Acid reflux syndrome occurs primarily as a result of an abnormal or weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a very important part of the digestive process. The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscle that is located in between the esophagus and the stomach opening or diaphragm. A functional LES acts as a gateway for food to pass through from the esophagus to the stomach. A weak LES however, permits stomach acid to pass from the stomach to the esophagus. This is how acid reflux is allowed to happen. Normally, the LES opens for food to enter the stomach and closes afterward. If the LES does not close tightly enough or at all, this can pose a serious threat to your body and cause acid reflux.

Stomach acid is not something that is safe in other parts of your body. Because of the acidity and corrosiveness of stomach acid, no other part of the body is equipped to deal with it. The stomach has several layers and lining that prevents this acid from doing damage to the organ. The purpose of the acid is to help to break down the food you eat into tiny particles. Once broken down, the particles are transferred to the large and small intestines where nutrients, proteins and minerals are extracted and delivered to other parts of the body.

When stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus and even up to the throat, this can be very painful and irritating. Acid in the esophagus can eat away at the nearby tissue and cause you to feel uncomfortable. Frequent stomach acid in the esophagus and throat may be classified as acid reflux syndrome. To determine whether you have acid reflux or not, you should become aware of the causes and symptoms.

Causes

There are some things, other than a weak lower esophageal sphincter that can contribute to the development of acid reflux syndrome. Having a hiatal hernia, being pregnant or obese can all encourage acid reflux to occur. These conditions cause a shift in your internal organs, especially the stomach. If you are pregnant or obese, this can put excess pressure and weight on the stomach, forcing it to shift and morph. This can allow stomach acid to seep out. Your diet and eating habits are also a factor in the development of acid reflux syndrome. Eating fatty foods, large portions and eating right before bed, are not good for acid reflux. You should also avoid lifting heavy objects.

Symptoms

The most prevalent symptom of acid reflux is heartburn. Heartburn affects more than 40 percent of Americans at some point in their lifetime. Heartburn causes you to feel a burning and sometimes painful sensation. It is called heartburn because it happens in the esophagus and throat, where acid is present. This area is close to the heart. If you have persistent heartburn, more than a couple times per week, you probably have acid reflux syndrome. Treating acid reflux syndrome is something that can be done through your diet and lifestyle choices.

For more information on acid reflux syndrome, review The Reflux Remedy Report to get all of your questions answered.

Acid reflux disorder is a condition that can occur when you have a lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that does not operate as it should. The LES is a crucial component of the digestive system. Food that is headed to your stomach when you eat has to pass the LES to enter the stomach for digestion. The LES serves as a muscular ring at the end of the esophagus, right next to the diaphragm and stomach opening. For food morsels to get to the stomach, the LES has to open. Usually, the LES closes after each portion of food goes to the stomach. If your LES is weak, it does not close tightly enough to prevent stomach acids from getting into your esophagus.

Stomach acid is the last thing you want near your esophagus. Stomach acid is used to digest foods. The digestive process may begin in your mouth, but it is in the stomach that most of the work takes place. Gastric acids help to break down foods into smaller particles so that the intestines can absorb and distribute the proteins and minerals that are essential for your body. The acidity of stomach acid is very high and it can only be tolerated in the stomach. The stomach wall and lining is equipped to handle the corrosive nature of stomach acid.

Once stomach acid gains access to your esophagus there can be a problem. The esophagus doesn’t have the same protective lining that the stomach has. When acid that comes from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, this is called acid reflux disorder. Acid reflux disorder can be a challenge for many people. By being more aware of acid reflux you will be able to identify the causes, signs and treatment options.

Causes: The cause of acid reflux may stem from other conditions: being pregnant, obese, having a hiatal hernia or diabetes can contribute to acid reflux disorder. These conditions change the dynamics of the body, especially the stomach. When pressure is added to the stomach, there is a shift of the stomach. When food is digested irregularly, this can trigger acid reflux. Food is a big factor. Eating foods just before bed, lifting heavy objects or eating fatty foods can put you at risk for acid reflux disorder.

Signs: Symptoms of acid reflux disorder include heartburn, nausea, regurgitating food, chest pain, dysphagia, burping and an awful bitter taste in the mouth. Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux disorder and can cause you to experience a burning feeling in your chest and throat. Signs in children may include respiratory problems that include a chronic cough, wheezing and asthma-like symptoms.

Treatment: Holistic remedies for acid reflux are highly suggested as a method of controlling symptoms. Drinking aloe juice, lots of water, and eating papaya will reduce the production of gastric acid in the stomach. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating less fattening meals and reducing alcohol intake are great techniques. Remember that effective treatment varies for each individual.

For more information on acid reflux disorder, review The Reflux Remedy Report to get all of your questions answered.

Acid reflux disease is a condition that plagues thousands of people every day. The awful thing about the condition is that it can take all the fun out of eating. Who wants to eat if the after affects are heartburn, belching, hiccups, regurgitation, coughing and sometimes nausea? It just doesn’t seem like the price you pay for good eating measures up to the benefit of eating at all. It’s true that the affects of acid reflux can vary from person to person ranging from mild discomfort in some to completely debilitating pain in others. All those suffering from acid reflux, no matter the extremity, can agree that if they could get rid of the condition altogether, it wouldn’t be too soon.

Acid reflux is a condition that if not properly tended to can lead to more serious conditions that can ultimately be life threatening. What happens with acid reflux is the acids found in the stomach that are used to break down foods for digestive purposes aren’t properly concealed in the stomach causing the acids to travel upward from the stomach into the esophagus resulting in acid reflux. The lower esophageal sphincter, LES, is a circular muscle valve that is located at the entrance of the stomach in the lower part of the esophagus. This valve’s job is to allow food and drinks to pass through from the esophagus to the stomach. Immediately after food and drinks pass through this valve, the valve is to close sealing off the stomach and the esophagus. This way, the acids that are rapidly at work digesting the food that has reached the stomach remain in the stomach so that there is no irritation caused to the esophagus.

A great way to control the hyperactivity of your stomach acids so that they are less likely to reach the esophagus resulting in acid reflux would be to prevent acid reflux triggers. There are several ways to prevent acid reflux. Below you will find a few:

• Eat smaller meals more times a day. The smaller your meals the more likely your stomach acids will be able to take on breaking down and digesting these meals without producing too much acid that may result in acid hyperactivity.
• Avoid foods that contain chocolate, citrus, caffeine, mint, garlic, onions and other foods that are high in fat. These foods have been known to weaken the LES muscle.
• Avoid sodas and alcoholic beverages, opt instead for water. Water is great at stabilizing stomach acids and aids in the digestive process.
• Try not to eat too close to bedtime. Give yourself at least two hours between the last meal of the day and the time you retire. This allows your body adequate time to fully and properly digest your foods.
• Relieve your stress. Stress is linked to many ailments and acid reflux is no exception. Stress can directly affect the digestive system so do your part to relieve stress through exercise, mediation, and rest.

Preventing acid reflux can be better for your body than taming it after it starts. If you are seeking more preventative methods feel free to visit refluxremedy.com

The condition acid reflux, commonly referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), has a number of symptoms. If these symptoms persist, this can lead to scarring of the esophagus lining, irritation, inflammation, ulcers and even cancer of the esophagus.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acid reflux can vary from person to person.

• Heartburn: Heartburn is a main symptom of acid reflux. A burning feeling in your chest and throat can signal that you have heartburn. Heartburn that takes place three times a week or more is a sign of GERD.
• Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing is the hallmark of dysphagia. Those suffering from dysphagia feel as though food is stuck in their throat or neck.
• Regurgitation: Vomiting or constant burping are characteristics of regurgitation. When acid refluxes and makes its way to the mouth, this can leave a sour taste in your mouth.
• Nausea: Having an upset stomach can point toward acid reflux. Feeling uneasy or unsettled in your stomach can be a reflection of the stomach acids that have exited to the esophagus.
• Sore Throat/Hoarseness: Neck and throat irritation is common and can cause you to have a sore throat or become hoarse.

Causes

There is more than just one cause for acid reflux. Most of the common causes have the same negative effect on the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. The LES is the entrance point for foods after you chew and swallow. When the food goes down the esophagus, it must cross through the LES to reach the stomach. An LES that is weakened does not effectively safeguard your esophagus from coming into contact with gastric acid and bile.

• Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol can irritate the esophagus and increase the burning sensation caused by heartburn.
• Smoking: Smoking diminishes the strength of the LES which is needed to block stomach acid.
• Hiatal Hernia: A shift in stomach and esophagus placement can make the LES weak and allow acid to reflux.
• Pregnancy: Extraordinary hormone levels and a compressed stomach can cause acid to reflux

Home Remedies

There are several nontraditional cures for acid reflux that consist of natural ingredients.

• Ginger tea or root is great for naturally absorbing stomach acid and has a soothing effect.
• Apple cider vinegar, although it has an acidic pH on its own, is not acid forming once digested. Apple cider vinegar has an alkaline quality after it is broken down in the stomach.
• Fennel seed is a natural herb that aids the digestive process by regulating stomach spasms that may contribute to GERD.
• Aloe consumed as a juice is great for acid reflux because it relieves heartburn and settles the stomach.
• Papaya contains an enzyme that naturally helps to digest your food, preventing the stomach from having to produce a lot of gastric acid.
• Drinking water frequently can help to neutralize stomach acid as well.

Handling your acid reflux can be a challenge if you don’t have all the tools for treating this disease. For more information on homeopathic cures for acid reflux, review the Reflux Remedy Report or visit www.refluxremedy.com today.