What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when stomach acids do not remain within the confines of your stomach and move into the area surrounding your oesophagus. The passage way through which everything you eat or drink enters your stomach is called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). Ideally, the minute all of your food has passed through this ring like muscle; it closes up, allowing your food to begin its digestion process.

If, for some reason, your lower oesophageal sphincter does not close when it should or only closes partially, there is a significant chance that stomach acids can make their way up through the LES and affect your oesophagus. When this happens on a regular basis, chances are you will experience heartburn, have difficulty swallowing and exhibit other common symptoms of Reflux disease or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

Who is at Risk for Reflux Disease?

There are a number of factors that come into play when determining what your chances are of falling victim to acid reflux.

• Your eating habits are the easiest way to determine your risk potential when it comes to acid reflux. If spicy and fatty foods form a large part of your diet or if some of the staple ingredients in your food are onion, garlic or tomatoes, the chances of you exhibiting acid reflux symptoms immediately goes up.
• The kind of beverages you favour, whether it be drinking more than two cups of coffee or tea a day, being a regular smoker or resorting to energy drinks and other carbonated drinks to quench your thirst could make you more prone to acid reflux.
• What your behaviour patterns are, right after you enjoy a big meal play a big role in determining what your chances are of falling victim to acid reflux. For example, people who lie down directly after a big meal are more likely to bring on acid reflux than someone who takes a walk after a meal.
• nother common cause of reflux disease is an abnormality called a Hiatal Hernia. A Hiatal Hernia is a condition that occurs when a part of your stomach moves out of its place and begins pushing past your diaphragm which works to separate your stomach from your chest. When this happens, it increases the chances of stomach acids getting into your chest and causing you to exhibit acid reflux symptoms.
• Being overweight or obese could also increase your chances of experiencing acid reflux symptoms.
• Being pregnant can also cause stomach acids to travel back up to the oesophagus and cause acid reflux.

What are the Most Common Acid Reflux Symptoms?

The most common symptom of acid reflux is heartburn. Heartburn is essentially an experience of discomfort or burning from the regions surrounding your stomach, your chest and even your throat. Some patients experience regurgitation or the experience of a bitter tasting acid in your mouth and throat.

Losing weight for no apparent reason, a constant dry cough, burping, nausea and even the passing of black and/or bloody stool are taken to be well documented acid reflux symptoms.

If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms, there is no need to panic. There are quite a few treatments and medications available. It is advisable however, that you explore every avenue available to you before deciding on a course of action. This means that one should also be directed to not only see their doctor but also by visiting their local health products retailer to speak to an alternative medicine practitioner. After all, if there is a good chance that you may not have to be on medication for months before you stop experiencing symptoms of acid reflux and could instead feel better faster with the help of alternative medicine, there could be nothing like it.