5. Stress: The Silent Aggravator
We often think of stress as affecting only our mental health. But the truth is, stress can play a significant role in physical conditions, including esophagitis. You may be wondering how that works. Well, stress can lead to behaviors that exacerbate the symptoms, like smoking or excessive drinking, but that’s not the whole story.
Stress has a physiological effect as well. Ever heard of the “fight or flight” response? When stressed, your body produces higher levels of cortisol. This hormone, in turn, can increase stomach acid production, leading to more irritation of the esophagus.
Moreover, stress can affect our eating habits. Stressed people often opt for fast food, sugary snacks, or comfort foods high in fat. None of these are good news for an already irritated esophagus. Plus, stress-eating usually involves consuming large quantities in a short period, which can overload the stomach.(5)
