What Causes Acid Reflux Disease?

by: FrankRobson
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Put simply, the problem begins with the over consumption of highly acidic foods. Then, esophageal muscles can also be responsible because they play an essential role in digestion and transporting food from your mouth to your stomach and then to the intestines.

Muscles assist food as it travels through the body. Entrance to the food pipe, arrival to the stomach and exit from the stomach is all controlled by valves which function by stimulating the entry, exit, and backflow of food that is being digested. The muscle which principally controls backflow from the stomach back into the esophagus is the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES.

Food can stay in certain areas longer than they ought to during the digestion process or wind up somewhere it should not be because valves are not functioning properly or muscles have become weak. Partially digested food that is allowed to flow backwards from the stomach into the esophagus brings stomach acids with it, which produces a warm, sour taste in the back of the throat and esophageal scarring.

Backflow of food also relates the obstructed feeling that many sufferers of acid reflux complain of. Breathing problems can also arise since muscles may have become disobedient or weak and the digestive process may have become irregular, especially in the stomach and chest.

Contrary to popular belief, eating acidic foods does not cause one's stomach, blood, or entire body to become more acidic. The stomach itself adds hydrochloric acid in the process of digestion. So acid reflux, is all about foods, which after processing in the stomach, have an acidic resultant residue.

Individuals who suffer from acid reflux will want to stay away from spearmint, peppermint, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol. Fatty or processed foods and unhealthy fast foods should be avoided in an effort to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux. Carbonated drinks can also worsen symptoms and should therefore not be consumed.

The old adage is true; you are indeed what you eat. The key is keeping your body balanced between being overly acidic or alkaline. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, multigrain foods, white meat, and poultry will help you do so. Remember that acidic fruits and vegetables like grapefruit, oranges, and tomatoes still should be avoided. And you will want any meat you eat to be cooked in a way that keeps its fat content low.

You can keep from experiencing the unpleasant symptoms of acid reflux disease by reducing stress, getting lots of sleep, exercising regularly, and trying to maintain a healthy weight.

About the Author

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