Acid Reflux: How and Why

by Frank Robson

Large amounts of acidic foods are the biggest cause of Acid Reflux. Your digestive muscles help to transport the food during digestion down through the food pipe into the stomach and on to the intestines. In doing this there are valves that control entry, exit and any backflow. The muscles involved move the food by squeezing and relaxing the pipes.

In particular, the LES or Lower Esophageal Sphincter muscle controls entry into and prevents backflow from the stomach into the esophagus or food pipe.

Food can remain in the stomach longer if the muscles get weak. Food can also move in reverse back up the food pipe. At this point it will also contain digested stomach acids resulting in a sour taste and feeling in the mouth and throat. It may even end up scarring the food pipe.

You may end up feeling like you have something stuck in your throat. With the poor digestive process and the weak muscles, other systems can be affected as well. Breathing problems are associated with excessive stress.

Consuming foods high in acid doesn’t cause your body, blood or stomach to contain more acid. Hydrochloric acid is caused by the stomach itself to aid in digestion. After it goes through the stomach it may leave excess acid and this is the cause of Acid Reflux.

There are many foods that you should avoid if you have Acid Reflex such as caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint and spearmint. Carbonated beverages should definitely be eliminated. People have had good results by restricting consumption of fatty foods, foods that are processed and fast foods like hot dogs, pizza etc.

Your health is affected by what you eat. Maintain an acid-alkaline balance. You can avoid high acid items like oranges, grapefruit and tomatoes and stick to other fruit and vegetables. Multigrains are great for your health. You can increase proteins to strengthen your muscles but when adding meats the wisest choices are white meats and poultry prepared in a healthy way.

By exercising, watching what you eat and your stress levels and getting enough sleep, you can reduce your changes of acquiring Acid Reflux.

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