seek out foods, drinks, and substances that might temporarily release the symptoms of the tension. Coffee, tea, cigarettes, and antidepressants have all been linked to GERD. To cut out the burn of GERD, cut some of these out of your routine.
And speaking of routines: set aside time to eat your meals while sitting down and over a reasonable amount of time. Eating too quickly or while you are on the move can also lead to heartburn and GERD.
If heartburn occurs 2 or more times a week, you may have GERD. Check with your doctor and get examined for this condition before it leads to other complications.