When the lower portion of the esophagus, referred to as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), relaxes at inappropriate times, this may prompt stomach acid, digestive juices and food particles to irregularly backup into the esophagus. A LES that frequently opens and does not close tightly increases the opportunity for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD to arise.

People that suffer from frequent heartburn, more than twice a week, are often unaware that they may be affected by GERD. As stomach acid seeps into your esophagus, this causes heartburn, the primary symptom of GERD. The occurrence of heartburn or acid reflux induces a burning sensation at the chest area that is irritating and painful. This sensation is usually followed by burping and hiccupping. Chronic heartburn may signal that GERD has developed.

Stomach acid or food that has traveled through the esophagus and entered into the oral cavity may be defined as regurgitation, another symptom of GERD. Producing a foul odor and bitter taste, this symptom can be unpleasant. Regurgitation forces acidic exposure in the mouth, which burns and tingles. Consistent regurgitation can become embarrassing in social settings.

Dysphagia is frequently associated with GERD. Difficulty swallowing solid and liquid foods is a sign of dysphagia . This creates an uncomfortable feeling while eating. Dyspepsia happens as a result of GERD and encompasses several ailments that include abdominal pain and nausea.

Habitual and lifestyle triggers of GERD:

• Consuming large meals promotes stomach pressure and causes the onset of acid indigestion.
• Eating less than two hours before bed can cause acid buildup.
• Vitamins and Medications: Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, may aggravate GERD. Calcium, iron and potassium usage can also increase risk.
• Smoking exponentially enlarges the risk of GERD because this activity weakens the muscular capability of the LES and reduces the secretion of saliva, which counterbalances acid.
• Alcohol consumption worsens GERD symptoms due to the relaxing effect on the LES.
• Diet plays a massive role in GERD. Fatty and acidic foods are the biggest contributors to GERD. People are affected differently by certain foods. Common foods that promote GERD symptoms include garlic, caffeine and citrus.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy treatment can increase the likelihood of GERD symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Health conditions are linked to GERD.

• GERD may be hereditary. Many people are genetically predisposed to GERD and inherit physical problems that enhance everyday risk.
• Hiatal Hernia symptoms are similar to that of heartburn and take place when the stomach shifts and protrudes through the diaphragm.
• People with respiratory diseases like asthma are susceptible to GERD.
• Laryngitis, Sinusitis and chronic cough are also associated with GERD.
• Health Factors like obesity, pregnancy and diabetes increase vulnerability to GERD symptoms.
• Those suffering from GERD may worsen other pre-existing diseases and conditions.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease can be very painful and debilitating. These common symptoms can guide you when trying to detect GERD. For additional information on gastro reflux symptoms, please visit refluxremedy.com and learn more about GERD.

While most organs of the body are neutral or alkaline, a highly acidic stomach is needed in order to digest food. People are biologically equipped with gastric acid that breaks down food once it enters the stomach. When food is chewed and swallowed, the food travels through the esophagus and into the stomach. The essential nutrients are still too course and complex to be absorbed into the blood stream and effectively utilized by the body. The digestive juices of the stomach aid the body in extracting the necessary vitamin and mineral elements, while leaving behind the waste.

Composition

The stomach is a vital organ that is comprised of a mixture of acidic liquid components. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is the main component of gastric acid, along with substantial portions of potassium chloride (KCl) and sodium chloride (NaCl). This corrosive compound has a pH of 1 to 2, and can be dangerous in any other part of the body. The blend of acids provides the perfect balance for breaking down all kinds of carbohydrates and protein. To protect itself from its own acid, the stomach is lined with a bicarbonate base at the mucosa layer. This base neutralizes the acid that contacts the stomach directly.

Production

The stomach wall is lined with several layers, one of which features parietal cells that secrete gastric acid into the lumen of the stomach. Secretion occurs in three phases: the cephalic, gastric and intestinal. Stomach acid production is controlled through hormones and the visceral nervous system. Stomach acid formation occurs naturally based on the amount of food deposited in the stomach. Larger quantities of food will cause the stomach to produce greater amounts of gastric acid.

Food Break Down

Gastric acids activate enzymes like pepsinogen, subsequently modifying into pepsin, which deconstructs proteins into peptides. Peptides, polymers of amino acids, allow the body to use the amino acids beneficially. Stomach acid also serves as a defense system against harmful germs and bacteria found in foods and beverages. The high acidity kills most dangerous microorganisms and bacteria, eliminating the strain on the immune system. Once completely broken down, the particles are transferred to the large and small intestine where nutrients are extracted and waste is passed through to the rectum.

Acid Reflux

When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), located above the stomach, abnormally fails to tighten properly, or is constantly opened, the risk of stomach acid ascending through the esophagus is increased. If the acid travels to the esophagus this may cause intense heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a disease that affects millions of people. The acidity of the gastric acid creates a burning sensation that can be irritating and very painful. Regurgitation, a symptom of GERD, causes people to be orally exposed to gastric acid and experience a sour and sometimes bitter taste in their mouth.

For more information on how stomach acid affects heartburn and acid reflux, visit refluxremedy.com.

Gastro reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is a condition stemming from a malfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a muscular ring located at the bottom section of the esophagus. After food travels down the esophagus to the stomach, the LES should close tightly, preventing stomach acids from heading up the esophagus. When this does not occur, and gastric acids are present in the esophagus, this results in heartburn, one of the symptoms of gastro reflux.

Heartburn is caused when acidic contents from the stomach are harmfully transplanted in the esophagus. This back up of acidic liquids and particles, can be severely painful and irritating. The burning sensation felt in the chest, along with hiccups and burping, are also signs of heartburn. People who suffer from heartburn typically experience a bitter taste in their mouth. The symptoms of heartburn are amplified during the night and worsen after eating. Consistent heartburn that occurs more than a few times per week, is a sign that gastro reflux has developed. Chronic heartburn affects a large portion of the population and is used as an indicator in determining if a person is likely to contract gastro reflux.

In some cases, the acidic fluid from the stomach that has backed up to the esophagus and throat can cause people to have difficulty breathing. If the refluxed fluid aggravates the larynx, the affected person can become hoarse, have a sore throat or temporarily lose their voice. The acidic juices can also irritate the respiratory track and make the breathing process strenuous and exhausting.

When the gastric acid reaches the throat (pharynx) and mouth, the burning feeling is magnified. The sour tasting substance can cause halitosis (bad breath) and hinder social interaction. Excessive burping, a common symptom of gastro reflux, is often wet and foul smelling. The liquid that is expelled during belching may burn and cause physical irritation.

Regurgitation is another uncomfortable symptom of gastro reflux. This takes place when food is swallowed but forced back up the esophagus due to a reflux reaction. The food and liquids that are regurgitated are highly acidic, and will burn the esophagus and throat. Depending on the amount and frequency of acidic substance that has been brought back up from the stomach, a person may need to discard the contents publicly, which can be humiliating.

Symptoms of gastro reflux are usually exacerbated due to certain behaviors and lifestyle choices. People that smoke tend to increase the effects of gastro reflux symptoms. Bending over, lifting heavy objects and even lying down may cause gastro reflux as well. Drink alcohol, and partaking in caffeinated products may contribute to gastro reflux.

Extended exposure to gastro reflux has the potential to develop into esophagitis. Esophagitis is characterized by severe inflammation to the esophagus that may reduce the size of the esophagus and hinder normal swallowing functions.

For more information on the symptoms of gastro reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, visit refluxremedy.com today.

Acid reflux is a condition that can be very painful and irritating. A backup of stomach acid in the esophagus is harmful, causing inflammation, heartburn, regurgitation and difficulty swallowing. If gastric acids continuously enter the esophagus, acid reflux disease may be the result. Heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, and regurgitation are all harmful symptoms of acid reflux. Diet is an important method for controlling acid reflux and its symptoms. In order to curtail your diet to treat and prevent acid reflux, you must understand which foods are suitable for you to eat, and in what amount.

Balance

The body needs a balance of acidic forming and alkaline forming foods to maintain proper nutrition and health. This goes beyond getting the perfect amount of vegetables and grain. Eating foods for reflux requires a serious consciousness of what foods are good for the body’s pH balance. The pH balance of the body is controlled through the regulation of hydrogen in the body. A large amount of hydrogen within your bodily fluids raises the chances of developing severe acid reflux. Acidic foods increase hydrogen bonds while alkaline abundant foods remove or neutralize hydrogen ions.

Common Misnomers

Acid forming foods are not necessarily foods that taste acidic. Foods that on the tongue may be alkaline and acidic, may have the opposite effect once the nutrients are extracted and supplanted in the bloodstream. A diet that is heavy in either type of food is unhealthy. Eating in moderation is the best bet. A balance of pH will allow the body to efficiently absorb nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are needed for superior health. Although citrus foods like lemons and oranges taste acidic, if eaten in moderation, they do not increase the level of acid in the blood or instigate reflux.

Action

Taking a serious look at your diet is probably the safest way to control acid reflux. Eating a large amount of vegetables is great for increasing alkalinity. Eggplant, broccoli, lettuce, onions, pumpkins and collard greens are just a few of the vegetables with high alkalinity. Oatmeal, white flour, corn, lentils and chick peas are acid forming foods. In general, eating lean meats, limiting fats and oils, and minimizing alcohol, are all great methods of reducing the symptoms of acid reflux disease. People who initiate a rounded diet plan can keep the symptoms of acid reflux at bay. Avoiding garlic and onions is wise, although their effects vary from person to person.

Future Risk

If reflux becomes a consistent problem, this can lead to more serious, life-threatening conditions. Minerals cannot be properly absorbed into the bloodstream if the acidity is too high. It is imperative that you recognize how diet relates to your struggle with reflux and use the natural tools to combat the problem. A diet that is high in fat can trigger heartburn, the leading symptom of advance acid reflux disease and Gastroesophageal reflux disease.

These are just a few of the foods that will help to guide your diet plan. For more information on foods for acid reflux, visit refluxremedy.com today.