Title: Understanding the Underlying Causes of Acid Reflux
Title: Understanding the Underlying Causes of Acid Reflux
Blog Article
Are you no stranger to the discomfort of 'heartburn' after a meal, wondering why this keeps happening? The pain may be associated with a prevalent disorder, often referred to as acid reflux or, medically, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Acid reflux is intimately common and widely experienced affecting millions worldwide. Before we delve into the triggers of acid reflux, it's vital to understand the disorder itself.
The condition of acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)–the muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach–loses its tightness, causing the stomach’s acid to flow back up into the esophagus. This reflux of stomach acid agitates and damages the lining of the esophagus and can result in a burning discomfort known as 'heartburn.'
So, if you are questioning the causes of acid reflux, remember that the primary cause is the poor functioning of the LES. Though, there are also secondary sources that can exacerbate this problem.
Other root causes are certain food and drink. Consuming hard-to-digest foods, fatty or greasy foods, spicy food, chocolate, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages could provoke acid reflux. Smoking is another major perpetrator as it can impair the function of the LES.
Overeating or consuming excessive amounts at one time, especially before bedtime, can also greatly contribute to the occurrence of acid reflux. Moreover, obesity and pregnancy are also known to increase the risk of GERD.
Other potential causes can encompass certain medications, like aspirin or some muscle relaxants. Stress can also impact the incidence of acid reflux, whilst not a direct cause, high levels of stress may stimulate behaviors that can trigger acid reflux.
In summary, the key instigator of acid reflux is the malfunctioning of the LES, but there are numerous other external factors that can compel this condition to worsen. Knowing these triggers can certainly assist in the prevention what causes acid reflux and efficient alleviation of this discomforting disorder.
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