When you feel a heavy searing sensation in your chest or upper abdomen, you may think you are having a heart attack. What is more likely is that you are experiencing some digestive problems, the chief one being heartburn. The symptoms of heartburn are only the first signs of a more serious condition known as acid reflux. Afflicting adults the world over, acid reflux is something that many have had to learn how to deal with as it does not abate over a lifetime. Women suffer in equal percentages to men. Lifestyles and eating habits can contribute to acquiring this condition.
People who educate themselves about the symptoms and treatment of acid reflux will have a better chance of keeping this condition at bay. Any excessive or unhealthy eating habits should be changed should be modified to help with the uncomfortable feeling associated with heartburn and acid reflux. The lower esophagus is the first part of the digestive system to be affected by of gastric juices out of the stomach.
The flow of juices is regulated by the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) which can malfunction due to a variety of factors. These include genetic predisposition, overeating which exerts great pressure on the contents of the stomach, and weakening of the muscle surrounding the LES. As the gastric juices are corrosive, anything they touch will become irritated and inflammation will occur which leads to a painful experience.
As acid reflux seems to happen more at night, the disruption to a person’s health can be magnified. Sleeplessness, fatigue, and breathing irregularities all interrupt the normal cycle of sleep thus making the person more vulnerable to health problems. Seemingly because the person is prone during nighttime attacks, the severity is greater than daytime attacks.
In addition to the mechanical reasons for acid reflux, the kind of diet a person eats can be seen as a contributing factor. Because some people are unaware of the reasons for this condition, they do not behave proactively to deal with their problem. Some bodies do not deal well with certain types of food and the result is a tendency for the stomach to rebel at the matter it receives. The food is not processed rapidly or properly and excess acid is produced. Extra spicy foods, chocolate, and fried foods can bring on extra acids. Tomato-based or citrus fruits are also acidic and can cause discomfort.
The first step in prevention is to work on reducing the amount of acid you introduce into your system. Obviously, reducing the intake of certain foods known to trigger this condition will help greatly. Not so obvious is the reduction of the size of your portions at any given time. The stomach will have less matter to digest at a time and thereby produce less acid. Spacing out your eating will aid in this endeavor. Whatever you can do to lessen the pressure on your stomach and esophagus will allow your digestive system to function properly. People also have had success with weight control, limiting alcohol intake, and wearing looser clothing.
Above all else, when you suspect you may have acid reflux, contact a physician who will give you knowledgeable advice on how to control the symptoms. Treatment early on in the condition is the best path to take because acid reflux can become entrenched if left untreated. The last thing you want is to have serious problems with nutrition or with your respiratory system.
ACID REFLUX * CAUSES * SYMPTOMS OF ACID REFLUX * ADULT ACID REFLUX * ACID REFLUX AND PREGNANCY * ASTHMA AND ACID REFLUX * ACID REFLUX AND SORE THROATS * ACID REFLUX IN CHILDREN * ACID REFLUX IN BABIES * ACID REFLUX TREATMENT * ACID REFLUX NATURAL CURES