The condition of acid reflux occurs when the acid in the stomach comes up into the esophagus. The acid rises when the valve, called the esophageal sphincter, located between the stomach and esophagus, is unable to work properly and closes entirely.

Acid Reflux Causes:

Although it is known that an esophageal sphincter that does not work properly is the cause for acid reflux, it is not entirely known what causes the sphincter to stop working properly. Rising stomach pressure could be one of the causes, if the esophageal sphincter cannot stand the high change in pressure. Pregnant women, smokers, and people who tend to eat large meals are at higher risk for acid reflux. Those with peptic ulcers, hiatus hernias, or asthma are also at an increased risk for developing acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Symptoms:

One of the most common symptoms of acid reflux is heartburn. Although heartburn and acid reflux are phrases that are often times said interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing. The physical action of stomach acids rising is what acid reflux is; the term used to describe the burning sensation that acid reflux causes is called heartburn. Other common symptoms of acid reflux may include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, erosion of the teeth, regurgitation of food, and hoarseness of the voice. Some people may experience varying levels of discomfort depending on their symptoms.

Acid Reflux: Dieting & Nutrition

Those with diets that contain certain foods are also more prone to heartburn than others. Vegetables like kale, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and beans are often causes of acid reflux. Citrus fruits, spicy foods, carbonated drinks and alcohol are also common causes of acid reflux. Although these foods and drinks do not cause acid reflux for everyone, they are more likely to aggravate acid reflux than most other foods. Eliminating or decreasing the amount of these types of food in your diet can significantly decrease acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Treatment:

Many people encounter acid reflux problems from time to time. In most cases, acid reflux is completely harmless. However, if acid reflux becomes a persistent and irritating problem, it is best to consult a medical professional. If persistent acid reflux is left untreated, heartburn can develop into GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. In severe cases of this disease, scarring may occur in the esophagus, causing difficulty in swallowing, and a severe increase of the risk of developing esophagael cancer.

One of the easiest ways to treat mild acid reflux is by using an acid suppressant. Acid suppressants block extra production of acid in an inflamed stomach, which will prevent the excess acids from building up and rising towards the esophagus. Other medications that are commonly used to treat acid reflux include proton pump inhibitors, prokinetic agents and antiacids. These medications work to neutralize or lower the production of acid in the stomach. Avoiding or eliminating certain foods from the sufferer’s diet may also help to decrease acid reflux and its symptoms. Always consult a medical professional if you have any questions or concerns about how to treat acid reflux.