Although many people call the condition where the stomach contents want to flow back up the esophagus, heartburn, it is more commonly called acid reflux. Often known by different names, it is condition relating to the digestive system but is related to others with similar symptoms. The problem arises from an upset in our stomach’s digestive fluid (hydrochloric acid). An irritable stomach means the digestive acid tries to rise up the food tract and as a consequence causes a painful burning sensation near the heart.

The stomach contains a valve which opens to allow food into it which should then close so stomach fluids cannot go back up the esophagus. The esophageal sphincter should close and trap the acid but when this doesn’t happen and the acid escapes back up the digestive tract the condition of acid reflux or heartburn is the result. This condition is also known as GERD which is the shortened version of the correct medical name: gastroesophageal reflux disorder. At the moment it is considered that a poor diet is the underlying reason for the acid reflux problem but not the main cause of the condition; although overeating may also contribute because when you overeat, the stomach can’t keep up with the demand to process all the acids.

Eating large amounts of food at any meal can put a lot of pressure on your abdominal walls. The release of this ‘pressure’ results in the stomach acids trying to flow back up the digestive tract. Reducing the amount of pressure on the esophageal valve will lessen the chance of stomach acids forcing their way back up the digestive tract. The easiest way to reduce the incidences of heartburn is too reduce the size of meals. The stomach is the doorway to the body’s health so it needs to be treated with respect. This is because the stomach is not only responsible for breaking down our food but also for preparing this food to be converted to specific nutrients that everyone’s body needs.

The use of drugs to reduce the effects and calm the stomach can only be considered a temporary measure. Whilst they are effective there can be adverse implications with their continued use. The long term treatment for acid reflux is to adapt your lifestyle habits in particular eating and drinking. Hopefully this will reduce the strain the stomach is placed under, gradually returning it to a more stable condition. If you can reduce the heartburn occurrences, in time you may well be able to slowly start eating those dishes that have needed to be cut out.

However, there are other factors that can contribute to acid reflux or even induce episodes; for example:

* Regular smoking * Allergies to certain foods * Certain medicines * Alcohol * After meal napping

All this comes down to a lifestyle change which ultimately only you can control. The number of heartburn episodes that occur should diminish. All that is required is a little dedication on your part to be careful about what you eat and drink to possibly clear up your acid reflux problem. It really is a decision only you can make!

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