When the acid from the stomach goes back to the esophagus acid reflux or heart burn occurs. There are various theories which explain the cause of this problem. Firstly the theory blames this disease on the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) valves inability to prevent the acid from entering the esophagus. This hampers the working of this valve and the acid comes back in the esophagus which causes burning sensation.
The other theory explains that this disease is due to intake of junk food in your diet. Eating large meals, spicy food, processed and packaged foods, puts too much pressure on the tummy. As your stomach cannot digest such a huge quantity of food, majority of the food remains undigested. This undigested portion starts rotting in the tummy and becomes acidic waste. This creates stomach spasms or twitching that raises the level of stomach gas. This gas breaks open the LES valve and the acid rushes into the esophagus.
Aging also causes acid reflux, as we grow older, our tummy’s activity decreases, leading to a drop in the production of hydrochloric acid. This causes the infections to thrive, leading to tummy pain and excess acid production, and leads to acid reflux disease.
It is a chronic disease and the medicines are available in the market to reduce the production of stomach acid which always provides a temporary relief but does not cure from the root. These medicines can have damaging side-effects as they reduce the efficient digestion of food in the stomach in a normal way and increase the risk of infections by pathogens transmitted through food, and make you more susceptible to food poisoning etc.
Always go for natural treatment and change your diet and lifestyle as it is the best course of action. Avoid foods that can aggravate the problem.
Here are some modifications which can minimize the occurrence of acid reflux:
- Reduce excess weight if you are overweight.
- Do not take alcohol.
- Eat enough but don’t over eat
- Do not sleep immediately after eating. Lift the head of your bed by 6-8 inches.
These tips will prevent the occurrence of acid reflux.