Acid Reflux Causes

Acid reflux is known by several names. You may hear it called heartburn, gastric reflux, or GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease). Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach seeps back into the esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that runs between the back of the throat and the stomach. The stomach and the esophagus are separated by a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. Reflux happens when the LES weakens or relaxes, allowing acid into the esophagus.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acid reflux may include

• chest pain (sometimes mistaken for a heart attack)
• burning sensation in the throat or the chest
• bad taste in the back of the mouth

Causes

The above symptoms can be treated by over-the-counter medication, but in time acid reflux damages the lining of the esophagus and can lead to long-term health problems. It's better to avoid reflux entirely if you can. The good news is that many acid reflux causes are lifestyle related. Some of the more common causes of GERD include:

Eating large meals. When the stomach is very full, pressure is placed on the LES. You can avoid this by eating several small meals throughout the day as opposed to one or two big meals.

Lying down right after eating. Many people eat late in the evening and go to bed shortly after supper. But lying down takes away a powerful ally against GERD: gravity. When you are standing or sitting, acid must fight its way upward into the esophagus. When you are lying down, it can flow easily from stomach to esophagus, resulting in heartburn symptoms. Try to remain sitting or standing for at least an hour or two after your last meal.

Obesity. People who are significantly over their ideal body weight tend to experience acid reflux more often than people who are not overweight. This is because the extra weight places pressure on the stomach and weakens the LES. While losing weight is difficult, dropping a few pounds can ease the painful symptoms of reflux.

Eating certain types of foods. Another acid reflux cause seems to be the types of food you eat. Spicy and fatty foods are more likely to lead to acid reflux. So are alcoholic, caffeinated, and carbonated beverages. 

Being pregnant. The uterus expands during pregnancy, putting pressure on the stomach and forcing the acid in the stomach back into the esophagus.

Having a hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia, a condition in which a small part of the stomach pushes into the chest, displaces the LES and allows acid reflux. When the hernia is repaired, the symptoms of acid reflux typically go away. 

Smoking. Smoking can weaken the LES and cause GERD. Quitting can prevent further damage.

Many acid reflux causes are lifestyle-related. A few simple changes to your routine can reduce or even eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease.