Title: Decoding the Main Causes of Acid Reflux
Title: Decoding the Main Causes of Acid Reflux
Blog Article
Are you no stranger to the discomfort of 'heartburn' after a meal, wondering why this keeps happening? The pain may be associated with a prevalent disorder, often referred to as acid reflux or, medically, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Acid reflux is intimately common and widely experienced affecting countless individuals across the globe. Before we discuss what provokes this condition, let's first understand what precisely acid reflux is.
Acid reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)–the muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach–fails to close properly, allowing the stomach’s acidic contents to reflux, or backflow, into the esophagus. This reflux of stomach acid is corrosive and harmful to the lining of the esophagus and can cause a fiery sensation known as 'heartburn.'
So, if you're thinking about the causes of acid reflux, remember that the primary cause is the abnormal functioning of the LES. But this condition can be aggravated by numerous additional factors.
Other root causes are certain diet and beverages. Consuming hard-to-digest foods, fatty or greasy meals, tangy foods, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol may induce acid reflux. Smoking is another major perpetrator as it can impair the function of the LES.
Overeating or eating too much at one time, especially before bedtime, can also be a significant cause of acid reflux. Moreover, obesity and pregnancy are also known to increase the risk of GERD.
Other potential causes can encompass certain medications, like aspirin or some muscle relaxants. Stress can also impact the incidence of acid reflux, whilst not a direct cause, high levels of stress may stimulate behaviors that what causes acid reflux can trigger acid reflux.
In summary, the key instigator of acid reflux is the malfunctioning of the LES, but there are numerous other external factors that can compel this condition to worsen. Being aware of these causes can significantly improve your ability to prevent and manage this potentially distressing condition.
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