What is Acid Reflux?

Do you feel like throwing up often? There is a good chance that you may be suffering from a medical condition called gastro-esophageal reflux disorder or GERD. This is better known as acid reflux. It is relatively common and among its most common symptoms includes the so-called heartburn. However very few people actually know what causes heartburn and very few actually know what it is. Acid reflux is a digestive disorder where acid from your stomach tends to return or “reflux” into your esophagus.

Causes

Acid reflux usually occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter does not function properly. This means that the muscle right at the bottom of your esophagus which acts like a valve between your stomach and your esophagus does not close properly and allows acid to go back up.

This can be triggered by drinking too much alcohol and smoking. Alcohol can stimulate the stomach’s acid production. So can sodas or carbonated drinks as well as coffee, citrus juices and spicy food. All these which stimulate acid production in the stomach can consequently cause heartburn or acid reflux.

Pregnant women may also experience acid reflux. This is caused by hormonal changes which can prompt acid reflux. At the same time, as a woman’s body go through several changes during pregnancy, the abdominal area adjusts accordingly. Sometimes, as the uterus grows, it can push against the stomach causing the condition among pregnant women.

Prevention

There are of course several ways to prevent acid reflux or GERD. Make sure that you avoid food that stimulates the production of acid in the stomach. It will also help to cut your meals into small frequent feedings. Instead of eating large meals three times a day, try to cut down on your servings but make sure to eat in between. At the same time, try not to over eat especially during nighttime. If you have just eaten, wait at least two hours or more before lying down to sleep. Gravity will help keep the acid and other contents of your stomach right where they should be. It will also help to make sure that your head and upper body stays elevated as you sleep to prevent nighttime GERD or acid reflux.

If you constantly suffer from heartburn or acid reflux, try to avoid tight fitting clothes that squeeze your abdominal area. Make sure that you stay comfortable and relaxed as well because too much stress has been known to cause acid reflux as well.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux