Although many people call the condition where the stomach contents want to flow back up the esophagus, heartburn, it is more commonly called acid reflux. Often known by different names, it is condition relating to the digestive system but is related to others with similar symptoms. The problem arises from an upset in our stomach’s digestive fluid (hydrochloric acid). An irritable stomach means the digestive acid tries to rise up the food tract and as a consequence causes a painful burning sensation near the heart.
When we eat and swallow our food it is allowed into the stomach area to be digested by the esophageal sphincter valve which should then close back up in order to stop the hydrochloric acid from escaping. When the valve refuses to close as it should, the acid escapes back up the esophagus, producing the problem known as acid reflux. The conditions proper medical name is called gastroesophageal reflux disorder. At the moment it is considered that a poor diet is the underlying reason for the acid reflux problem but not the main cause of the condition; overeating could also add to the problem and cause unnecessary stress on the stomach and its ability to process food.
Eating large amounts of food at any meal can put a lot of pressure on your abdominal walls. The release of this ‘pressure’ results in the stomach acids trying to flow back up the digestive tract. Reducing the amount of pressure on the esophageal valve will lessen the chance of stomach acids forcing their way back up the digestive tract. The easiest way to reduce the incidences of heartburn is too reduce the size of meals. The stomach is the doorway to the body’s health so it needs to be treated with respect. This is because the stomach is not only responsible for breaking down our food but also for preparing this food to be converted to specific nutrients that everyone’s body needs.
A short term solution may appear to be the drugs that are easily purchased over the counter but guidance is needed. These can create additional nutritional deficiencies and disease that a doctor may have a problem when diagnosing the cause. The long term approach to reduce the stomach problems and acid reflux is to adjust how you consume food and drink. Hopefully this will reduce the strain the stomach is placed under, gradually returning it to a more stable condition. Once you reduce or eliminate your heartburn disorder, you can start to eat some of the foods that you had to eliminate.
Other factors can also create a predisposition for acid reflux and these include:
* Tobacco products * Having allergies to particular foods e.g. peanuts * Certain medical drugs * Alcohol * Having a sleep after eating a meal
Surely a few changes in the way you live your life aren’t too much to ask. If you need an incentive to stop the occasions where you suffer with heartburn then this should be it! So by watching what you eat and taking care of your health, you stand a better chance of avoiding and clearing acid reflux disorder. Whether you decide to take this and your doctors advice is really up to you!
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