The Many Causes of Acid Reflux

A simple anatomy lesson is needed to understand the causes of acid reflux. When food goes into the stomach, it passes through the esophageal sphincter. The esophageal sphincter then closes, allowing for digestion to occur. At times, some foods and situations can cause the esophageal sphincter to grow weaker or pressure pushes it open. When this takes place, the contents of the stomach or stomach juices are able to go back up through the esophageal sphincter which are the true causes of acid reflux.

Foods and Situations that are Causes of Acid Reflux

Tomatoes and tomato-based foods are major offenders as causes of acid reflux. These foods cause the esophageal sphincter to grow weaker. The acidity of tomato-based foods does not aid. Tomato based foods are commonly enjoyed and a staple in several cultures. They are very hard to avoid, but are one of the key causes of acid reflux.

Caffeine is one of the common causes of acid reflux. It also means that coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages are all potential causes of acid reflux too. These drinks are favored by the majority of the population and many people snub to even consider reducing their intake or quitting completely. This means taking measures to prevent the acid reflux from taking place.

Other common foods that are the causes of acid reflux include fried foods, fatty foods, and also chocolate. Fried and fatty foods take longer time to digest than other foods, causing them to sit in the stomach longer. It puts added pressure on the stomach and in turn puts pressure on the esophageal sphincter. It can be difficult for people to accept that they must modify their diet so as to stave off acid reflux.

These situations which are major causes of acid reflux, can be avoided. An example is eating too much. It puts pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter when the stomach is too full. It is also imperative to not eat within two to three hours before lying down as it may allow the contents of the stomach to rise up.

When the causes of acid reflux are known, it is easier to prevent occurrences. It can be done by avoiding these foods and situations or by taking medications. Some medications need a physician's prescription or are available over the counter at the store. Understanding and knowing the causes of acid reflux can make life much less painful.

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