By: Richard Bleuze
The Causes of Acid Reflux
There is no one specific cause for acid reflux. It is typical for acid reflux to be caused by a combination of several factors, both hereditary and environmental. It is possible to treat environmental factors through lifestyle and dietary changes, but this may not always be enough.
Hereditary (inherited genetic) factors usually require treatment with specific supplements and/or medications to suppress the symptoms of acid reflux. A combination of treatments is usually necessary for relief of acid reflux symptoms.
- Specific foods: It is common for individuals to experience acid reflux symptoms after the consumption of specific foods. Some foods that have been denoted to cause acid reflux symptoms include: chocolate, carbonated beverages, fried foods, and spicy foods.
- The consumption of alcohol and caffeine: The increased use of alcohol and caffeine can enhance the frequency of heartburn causing acid reflux symptoms with persistent use.
- Smoking: Smoking creates havoc not only on your lungs, but effects other bodily symptoms as well, including your digestive tract. By quitting smoking, not only can you reduce the frequency of heartburn, but you also decrease hundreds of other complications associated with smoking. Smoking is also known to increase asthmatic symptoms, which are also associated with acid reflux.
- It is all about portions: Meal portions are important! The more food you eat, the more your stomach must work in the digestion process, producing more hydrochloric acid for the break down of foods.
- Overweight: The abundance of excess fat on the body produces extra stresses on your internal systems. It is impossible for this weight loss to occur overnight, it is a slow process that takes time.
- Medications: It is known that specific pain relievers and aspirin can increase the signs and symptoms of acid reflux if taken in excess or used on a frequent basis.
- Position: Lying down after eating, when digestion is occurring, is known to aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux as the hydrochloric acid is allowed to coat the entire stomach. By maintaining a standing or sitting position after eating, you ensure that the hydrochloric acid remains in the bottom of the stomach, decreasing symptoms. Lifting heavy objects is also known to increase symptoms, especially after eating.
- System Abnormalities: It is possible that your acid reflux may be caused by an abnormality in the digestive system, typically the stomach or the esophagus. If you have tried several options for relief of your acid reflux symptoms with no relief, it is optional to consult your doctor for further analysis of your symptoms.
