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Acid reflux is also known as heartburn; a condition increasing numbers of people in the western world suffer from. This complaint affects the food pathways or digestive tract but is often called other names. Each of us uses hydrochloric acid in our gut to breakdown the food we eat and ideally that is where it should stay. The burning sensation experienced by sufferers of this disorder is caused by the stomachs digestive fluid attempting to return up the esophagus.

When food enters your stomach, a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter opens to allow food into the stomach which normally remains closed so that stomach food and acid do not flow back up into your esophagus area. However there are times when the lower esophageal sphincter does not remain closed, when this happens acid from the stomach can reflux or flow back into the esophagus.

You may also hear the name gastro esophageal reflux disorder, which is its full title or sometimes abbreviated to GERD. Although the real cause of acid reflux disorder has not yet been found, it is thought that eating the wrong foods could be to blame; factors that include overeating, can also put a strain on the stomach and contribute to the disorder.

It is never wise to eat large amounts at is puts a significant strain on the stomach muscles which in turn results in pressure within the gut itself. Something has to give; this being the acid which returns or refluxes back up the esophagus bringing with it the very unpleasant heartburn. Easing this pressure should stop the esophageal valve from opening and acid escaping into the esophagus causing further damage.

To prevent this from happening you should eat small meals throughout the day. This situation can be a problem for the health of the body as the stomach, esophagus and mouth all need to be in good working order. The stomach has the important task of processing food so it can be broken down into important and vital nutrients used by the body.

A short term solution may appear to be the drugs that are easily purchased over the counter but guidance is needed. The problem is these ‘short term’ remedies can create other problems as they interfere with the natural functioning of the digestive system. It may take a while but the best solution is to make adjustments to your drinking and eating habits which may have caused the acid reflux condition. This will then allow your stomach to settle down and regain its strength. You may have to take it easy for a while but eventually there shouldn’t be any reason why you cannot enjoy the foods you have been forced to give up for a while.

Whilst eating is probably the largest factor in acid reflux disorder, other substances can also contribute; a few of these are listed below:

Smoking cigarettes, pipes or cigars, chewing tobacco, and drugs

Food allergies

Prescription medicines

Drinking alcohol

After meal napping

As you can tell, most of these factors can be overcome by practicing some behavioral modifications and a change in lifestyle, If you need an incentive to stop the occasions where you suffer with heartburn then this should be it! 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. Whether you decide to take this and your doctors advice is really up to you!

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