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The painful condition where the contents of the stomach want to flow back the way they came to cause heartburn is something we may all have experienced in our lives: it is called acid reflux. Many similar conditions exist but they all exhibit pretty much the same range of symptoms but all fall under the umbrella of gastrointestinal disorders. In order to assimilate the food we eat, our stomach dissolves it with a strong acid. The burning sensation experienced by sufferers of this disorder is caused by the stomachs digestive fluid attempting to return up the esophagus.

When we eat and swallow our food it is allowed into the stomach area to be digested by the esophageal sphincter valve which should then close back up in order to stop the hydrochloric acid from escaping. The esophageal sphincter should close and trap the acid but when this doesn’t happen and the acid escapes back up the digestive tract the condition of acid reflux or heartburn is the result.

This condition is also known as GERD which is the shortened version of the correct medical name: gastro esophageal reflux disorder. 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; overeating could also add to the problem and cause unnecessary stress on the stomach and its ability to process food.

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.

This can be achieved by consuming smaller meals, the incidences of heartburn should reduce. Your mouth, esophagus, and stomach are the first areas of food processing so if something goes wrong in this area, if will affect the health of the entire body. This is because the stomach is not only responsible for breaking down our food but also for preparing this food to be converted to specific nutrients that everyone’s body needs.

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.

Other factors can also create a predisposition for acid reflux and these include:

Smoking any kind of tobacco products

Food allergies

Prescription and OTC drugs and medication

Alcoholic drinks

Lying down and having a sleep after eating a meal

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!

Tags: Health

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