Acid Reflux Disease and GERD

Posted by Kym on August 17th, 2008 at 01:00pm

The term acid reflux disease is where the contents of the stomach flow in the wrong direction back up the tube from the stomach to the throat. This is a condition relating to the digestive system and although referred to by other names almost all the symptoms are similar in nature. The problem arises from an upset in our stomach’s digestive fluid (hydrochloric acid). It is the result of hydrochloric acid that is trying to flow back up the esophagus that causes the heartburn.

Normally, when food is swallowed, the lower esophageal sphincter valve will open to allow food to enter the stomach for digestion but with this condition the valve does not close properly. It is when the esophageal sphincter doesn’t close after food has passed through that the stomach fluids try to escape upwards and that is why it is called acid reflux. This condition is also known as GERD which is the shortened version of the correct medical name: gastro esophageal reflux disorder. Although the real cause of acid reflux disorder has not yet been found, it is thought that eating the wrong foods could be to blame; although overeating may also contribute because when you overeat, the stomach can’t keep up with the demand to process all the acids.

Too much strain is placed on the muscles of the stomach when we overeat and the result of this a build up of internal pressure. As this pressure builds up, the lower esophageal valve starts to weaken and can eventually open, allowing food and acid to move up into your esophagus causing that unpleasant burning feeling centered in the chest. By lessening the amount of work the stomach has to do at any one time should reduce the instances of heartburn - this is easiest acid reflux remedy to implement. This can be achieved by consuming smaller meals, the incidences of heartburn should reduce. The importance of your stomach’s health cannot be underestimated for long term good health. The reason for this is the stomach digests the food we eat into the nutrients required for continued good health.

Using an acid reflux remedy or drugs and other acid reducing drugs readily available from drugstores will block the natural processes of your stomach on a temporary basis and help ease your acid reflux symptoms, but if you’re looking to cure acid reflux disease altogether you need to look at your diet in more detail. The problem is these ‘short term’ remedies can create other problems as they interfere with the natural functioning of the digestive system. The long term approach to reduce the stomach problems and acid reflux is to adjust how you consume food and drink. This should be done for a period of a few months to strengthen your stomach’s normal processes. If you can reduce the heartburn occurrences, in time you may well be able to slowly start eating those dishes that have needed to be cut out.

All this comes down to a lifestyle change which ultimately only you can control. The thought of reducing the incidents of heartburn should be sufficient incentive. Determination on your part to reduce the number of episodes of acid reflux is all that is required. Whether you decide to take this and your doctors advice is really up to you.

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