Everything you should know about Acid Reflux Causes

The cause of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, is an either malfunctioning or weak lower esophageal sphincter. The lower esophageal sphincter is a rim of strong muscles between the esophagus and the stomach. The purpose of this sphincter is to keep the food and stomach acid in the stomach, rather than backing up into the esophagus. When the lower esophageal sphincter is not working properly, the same food and acid that it is supposed to stay in the stomach propels itself upwards, and either lies in the esophagus, or proceeds to the mouth. Once the mouth is reached, the food and acid mixture is either re-ingested, or thrown up. It is this painful, repetitive motion of the acidic mixture that causes the painful symptoms of acid reflux. As one can imagine, left untreated over time, acid reflux can cause damage and complications to the esophagus and larynx.

While physicians have not named a specific cause of acid reflux, there are definite contributing lifestyle factors. Some factors include overeating, being overweight, caffeine, smoking, alcoholic beverages, stress, and a diet high in salty and fatty foods, as well as foods that contain acidity within themselves.

Other factors include pregnancy and a hiatal hernia. Along with obesity, these factors put an additional strain on the abdomen, which can result with acid reflux. Other causes include peptic ulcers and an insufficiency of digestive enzymes in the stomach. Some medical conditions that apparently make a person more susceptible to acid reflux include those with asthma and diabetes.

Preventable Causes of Acid Reflux Disease

Just as there are many causes of acid reflux, there are also many options to alleviate your acid reflux symptoms. The most important change is that of one's lifestyle. An example is to include some form of exercise in one's life. Another change may be to alter one's diet. Physicians tend to recommend eating many small meals a day, rather than three moderate to large meals. Physicians also recommend the avoidance of some of the lifestyle factors, as listed above. Do not lie down after a meal, as gravity will not be able to return the acid to the stomach, causing acid reflux.

There is help for acid reflux. Together, you and your physician can find the individual causes of your acid reflux, and find the appropriate treatment plan to allow you to avoid the painful symptoms.

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