Reduce stress, adjust living habits
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of Surgery, Phuong Dong General Hospital, prolonged stress can affect the functioning of the digestive system and make some people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) feel symptoms more clearly. Therefore, in addition to treatment according to doctor's instructions, controlling stress and maintaining a suitable lifestyle can support disease management.
Some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress. Regular physical activity also contributes to improving mood and overall health. However, people with reflux should avoid high-intensity exercise immediately after eating.
Eating habits also need to be adjusted. Patients should eat slowly, avoid overeating and can be divided into many small meals if appropriate. Some foods and drinks such as coffee, wine, spicy foods or high in fat can increase symptoms in some people, so it is necessary to monitor to limit irritants.
You should not eat close to bedtime. For people with frequent nighttime reflux, raising the head of the bed can help limit symptoms.
When should help be sought?
Adequate sleep and maintaining a balance between work and rest are also factors that need attention. When prolonged stress or anxiety significantly affects daily life, psychological therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be considered with professional advice.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan recommends that patients need to recognize signs of stress and proactively find ways to control it before this condition affects their health. For people who have been diagnosed with GERD and have seen symptoms related to stress, stress management should be carried out in parallel with prescribed medical treatment.
Do not arbitrarily stop medication or change the treatment regimen when symptoms improve. If the stress persists, affecting the quality of life, or digestive symptoms are not controlled, patients should consult a doctor for appropriate evaluation and guidance.
Stress management does not replace GERD treatment, but may be part of a symptom control and healthy lifestyle strategy.
