Millions of people suffer from acid reflux, because there are so many different causes. Some people may only suffer an occasional bout of acid reflux, while others have to deal with it on a ongoing basis. Learning the causes of acid reflux can help you to eliminate or reduce the occurences of this painful and uncomfortable malady.

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid enters the esophagus. Sometimes this can be caused by ulcers or a hernia, or it can occur because of a weakening of the sphincter between the stomach and the esophagus. In these cases, medical attention is necessary. Medication may be able to solve the problem, or in more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. The longer the problem goes untreated, the more damage it is going to cause. The acid can, over time, wear away the lining to the esophagus, and even lead to cancer.

Other causes of acid reflux, are simple lifestyle choices. Some foods are known to trigger acid reflux. A lot of people do not eat as healthy as they should, and their bodies suffer because of it. Fried and fatty foods can trigger heartburn. These foods are not the easiest foods to digest, triggering the stomach to produce more acid in order to digest them. The more acid in the stomach, the more likely it is to find its way into the esophagus.

Large amounts of sugar, caffeine, chocolate and peppermint can weaken the rings of the esophagus. Because of this, they cannot keep the acid out of the esophagus. What you eat isn’t the only cause of acid reflux. How much you eat can also make a difference. A large meal is harder on the stomach than a smaller meal. It is better to eat several smaller meals throughout the day, rather than two or three large meals. Smaller meals are much easier for the stomach to digest, and lessen the frequency and severity of acid reflux.

Try not to eat too close to bed time. Sleeping right after a meal can cause the acid in the stomach to back up into the esophagus. If you suffer acid reflux when you are in bed, you may try sleeping on your left side, or to elevate your upper body a few inches. Use gravity to your advantage to keep the acid where it belongs, in the stomach. It is still best, however, to make sure there is plenty of time between your last meal of the day, and bedtime.

If you are suffering from excessive stress, that can cause problems. Stress can cause the stomach to produce more acid, and when there is more acid, it can cause reflux. We all have hectic lifestyles these days, but it can be beneficial to just take a few minutes here and there to just sit back, take some deep breaths, and relax.

Excessive pressure on the stomach can also force acid into the esophagus. There are many different things that can cause pressure on the stomach. One of the problems can be tight fitting clothing. Lifting and bending all day can also cause pressure on the stomach. One of the biggest causes, though, is excess weight. If you are overweight, the band of fat around the midsection can put pressure on the stomach, forcing acid into the esophagus, and causing acid reflux. If you lose that excess weight you’ll be healthier as well as suffering less from heartburn.

Most of these causes of acid reflux can be avoided. If you make the necessary lifestyle changes, but don’t see any decrease in heartburn, then you should certainly see a doctor. Take care of it now, and don’t let acid reflux control your life.

Author Bio: Visit Remedy For Acid Reflux for more tips and advice on relieving the pain of heartburn and acid reflux.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: acid reflux, gerd, heartburn, causes of acid reflux, remedy for acid reflux, treatments for heartbur