Are you no stranger to the discomfort of 'heartburn' after a meal, wondering why this keeps happening? You could be dealing with a pervasive condition known as acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Acid reflux is intimately common and widely experienced affecting a large number of people globally. But to identify the causes of acid reflux, we must first comprehend what it is.
Acid reflux transpires when the LES (Lower Esophageal Sphincter)–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 agitates and damages the lining of the esophagus and can create a burning website pain known as 'heartburn.'
So, if you're thinking about the causes of acid reflux, remember that the primary cause is the poor functioning of the LES. Though, there are also secondary sources that can exacerbate this problem.
Among the additional causes are certain diet and beverages. Consuming hard-to-digest foods, fatty or greasy meals, spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol can bring about an episode of acid reflux. Smoking is another key causal factor as it can hamper the operation of the LES.
Overeating or eating too much at one time, especially before bedtime, can also cause acid reflux prominently. Furthermore, bodily states like obesity and pregnancy can boost the chance of suffering from GERD.
Additional probable 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 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.