The 2025 Gut-Brain Report: How Anxiety Triggers 80% of “Unexplained” Reflux

Data Reveal: The Missing Link Between High-Functioning Anxiety and GERD

Have you ever noticed your reflux flares up right before a big presentation, during a stressful travel week, or when you’re anxious but haven’t changed your diet?

You’re not imagining it.

At FLORA Nutrition, we’ve observed a staggering trend: over 80% of our clients with “unexplained” reflux symptoms experience meaningful relief only after addressing the nervous system—not just food triggers.

And it’s not just anecdotal—there’s a powerful physiologic reason for it.

The Vagus Nerve: The Gut-Brain Highway

The Vagus Nerve is your body’s longest cranial nerve—and it’s the main communication line between your brain and your digestive system.

When you’re in a state of chronic stress or high-functioning anxiety, your nervous system shifts into “fight or flight” mode (sympathetic state). This suppresses digestion, alters stomach acid secretion, and can even cause your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax—allowing acid to rise.

This is why so many clients say:

“I eat clean. I avoid all the triggers. But the reflux still shows up.”

You can’t diet your way out of nervous system dysregulation.

FLORA Findings: Reflux Isn’t Just About Food

Through our client data and clinical observation, we’ve found:

• ~80% of our LPR & GERD clients report symptoms worsen during stress-heavy periods—even without dietary changes

• Clients practicing gut-directed mindfulness see symptom relief faster and with fewer relapses

• Those using vagus-nerve regulation tools report greater long-term stability and fewer flare-ups

These findings align with the growing body of research on the gut-brain axis and its role in gastrointestinal disorders like GERD, IBS, and LPR.

Scientific Insight:

• Bonaz et al. (2018): The Vagus nerve plays a central role in gut-brain interaction and immune regulation.

• Keefer et al. (2012): Gut-directed hypnotherapy shows promise in managing functional GI symptoms.

3 Ways to Regulate Your Vagus Nerve (Starting Today)

Inside the FLORA App, we’ve built our protocols around daily nervous system regulation, not just elimination diets. Here are three clinically-backed tools to try:

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing

Deep belly breaths help stimulate the vagus nerve and support the parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) state.

✔️ Try: 5 minutes of slow breathing before each meal

2. Humming or Singing

The vocal cords are connected to the vagus nerve—gentle vibration from humming can stimulate its calming effect.

✔️ Try: 1–2 minutes of humming in the car or shower

3. Cold Exposure

Cold water on the face or neck can “reset” vagus nerve tone and calm an overactive nervous system.

✔️ Try: Splashing cold water on your face in the morning or post-meal

Stop Chasing Food—Start Soothing the Root Cause

If you’ve tried every diet, every supplement, and still feel stuck, the missing link could be your nervous system.

Your brain talks to your gut all day long.

When that communication is stuck in a loop of anxiety, your digestion suffers—and reflux becomes harder to control.

Tools to Support Nervous System & Gut Healing

The FLORA App

Our clients use the FLORA App daily to access:

• Gut-directed meditations

• Reflux-friendly yoga flows

• Nervous system reset routines

• Meal plans & upper GI healing protocols
  
  👉 Download the FLORA App

Sequoia Soothe

Designed by FLORA founder and reflux specialist Molly Pelletier, Sequoia Soothe is our go-to, professional-grade botanical blend—formulated to soothe the burn, support the esophageal lining, and address root-cause inflammation without harsh fillers or irritating flavors.

What’s Inside:

• L-Glutamine – The Rebuilder
  Fuels the cells of your gut lining and strengthens the mucosal barrier

• Slippery Elm Bark – The Soother
  Forms a protective, mucilage-rich coating over inflamed tissues

• DGL Licorice – The Guardian
  Stimulates the body’s natural production of protective mucus without raising blood pressure

• Zinc Carnosine – The Repair Agent
  Targets damaged areas like a “bandage,” supporting localized healing and tissue integrity

Whether you’re managing LPR, GERD, or rebuilding after long-term PPI use, Sequoia Soothe is a foundational tool in your upper GI healing toolkit.

🛒 Try Sequoia Soothe

Final Thoughts

Silent reflux and GERD are more than just dietary issues—they’re nervous system issues.

When we treat only the food, we miss the forest for the trees.

But when we address the full gut-brain connection, we see sustainable healing.

If you’re done chasing symptoms, it’s time to calm the system that’s driving them.

📄 Medical Disclaimer:

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan.

👩‍⚕️ Author:

Molly Pelletier, MS, RD, is a Registered Dietitian specializing in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), and integrative gut health nutrition. Through FLORA, she helps clients resolve complex GI symptoms using evidence-based, root-cause protocols.

As you begin putting these practices into motion, remember that healing reflux isn’t about perfection—it’s about supporting your body’s natural rhythms with calm, consistency, and compassion. When your nervous system feels safe, your digestion can finally do its job with ease. If you’re craving deeper, personalized support as you navigate reflux or nervous system–related digestive symptoms, our FLORA 1:1 nutrition counseling program offers the compassionate, evidence-based guidance you’ve been missing. Together, we’ll identify your root causes, calm the system driving your symptoms, and build a plan that finally feels doable—and effective. You can learn more and apply HERE.