healthy body tips

Acid reflux, or heartburn as it is commonly known, occurs when the hydrochloric acid in the stomach backs up through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and into the esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube that moves food from the mouth to the stomach for further breakdown into nutritional components for the body. When this acid enters the esophagus, it causes a burning sensation due to irritation of the mucosal lining. Acid reflux can lead to more serious problems such as GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) and in some cases esophageal cancer. Knowing the culprits that cause acid reflux can help you to avoid future bouts.

The types of food you eat are the major cause of acid reflux. Acidic foods like fruits and tomatoes increase the acid production of the stomach. Avoiding these “triggers” will decrease the chances of acid reflux occurring. Other foods that cause acid reflux include: peppermint, chocolate, caffeine, and spicy fare.

Surprisingly, your smoking habit could be the cause of acid reflux. The nicotine in the cigarettes works to increase stomach acid production. Overeating leads to weight gain. Added weight puts pressure on the stomach, forcing acid through the LES and back into the esophagus.

Physiological issues could also become the cause of acid reflux. Hiatal hernias are a risk factor for developing acid reflux disease. A portion of the stomach has herniated up through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity. People have lived with hiatal hernias and not experienced acid reflux. But, if acid reflux is a problem and there is a previous diagnosis of hiatal hernia, it could be the culprit.

Some times lying flat in bed could become the cause of acid reflux. If lower back pain is the reason why you are lying flat at night, try sleeping in a modified beach chair position with pillows behind your head and lower back. This position elevates the head enough for gravity to keep the acid in its place.

Wearing tight clothing could be the cause of acid reflux. Anything tight around the middle of your body puts pressure on the stomach. Eating a big meal without loosening the belt is almost sure to result in heartburn.

Eating too much food at one sitting increases the amount of acid in the stomach. You may feel like it’s about to bubble up and over. Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day. Weight loss experts advocate this way of eating to maintain a feeling of fullness and avoid overeating. Less acid is produced on the whole because less food is present in the stomach.

Late in pregnancy as the baby moves around more, soon-to-be mothers experience heartburn because the child displaces their organs as he/she grows. Smaller meals help in this instance, too.

Acid reflux can occur at any time to anyone. Decreasing your risk factors whenever possible will reduce the chances of an incident occurring.