Recent surveys show that more and more American adults suffer with acid reflux regularly. The increasing number of affected individuals really illustrates the necessity for greater understanding of what the most common causes of acid reflux are. Sufferers of acid reflux know that the symptoms, mostly chest pain and sore throat, can cause discomfort for hours or sometimes even days at a time. Hydrochloric acid is important to the digestive process and is the main irritant when the contents of the stomach escape back up into the esophagus. Respected medical journals tell us that our diets play a large role in the development and advancement of this condition.
The physiological reason for acid reflux is linked to a faulty lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which is positioned on top of the stomach. When healthy, the LES governs the flow of substances into and out of the stomach. The upper G.I. tract relies heavily on the proper flow of foods, liquids, and even mucus. The middle point between the bottom of the esophagus and the top of the stomach is the LES, which is for all intents and purposes, a sort of valve made up of muscular tissue. The muscle that constitutes the LES is active most of the time, contracting and closing off passage into the stomach. This closing of the passage prevents reflux. When food and saliva is swallowed, the LES opens for a moment to permit the food or saliva to go from the esophagus into the stomach, and then it closes again. When properly functioning, the LES will maintain a tight seal most of the time to not allow backwash. While there are quite a few ideas as to what might cause the LES to grow weak over time, there is not much disagreement that most cases of acid reflux is attributable to an abnormal LES. Acute cases of this disease may signify that one is suffering from gastro-esophageal reflux disease--otherwise known as GERD.
Consuming a lot of highly acidic foods like tomato sauces, yogurt and eggs, or high-fat, deep-fried foods will intensify the problem. Basically, when the stomach has to process an overabundance of acid some of it will back up through the LES. Smoking makes a bad situation worse by introducing harmful chemicals into a weakened esophagus. Other probable sources include alcohol, acid-containing soft drinks, certain medications, and lying down immediately after meals. People who struggle with weight problems put themselves at increased risk for experiencing acid reflux and/or GERD. The added weight, especially in the waistline, can affect or hinder the normal flow from the esophagus to the stomach.
The good news in all of this is that we can take control of this situation simply by changing our habits and avoiding things that cause the reflux in the first place. In fact, in many instances of recurring acid reflux, lifestyle changes can prevent heartburn from becoming a constant torment. Remember to consult a physician prior to starting any treatment strategy.
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