DiseaseIllness

The first explanation for the cause of this condition is that because of the incompetence of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) acidic contents of the stomach are allowed up into the esophagus
which results in a burning sensation. The LES is a valve that is found at the lower end of the esophagus and separates it from the stomach and its contents but when this valve becomes dysfunctional
it allows the acidic content of the stomach to be regurgitated into the esophagus.

A separate school of thought believes that acidic reflux disease is caused by our eating habits. As it's often said
living in the civilized world entails eating more junk food and packaged and processed food than the stomach can digest. So
when we put so much into the stomach
most of the food ends up undigested. These undigested food materials turn into acidic waste in the stomach. This waste causes stomach spasms or twitching that causes an increase in stomach gas that pops open the LES valve between the esophagus and stomach sending acidic contents up the esophagus.

Yet
acidic reflux disease can be traced to aging in adults. It is believed in some quarters that as we age
the activity of the stomach reduces
so also its ability to produce hydrochloric acid. The reduction in the stomach activity and acid content of the stomach creates a breeding ground for infections which in themselves cause stomach pain and acid production leading to further symptoms of acid reflux.

Whatever the cause of acid reflux disease
what is constant about it
is the fact that it is a chronic disease. Most medicines
which inhibit production of acid in the stomach
only help to relieve the burning effect and other symptoms and not actually cure the condition. As a matter of fact
these drugs help in relieving the symptoms quite effectively
but the other side of the coin is that these drugs also cause several side effects in the body by cutting down the acid production in your stomach. Some of their side effects are that they reduce the ability of the stomach to digest food efficiently
they make you more vulnerable to diseases and microbes transmitted through food
increases the risk of food poisoning and a host of others.

While there are many medications and natural methods to rid yourself of that burning sensation that accompanies each acid reflux bout
the first line of action should be a thorough assessment of the your food and lifestyle. Some food materials are known to aggravate acid reflux
some of the foods include; citrus
caffeine
chocolate
fatty fried foods
garlic
and onions. Cutting down or avoiding these foods as much as possible is a good first attempt at preventing future acid reflux bouts.

Additional lifestyle assessment and modification that can help reduce acid reflux episodes include:

- Losing weight if you are overweight
- Cutting down alcohol to the barest minimum
- Eating just enough food to keep hunger away
- Don't go to bed until at least three hours after eating
- Raise your bed head six to eight inches

These very simple lifestyle improvements can keep you off those acid blockers and other acid reflux medications that cause almost the same amount of damage as the good they do to your body.