There is a muscle that is located above the stomach and just below the esophagus. It is called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. This muscle acts as a link between the esophagus and stomach, allowing food to pass from one to the other during the process of digestion. Some people have or develop a weak LES, which can be harmful. A dysfunctional LES sometimes allows stomach acid to leave the stomach and travel up the esophagus and even to your throat. This is harmful because stomach acid is corrosive and irritating to areas that are not naturally protected against it. When stomach acid and food is regurgitated or brought up to the esophagus, this is called acid reflux. Frequent acid reflux— acid reflux that occurs more than a few times per week is commonly classified as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Stomach acid in the esophagus can cause a burning sensation, commonly known as heartburn.

Causes

• Unhealthy behaviors can promote acid reflux and GERD. Habits like smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can encourage the development of GERD. You should also practice eating lighter meals. Don’t eat a meal right before going to bed because this promotes gastric acid production.
• Some foods can cause acid reflux. Try to avoid foods that have a lot of caffeine, garlic and onions. You should also eat meals that are low in fat, because this is easier for the stomach to break down. Fatty foods require more gastric acid to digest.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause acid reflux. These over the counter drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen, all found in many readily available pain killers. Vitamin supplements that have too much potassium, calcium and iron can contribute to GERD.
• Medical conditions can also increase your chances of developing GERD. People that are pregnant, have diabetes, obese or have respiratory problems are more likely to develop GERD.

Symptoms

• The main symptom of GERD and acid reflux is heartburn. Heartburn is experienced by about 40 percent of the population. The occurrence of heartburn doesn’t necessarily mean that GERD is present. If you have persistent heartburn, then you may be suffering from GERD.
• Regurgitation is another symptom of GERD. When acid and/or food back up into the throat, this is called regurgitation. This may be joined with burping and a bitter taste. Regurgitation causes painful irritation in the esophagus and throat.
• Other less common symptoms of acid reflex and GERD include nausea, chest pain and abdominal pain. Atypical symptoms include having asthma, laryngitis, a persistent cough and sinusitis.

Management and Treatment

• Diet is a contributing factor for acid reflux and GERD. Eliminate fattening foods and alcohol from your diet. You should eat a balance of acid and alkaline forming foods. Meals should not be eaten right before bed. Make sure that you drink a lot of water along with aloe juice, papaya and ginger. For more treatment methods and information visit www.refluxremedy.com today.

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 is a hazard, to say the very least. Those suffering from acid reflux know firsthand what an inconvenience it is to enjoy a good meal only to have it followed by the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. It seems the body reacts in a harsh manner as a result of food consumption and many sufferers feel like they simply can’t win. You must eat to live but it feels as if eating is killing you. What acid reflux sufferers should know is that it’s not the fact THAT you eat that is causing your body great harm; it’s WHAT you’re eating that’s doing it.

A little about what’s happening to your body when you experience acid reflux just to offer background information. When you are suffering from acid reflux, the body is allowing acids and enzymes from your stomach that are used to aid in food digestion to escape the stomach and make way into the esophagus causing a burning in the chest and throat. The ring of muscle at the entrance of the stomach, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) normally closes immediately after food passes through to protect the esophagus from stomach acids. If the LES doesn’t close or it opens unexpectedly, the acids will likely escape resulting in acid reflux.

The great thing to know is that food is not your enemy. Well, not most foods. There are those foods that when ingested are more likely to bring on an acid reflux reaction and these foods should be avoided at all cost. Please do not, by any means stop eating altogether because your acid reflux is seemingly unbearable or you’re having difficulty swallowing due to dyspagia, which is a narrowing of the esophagus as a result of acid reflux. Not eating may mean no acid reflux but it also means that you may run the risk of many other illnesses. Keep in mind that eating is a great thing, especially when done often at small portions. Simply find the foods that work best for you. To include good foods, we must first eliminate bad foods. Here are a few suggestions:

Avoid foods that are obviously high in acid. Fruits such as tomato and lemons and high acid fruit juices including orange juice, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice and lemonade should be avoided at all cost. Opt instead to drink lots of water and aloe vera juice. These liquids aid in digestion while stabilizing stomach acids. Also be weary of beer, coffee and soda, these drinks have high acidic levels. Try drinking vegetable juices if its flavor you’re looking for.

Avoid meats like marbled sirloin, chicken nuggets, buffalo wings and ground beef. These meats may be harder for your digestive system to break down and the hyperactivity of the digestive system can result in reflux.

This may be a tough one but grains like macaroni and cheese and spaghetti with sauce may not be the best for you; stand clear.

Shift your sweet tooth from brownies, chocolate, doughnuts and butter cookies and opt instead for non-acidic fruits. Not only will you notice an improvement in your reflux you may also notice a difference in your waistline.

For more information about acid reflux foods to avoid visit refluxremedy.com.

Acid reflux is a condition that plagues thousands of people every day. This condition is a result of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) neglecting to close as soon as food passes through it or the LES opens too often. The LES can be best described as a ring of muscle that is at the entrance of the stomach. When there is a malfunction and the LES opens without merit it allows for the acids and enzymes of the stomach to escape the stomach and travel upward to the esophagus where it can cause a burning sensation. If this isn’t a rare occurrence but instead happens about two times a week you are likely suffering from acid reflux disease also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

A few common symptoms that may be associated with acid reflux disease include:

• Heartburn: This is the most common symptom of acid reflux. Heartburn is generally experienced in the chest but there have been cases where sufferers have reported burning in the abdomen and throat cavities. Heartburn is usually experienced as a pain that starts lightly and developments into a more pronounced sting. There are instances, however when the heartburn stabs often giving the affect that one is suffering from a heart attack.
• Trouble swallowing (dyshpagia): Dysphagia occurs when there is a narrowing of the esophagus. When this happens there can be great difficulty swallowing food and drinks. The difficulty associated with eating and drinking often causes sufferers to neglect eating and drinking which can cause an onset of several other illnesses.
• Regurgitation is another symptom of acid reflux: A sufferer is warned that regurgitation may commence when there is a sour or bitter taste in the mouth as a result of acid reflux. This bitter taste is often followed by the regurgitating of foods and liquids that were recently consumed.

These acid reflux symptoms drive most sufferers to seek out immediate reflux relief. There is no one medication or relief method that works for everybody. Sufferers are encouraged to find the medication that works best for them. Some forms of medication that can assist in treating acid reflux may be found below.

• Start by drinking more water. Water works wonders not only for acid reflux but also for overall health. Be sure to consume lots of water daily, especially before, during and after eating. Increasing water intake helps to dilute stomach acids which in-turn eliminates the risk of reflux.
• Look into taking reflux antacids. There are several different over the counter acid reflux antacids on the market. Try Maalox, Alka-Seltzer and Imodium to just name a few. Before considering trying the over the counter drugs you may want to exact all natural remedies beforehand.
• Try baking soda. Baking soda is a natural antacid that has been known to be just as effective as unnatural over the counter drugs. Drop a spoonful of baking soda into a glass of water and drink it down while it fizzles. Works wonders.
• Drink aloe vera juice. Aloe vea juice, much like water has several health benefits when consumed in healthy portions. Try this out as a means to stabilize your stomach acids while soothing your esophagus.

If you’re looking for more medications for acid reflux do not hesitate to visit refluxremedy.com.