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.

The muscle located between the stomach and the esophagus is called the lower esophageal sphincter. If this muscle relaxes and does not close tightly after food passes through to the stomach, this can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gastro reflux disease. Typically, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) only permits foods and beverages to flow downward into the stomach, not the other way around. A relaxed LES that permits food and stomach acid to travel backwards and reflux into the esophagus can cause tremendous pain, discomfort and injury.

CAUSES

Certain foods can promote gastro reflux disease. Your diet is an integral part of causing or preventing GERD. Foods and drinks with a heavy amount of garlic, caffeine and onion have the ability to increase reflux frequency. Each individual has specified foods that can trigger reflux and contribute to gastro esophageal reflux disease. Eating foods right before bed or meals that are high in fat are also dietary factors that can cause GERD.

Over the counter medications can also promote GERD. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) used to reduce pain. Common NSAIDs are ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen. Vitamins and other supplements may be risky too. Consuming potassium, calcium, and iron tablets can cause GERD.

Women who are pregnant risk contracting GERD. Due to the size and placement of the fetus growing inside of them, other organs usually shift in order to accommodate the baby. Depending on how the stomach position is naturally modified, this may force stomach acid to reflux. If acid reflux becomes excessive this could lead to GERD.

Some health conditions are directly related to the occurrence of gastro reflux disease. Obesity can lead to GERD because the stomach may not be able to withstand the pressure caused by excess weight. The extra weight can strain the abdominal area, causing reflux.

Unhealthy habits affect gastro reflux disease. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption serves as triggers for the development of GERD. Lying down during and after meals can cause heartburn, a symptom of gastro reflux disease.

SYMPTOMS

Regurgitation happens when acid backs up into the throat and mouth. This may come with burping that produces a bitter taste and foul smelling breath.

Heartburn is normally felt after eating or lying down. A burning pain in the chest and throat are symptoms of heartburn.

Dysphagia is a sign of gastro reflux and is associated with having difficulty swallowing food, managing food in the mouth and controlling saliva.

MANAGEMENT

Treatment of gastro reflux disease can be done through simple changes to your lifestyle and diet. By taking note of the foods you eat when heartburn or another symptom occurs, you can determine what to eliminate from your diet. By quitting smoking, not eating before bed, and using other pain relieving medications, you can reduce your risk of gastro reflux disease.

If you want more information on gastro reflux disease, visit refluxremedy.com for the latest information on how you can treat GERD naturally.

A well functioning digestive tract requires that each component run smoothly. The minute you put food in your mouth, the digestive process begins. Chewing your food alerts the stomach that gastric acid needs to be produced to break foods down into smaller pieces. After food is chewed, you swallow the food, passing it down to your esophagus. The food travels within the esophagus and eventually goes into the stomach. The pathway between the esophagus and stomach is regulated by the lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle that opens and closes to let food exit the esophagus.

A strong LES is ideal because it tightly closes and prevents stomach acids from escaping into the esophagus. When acid goes into the esophagus, this is considered reflux. A weak LES is the main cause of reflux. Reflux can be induced by many things ranging from anatomical irregularities to unhealthy habits. Learning about the causes of reflux can give you the warning signs to help you prevent the disease.

The food you eat can prompt acid reflux to occur. Foods that are high in fat increase the potential for reflux. Specific foods can trigger reflux. Foods that trigger reflux in you may be harmless in someone else. Common foods that trigger reflux include garlic, onions, caffeine, chocolate and alcohol. Spicy or acidic tasting foods don’t necessarily cause reflux.

Pregnant women have a higher risk of refluxing acid. The development of the fetus causes movement of other organs in order to give the baby enough space. The stomach, in an effort to make room for the ever expanding womb, will move and compress. When that movement is coupled with pressure from the baby, the stomach is vulnerable to having gastric acid escape to the esophagus, causing reflux.

Pain relieving medications can have a negative effect on your digestive system. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are terrible for preventing reflux. These drugs include ibuprofen and aspirin. Surprisingly, taking certain vitamin supplements can promote reflux. Avoid ingesting iron, calcium and potassium tablets.

Obesity can cause reflux. This health condition is characterized by being excessively overweight. Additional weight that presses on the stomach, builds pressure. If the stomach cannot maintain its normal size and pressure, gastric acid can be pushed out through the esophagus and cause irritation and inflammation. Hiatal hernia and diabetes can trigger reflux as well.

Behavioral routine can affect reflux. Smoking tends to make the LES lose strength. If you eat a meal only a few hours before bed, this can allow acid to easily leave the stomach because you are now in a flat position. Lifting things that are heavy and drinking alcohol can generate reflux.

Usual symptoms of reflux are heartburn, dysphagia, nausea, chest pain, regurgitation, sore throat and hoarseness. There are natural treatments for reflux that take into account specific symptoms. The best way to handle acid reflux is to find out what foods, conditions and habits may be the cause.

For more information on the causes, symptoms and remedies for reflux, visit refluxremedy.com today.