The term acid reflux is where the contents of the stomach flow in the wrong direction back up the tube from the stomach to the throat. This complaint affects the food pathways or digestive tract but is often called other names. The digestive system uses hydrochloric acid to digest and process food. An irritable stomach means the digestive acid tries to rise up the food tract and as a consequence causes a painful burning sensation near the heart.

The stomach contains a valve which opens to allow food into it which should then close so stomach fluids cannot go back up the esophagus. The esophageal sphincter should close and trap the acid but when this doesn’t happen and the acid escapes back up the digestive tract the condition of acid reflux or heartburn is the result. This condition is also known as GERD which is the shortened version of the correct medical name: gastroesophageal reflux disorder. At the moment it is considered that a poor diet is the underlying reason for the acid reflux problem but not the main cause of the condition; although overeating may also contribute because when you overeat, the stomach can’t keep up with the demand to process all the acids.

Many people that overeat find they have this condition because their eating habits affect the stomach walls and place pressure on the muscles surrounding them. This affects the functioning of the esophageal valve causing reflux and the pain of heartburn. Since this valve protects your esophagus from your stomach acid, you need to take care this valve does not allow digested acidic food to pass back into the esophagus. This can be achieved by consuming smaller meals, the incidences of heartburn should reduce. To maintain health your digestive system needs to be healthy so requires looking after if you want to remain in good health as well. The reason for this is the stomach digests the food we eat into the nutrients required for continued good health.

The use of readily available, anti-acid drugs is not the long term answer. However, these can interrupt natural body processes and cause other health problems. To normalize your stomachs activities or to get rid of acid reflux disorder, you need to change your eating, drinking, and thinking habits. The idea is not to overload your stomach, which will give it time to recover. It may take a while but if the number of times you experience heartburn reduces, you may be able to enjoy some of the foods you stopped eating; all the while remaining conscious of the need to take things slowly and not place stress on your stomach again.

Other factors can also create a predisposition for acid reflux and these include:

* Tobacco products * Having allergies to particular foods e.g. peanuts * Certain medical drugs * Alcohol * Having a sleep after eating a meal

Surely a few changes in the way you live your life aren’t too much to ask. If you need an incentive to stop the occasions where you suffer with heartburn then this should be it! So by watching what you eat and taking care of your health, you stand a better chance of avoiding and clearing acid reflux disorder. Whether you decide to take this and your doctors advice is really up to you!

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