Believe It or Not, Heartburn Might Be Behind Your Headaches—Here's Why

Emily Laurence
·4 min read

If you’ve ever had heartburn—caused by stomach acid coming up into the esophagus—you’re (unfortunately) familiar with the pain that it can cause in your chest. Its name is apt, as heartburn truly feels like a burning sensation. But for some people, the pain isn’t confined to their chest. Some people suffer headaches in addition to heartburn—an especially miserable experience.

Could heartburn and headaches be connected, or is it just an unfortunate coincidence? According to scientific research, there does seem to be a link for some people. Ready for some good news? Taking the steps to treat your heartburn should nip both problems in the bud.

Related: Heartburn Help Is Here—Experts Share Their Top Tips to Get Rid of Heartburn

What Is the Connection Between Heartburn and Headaches?

According to a scientific study published in 2016, there is a link between heartburn and headaches. The Realistic Dietitian founder Andrea Marincovich, RD, explains that the study’s researchers found that people with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) experienced headaches more regularly than people who didn’t have GERD. (When someone has GERD, stomach acid flows into their esophagus, which can cause acid reflux and heartburn.) 

Additionally, Marincovich points out that the study researchers found that people with severe GERD experienced more severe headaches. “[This leads] to the theory that headaches are simply a complication for those with severe acid reflux,” she says.

While the study does show a connection, it doesn’t explain how heartburn can cause headaches; that’s still a question mark researchers are trying to figure out. But Marincovich says that what we do know is that there is a very strong connection between the gut and brain. When this link is considered, the connection between heartburn and headaches is a bit less surprising. 

“The gut-brain axis also connects one to their autonomic nervous system,” Marincovich explains, adding that there seems to be a link between a malfunctioning autonomic nervous system and GERD as well as headaches. One role that the autonomic nervous system has is controlling the beating of the heart and the widening and narrowing of blood vessels. When it experiences a disruption—which could potentially include heartburn—someone may experience headaches and even migraines.

Related: These Are the 6 Most Common Types of Headaches—And What To Do About Them

What To Do For Immediate and Lasting Relief

Obviously, anyone experiencing the double whammy of a headache and heartburn wants immediate relief. So which one should you focus on treating? Marincovich says to do your best to treat both, not one over the other. For example, she says this may involve taking an over-the-counter pain reliever for your headache as well as an antacid for your heartburn.

In addition to in-the-moment relief, it’s important to get to the root cause of what’s causing your heartburn, if it’s recurring. With any luck, your headaches will go away once you stop experiencing heartburn. It can be helpful to work with a gastrointestinal doctor or registered dietitian knowledgeable about GERD, acid reflux and heartburn to do this. Often, they will recommend a low-acid diet. This type of eating plan isn’t meant to be lifelong; it’s just meant to be followed until your symptoms subside.

Related: Got Heartburn? Find Relief Fast With These 15 DIY Home Remedies

Marincovich says that in addition to a low-acid diet, other lifestyle habits can help too, such as eating more frequent smaller meals instead of three large ones, sitting upright while eating and after a meal, eating your last meal about three hours before you go bed, avoiding alcohol, not smoking and drinking plenty of water.

If the headaches persist, Marincovich suggests booking an appointment with your primary care provider. “I recommend going to your physician for more testing to see if there are any other underlying situations causing the headaches and to see if there are any medications or long-term solutions that can help,” she says.

While almost everyone gets headaches or heartburn from time to time, experiencing them regularly (simultaneously or not) isn’t normal and shouldn’t be something you have to live with. Work with your doctor—and a dietitian, if necessary—to get to the bottom of what’s causing your symptoms. That way, you can enjoy the meals you love without worrying about any unwanted side effects. 

Next up, find out what simple diet changes can help with heartburn and GERD.

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