How Is Acid Reflux Caused and Why?
Frank Robson
Large amounts of acidic foods are the biggest cause of Acid Reflux. Your digestive muscles help to transport the food during digestion down through the food pipe into the stomach and on to the intestines. In doing this there are valves that control entry, exit and any backflow. The muscles involved move the food by squeezing and relaxing the pipes.
In particular, the LES or Lower Esophageal Sphincter muscle controls entry into and prevents backflow from the stomach into the esophagus or food pipe.
Sometimes, due to weakening of these various muscles, food stays longer in the stomach. Malfunctioning valves, also manage to allow food into areas where it should not go, such as backward from the stomach into the food pipe. Of course, this backflow contains food, digested by stomach acids, and that's why we get the sour warm sensation in our throats. In addition, sometimes, this acid is harmful to the walls of our food pipe, which end up getting scarred.
You may end up feeling like you have something stuck in your throat. With the poor digestive process and the weak muscles, other systems can be affected as well. Breathing problems are associated with excessive stress.
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.
Folks with Acid Reflux problems should avoid caffeine, peppermint, spearmint, alcohol, and even chocolate. Carbonated drinks are NOT a good idea for those with Acid Reflux symptoms. Avoiding of fatty foods, processed foods, and planned disinterest in things like fast food (hot dogs, pizzas, burgers), has been known to work positively for those worried about Acid Reflux.
Your health is affected by what you eat. Maintain an acid-alkaline balance. You can avoid high acid items like oranges, grapefruit and tomatoes and stick to other fruit and vegetables. Multigrains are great for your health. You can increase proteins to strengthen your muscles but when adding meats the wisest choices are white meats and poultry prepared in a healthy way.
By exercising, watching what you eat and your stress levels and getting enough sleep, you can reduce your changes of acquiring Acid Reflux.
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