What Causes Acid Reflux?
by Seth Miller
zone3
Though the root causes are often unclear, perhaps the most prevalent
acid reflux cause is a poor diet. Acid reflux occurs during digestion,
when the stomach churns up acid or refluxes it into the esophagus, causing
a burning sensation in the chest or throat.
So if you eat too many highly acidic foods like tomato sauces and/or
fatty, fried foods, the stomach has to process an overabundance of acid.
Too much acid can push back through a valve between the stomach and the
esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Acid reflux
culprits include but are not limited to tomato based sauces, fried and
fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol, citrus fruits, peppers, and caffeinated
beverages.
Along the same lines as diet, overeating also causes reflux. When you
overeat, the stomach can’t keep up with the demand to process all the
acids. So food gets backed up, and digestive acids infiltrate the
esophageal valve to cause that unpleasant burning feeling centered in the
chest.
Also diet-related, another acid reflux cause is being overweight. There
is a clear correlation between being overweight and a notable increase in
the occurrence of acid reflux. Many believe this is because the extra
weight puts more pressure on the stomach and esophagus. This pressure has
been known to open the lower esophageal sphincter (esophagus valve), when
the valve should be closed. This allows acid to escape into the
esophagus.
Other factors that create a predisposition for acid reflux include
smoking, use of alcohol, food allergies, certain medications, and lying
down after meals. As you can tell, most of these factors can be overcome
by practicing some behavioral modifications. In fact, in many cases of
recurrent acid reflux, lifestyle changes are all that is necessary in
preventing heartburn from becoming a chronic disease. Remember to consult
a physician before embarking on any treatment strategy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Acid Reflux provides comprehensive information on the cause,
symptoms, treatment, and diet associated with normal and infant acid
reflux. For more information go to Acid Reflux and/or visit its
sister site at Pain Relief
Web for related information.
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