Acid Reflux causing Headaches? Learn about the gut-brain axis that may be causing them
Headaches can occur due to hundreds of reasons. One of these can be gas. Many people suffer from headaches as a result of gastric problems or acidity.
Acid reflux is the back-flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. It is a less severe form of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), both of which are known to cause acid reflux headaches due to the strong connection between the gut and the brain. This connection is called the gut-brain axis.
Since the gut and the brain are in constant communication, any dysfunction in your gut due to acid reflux or GERD can result in acid reflux headaches. Fortunately, there are a few treatment options and coping strategies that can ease acid reflux headaches and prevent future ones from occurring.
This article discusses the connection between acid reflux, GERD, and acid reflux headaches. It includes treatment options, home remedies, and lifestyle changes you can try to relieve your symptoms along with when to see a healthcare provider.
Connection Between Acid Reflux and Headaches
Research shows that the gut and the brain communicate with each other through the central nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system. Critical neurotransmitters, like serotonin, are found in both the brain and the gut.
Anytime there is a disturbance in the brain or the gut, communication between the two regions can be disrupted. In that way, a condition like GERD can contribute to headaches, and headaches can also contribute to gastrointestinal distress.
Research has shown that GERD is common among people with migraines, suggesting that migraine sufferers might be predisposed to GERD. People with more prevalent headaches report having more reflux than people without headaches.
In addition, some research shows that treating acid reflux and GERD can help reduce the number of headaches people experience, especially for the 22% of migraine sufferers who have also been diagnosed with GERD.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux Headache
Not all gastric headaches are the same. Some people experience pain in their temples while others experience what feels like a tight band around their head. The pain may be dull or throbbing and located on one or both sides of the head.
GERD and acid reflux are also known to trigger symptoms of sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses). A sinus headache due to acid reflux may feel like:
- Dull pain around the eyes
- Tenderness or pain around the cheekbones
- A feeling of pressure in your head
- Head pain when you wake up in the morning or when bending over
Additionally, acid reflux headaches may occur alongside other symptoms, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Pain or burning in the stomach
- Belching
- Bloating
- Feeling of excessive fullness after eating
- Migraine aura (i.e., flashes of light or other sensory disturbances)
Coping
There are a few coping strategies you can try to ease the pain of an acid reflux headache when it strikes.
1. Lemon water
Did you know that lemon is an excellent solution to get rid of headaches as it contains anti-inflammatory properties. Add the juice of a lemon to lukewarm water and drink it. This will help you manage a headache caused by gas in your stomach.
2. Drinking buttermilk
If you have a headache due to gas, just drink chaas (buttermilk) twice a day and feel better.
3. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water
Inadequate hydration causes headaches. So, a daily intake of around 10-12 glasses of water can help you relieve those nagging headaches.
4. Chew on basil leaves
Chewing 7-8 basil leaves will reduce a headache and relax your muscles as they have analgesic properties that are soothing for you.
5. Cold compress
Opting for an ice pack can do the trick. Try to place it on the temples as it helps blood vessels to constrict and slows down nerve conduction, by tackling headaches.
To resolve your gas issues, try these:
1. Drinks
To calm your gas, acid reflux, and constipation, some drinks can help. Drinks such as cucumber juice, lemon water, ginger water, coconut water, ajwain water, and saunf water can help in healing your stomach cells.
2. Diet
Add white rice, red rice, brown rice, white poha, kurmura corn, sabudana, idli, and dosa to your regular diet. Along with it, add moong dal, tur dal, and urad dal. These foods are known to improve stomach health.
3. Mint
You can consume mint by preparing mint tea. Mint is rich in anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It soothes the burning sensation in your stomach as well as in your throat and provides instant relief.
4. Yoga
Research shows that regular yoga practice can reduce heartburn, trouble swallowing (dysphagia), nausea, and other GERD symptoms. Practice vajrasana, trikonasana, pawanmuktasana, and ustrasana poses to get rid of gas and constipation.
Treatment
There are no treatments that are specific to acid reflux headaches. However, research indicates that controlling both headaches and GERD can help alleviate the symptoms of these conditions.
Talk with your doctor about a comprehensive approach to treatment that addresses both headaches and GERD.
Prevention
The following lifestyle changes can reduce the amount of GERD symptoms that you experience and help you avoid acid reflux headaches.
- Lose weight: Losing weight can be difficult, but it's also one of the most effective ways to reduce symptoms of GERD for people who are overweight.
- Stay upright: Use gravity to your advantage for keeping stomach acid down. Avoid lying down after eating, and elevate your head at night to reduce symptoms.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking weakens the esophageal sphincter, which prevents stomach acids from leaking into the esophagus. Thus, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to prevent acid reflux headaches.
- Drink less alcohol: Drinking alcohol may worsen GERD symptoms. Try to avoid alcohol or at least drink in moderation.
Avoiding foods that are high in fat, salt, or spice can reduce acid reflux symptoms and help prevent acid reflux headaches. In particular, try to avoid the following:
- Caffeine
- Fried foods
- Processed snacks like potato chips
- Chili powder and hot pepper
- Cheese
- Citrus fruits
- Carbonated beverages, such as soda
Outlook
Your brain and your gastrointestinal tract are closely linked by the gut-brain axis. As a result, acid reflux or GERD can cause acid reflux headaches. Simple home remedies like a cold compress can help you cope with an acid reflux headache, while lifestyle changes, such as avoiding cigarettes and alcohol, may help you prevent them.
Although acid reflux and GERD are not life-threatening, symptoms can be very uncomfortable. If home remedies and over-the-counter medications don't seem to resolve your symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider for other treatment options.
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Medical Review: This article is written by Dr Nishtha Mittal (Senior Health Content Editor at Zanskar Health) and has been medically reviewed by the medical team at Zanskar Health. This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.
