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What is Reflux and What are the Causes of Reflux?
The causes of reflux are not always easily defined. If you suffer from reflux, then you should be aware of what reflux is. Knowing this will allow you to take the steps to relieve this condition.
Acid reflux is a common disorder in today's world. The fact is that this condition has been steadily increasing over the last twenty years, and showing no signs of slowing down. Diet is often a major culprit with this condition but let's take a look first at exactly what reflux is and what are the causes of reflux.
When you eat food, the food goes down your oesophagus and into your stomach. Your stomach then releases acids to break this food down. Sounds simple enough doesn't it? There is a small valve which is connected between the oesophagus and your stomach. When the food has left the oesophagus, this valve closes to prevent stomach acid entering your oesophagus.
This valve is called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, or LES for short. For the purpose of this article I will refer to this valve as the LES valve. Firstly because it's easier to read, and secondly and much more importantly, I don't have to constantly type Lower Esophageal Sphincter.
Now the LES can become weakened or damaged, this can occur for a number of reasons. Once this happens, the LES cannot close properly. This allows the acid in your stomach to seep into the oesophagus. It is this acid that causes pain and discomfort, and gives you that painful burning sensation. This is known as reflux, acid reflux, or heartburn.
What most people will do initially is to turn to antacids to relieve the causes of reflux. The next step is to turn to prescription medicines, and then as a last resort, surgery. The only problem with stronger prescription drugs is that they often carry side effects. Any drug that you use is going to have some sort of side effect. These effects may not be noticeable straight away, but sooner or later they will be.
Some people claim that there is a link between diet and reflux. The fact that our diets have become less healthy over the last 20 years or so, could suggest that these people may be right. Much of our diet is acidic. Our food is filled with chemicals, additives, sweeteners, and who knows what else. So increasing the amount of fresh vegetables will allow our bodies to decrease acidity.
Another connection between the causes of reflux and diet is the amount of food that we consume in this day and age. Your stomach produces stomach acid in proportion to the food that it has to break down. So when you eat a large meal, there is going to be a lot more acid floating around in your stomach. If your LES is not functioning properly, it will mean more acid going up your oesophagus.
This not only means more pain and discomfort, there is also the added side effect of your esophagus being damaged by the stomach acid. Which in turn will make the condition more uncomfortable and painful. However this situation can be improved dramatically by changing your dietary habits, drugs are not always the best solution. Play it smart and you could reverse the causes of reflux.
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