What Causes Acid Reflux?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), commonly known as acid reflux, is a problem affecting many people. There is a ring of muscle at the entrance of your stomach called lower esophageal sphincter (LES). In most cases, the LES will close as soon as food passes through it; however, if the LES does not close all the way or opens too often, the acid being produced in your stomach moves up into your esophagus, resulting in acid reflux. Some symptoms are chest pain or heartburn. Acid reflux, or GERD, is usually diagnosed when chronic symptoms happen two or more times a week.
In adults, poor posture could play an important role in acid reflux. A slouched posture does not create a straight path between the esophagus and the stomach. Therefore, muscles around the esophagus may start to spasm, causing acidity and gas can get blocked resulting in acid reflux.
You may find yourself asking, what causes acid reflux? Well, there are certain risk factors associated with the disease, including:
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Taking medicine like aspirin, ibuprofen, blood pressure medication or some muscle relaxers
- Drinking coffee, tea, soda or alcohol
- Laying flat or bending at the waist right after eating large or heavy meals
- Eating too close to bedtime
Many times, changes in your lifestyle play a huge role in treatment for acid reflux. I have some simple steps you can take to get you on the road to recovery:
- Don’t eat two to three hours before lying flat
- Quit smoking
- Put raisers under the head of your bed to raise it 4- 6 inches
- Refrain from wearing tight clothes or belts
- Eat small meals throughout the day
- Take a nap sitting upright in a chair
- Exercise daily, and take steps to lose weight
- Talk to your doctor about any medications you’re taking. Some medicines may cause heartburn or other acid reflux symptoms
There are also over the counter antacids that should bring you temporary relief in treating your acid reflux. If those medicines don’t help and symptoms persist two or more times a week, it’s time to see your doctor, he or she can prescribe the right medicine to meet your needs.