Hectic lifestyles and fast-growing economic development in our world today has compelled the common man to adopt a diet that could be dangerous for health. Acid Reflux is a becoming a frequent complaint in clinics these days. What is the problem that is called Acid Reflux? Acid Reflux is the condition that is medically known as Gastroesophageal Reflux. The most common symptom is this condition is what is known as, heartburn. It is a burning sensation, felt in the chest, usually at the back of the chest. This is accompanied by an uncomfortable burning sensation or feeling that the food eaten has not been digested properly and it is being pushed up the oesophagus, primarily while bending or lying down.
This burning sensation is caused by the digestive juices, which escape from the stomach and enter the oesophageal cavity. Acid Reflux occurs when the valve, called Oesophageal sphincter that allows food to enter the stomach but prevents the destructive juices from entering the oesophageal region, does not function properly.
This in turn could lead to the lower oesophageal sphincter becoming more relaxed, therefore allowing more and more stomach juices to enter the oesophagus. Although there could many reasons that could lead to Acid Reflux, some of the primary reasons for this condition are the following:
Eating habits are a huge cause for concern in today’s on-the-go population. Meals containing fatty ingredients, which tend to slow down digestion, thus keeping food in the stomach for longer duration is the primary factor that causes Acid Reflux. Apart from that, larger portions, which fills up the stomach thus causing the contents to come closer to the oesophageal sphincter, and also causes the stomach to produce more digestive juices, is a major cause. Also, beverage containing caffeine as well as carbonates drinks and alcohol, and, peppermint or spearmint, which may cause the sphincter to relax, is an important factor. Eating immediately before going to bed or eating quickly and not chewing well enough, also causes the stomach to produce more juices to digest the food, and thus could force the contents through the oesophageal sphincter.
Apart from eating habits, lying down after eating as well as bending down after eating also causes contents to come closer to the oesophagus, thus causing Acid Reflux. Pregnancy, smoking, being overweight, exercising after eating, and stress are other possible factors.
Some over-the-counter medicines for asthma and high blood pressure could also fuel the stomach to produce more juices.
Heartburn is usually a milder version of the more severe condition called Gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn is prevalent in most people these days, but in some people, it can become very severe showing symptoms such as persistent heartburn and acid vomiting.
Some of the other reasons that causes Acid Reflux include the following:
Chocolate contains large quantities of theobromine (a compound that is available naturally in plants such as tea, cocoa and coffee plants). This compound relaxes the oesophageal sphincter, thus allowing the stomach juices to enter the oesophagus.
Tomatoes or tomato-based products are also responsible in weakening the oesophageal sphincter
Citrus fruits and juices also have corrosive properties and tend to weaken the oesophageal sphincter
Wearing tight fitting clothing will squeeze the stomach, forcing the contents to rebound into the oesophagus