Stress from marital problems or a divorce can make you sick, according to recently released study published in the "World Journal of Gastroenterology."

The study suggests that persistant heartburn, called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is a common result of overworking, overeating, the death of a spouse or marital problems or a divorce, according to the study performed by Zhejiang University's College of Medicine in Hangzhou, China. The study results came from polling slightly more than 2,000 individuals on their life habits.   

"People tend to have a shorter fuse if they're stressed," according to Rachel Sussman, a social worker in New York City. "It's a matter of identifying what the outside stress is and work on changing whatever the stress is, because it's not fair to bring that into a marriage." 

According to WebMD.com, the body responds to stress "as though you are in danger. It makes hormones that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster and give you a burst of energy. This is called the fight-or-flight stress response." And, if that weren't bad enough, according to MayoClinic.com, the stress-related acid reflux can lead to other heath consequences, such as peptic ulcers -- and make those marital problems even worse.

"..If there's constant fighting,and they don't move on, that's very unhealthy behavior, and unhealthy behavior can lead to a breakdown in their relationship, which can lead to divorce. That's a common thing," Sussman said.  "Constant bickering is definitely a precursor to divorce," she said.

The cycle of stress and sickness and marital discord is made worse by the workplace, according to the American Institute of Stress (AIS), which has seen an increase in stress in the workplace in the last decade. In a poll performed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, about 25 percent of people polled said the workplace was their number one source of stress, and 40 percent declared their jobs "extremely stressful."   

 "You need to really identify, 'What is the main cause of the stress?' Is it normal work stress, or do you hate your job? Do you have a boss who is abusive to you, or are you working too many hours and underpaid?" she says "Everything we're talking about is band-aids for normal stress, but if it's abnormal stress, you need to identify it. Maybe you need to change careers or change jobs."  

Sussman's antidote for GERD, also known as non-erosive reflux disease or acid reflux disease: "I would recommend really learning how to leave your stress outside the door," she said.

Sussman recommends a variety of techniques to help reduce high stress levels. "I would recommend going to the gym before coming home, or meeting a friend for a drink first. Learn how to unwind. Join a club - a book club, a new hobby," she says. "Meditate, take a bath, sit quietly with a book. Try breathing techniques, deep breathing. Yoga is another option. Exercising after work."  

According to AIS, the answer is to stop stress before it begins. "The key to reducing stress is to prevent it. Getting enough sleep, a proper diet, avoiding excess caffeine and other stimulants and taking time out to relax may be helpful in this regard," the organization says. 

If the stress feels like too much for you, it most likely is, Sussman said. 



I'M STRESSED OUT.  NOW WHAT SHOULD I DO?

How do you know if you're stressed out, which could harm your marriage? According to EMedicineHealth.com, symptoms include being anxious, nervous, self-absorbed or irritable, worrying or feeling easily distracted. Left untreated, extreme stress can cause someone to want to hurt themselves, depression or fatigue, or cause people to have physical trouble, such as headaches, nausea, diarrhea, chest pain and dizziness. You should see a doctor to determine how high your stress level is.  Your physician may perform a heart-tracing test, called an ECG, and a physical exam, besides asking you important questions to help you. Your next step is to learn where your stress is coming from and either change it or work with it. If you choose to continue the stressful activities, such as work, you should either talk about it with friends, consider attending therapy or consult a physician for prescriptions.



8 WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS WITHOUT MEDICATION
 
With outside stress as a major force in causing marital problems, EMedicineHealth.com lists how you can cope with stress without prescriptions:

1. "Set realistic goals and limits for yourself."
2. "Put things into perspective and try not to get upset about insignificant or relatively unimportant matters."
3. "Take stress, time management or anger management classes."
4. "Find activities that you enjoy and set aside time to participate in them on a regular basis."
5. "Participate in regular physical exercise."
6. "Maintain a positive outlook."
7. "Set goals and break them into easily achievable tasks."
8. "Reward yourself for the good things that you do each day."   

Krystle Russin is a freelance journalist in Austin, Texas. She has been involved in journalism for seven years, hosting a PBS show and contributing to different print and online publications. She graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in government (pre-law), and minors in journalism and history.