Acid Reflux And Diet Basics
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You might have experienced GERD or acid reflux without realising exactly what was going on. Was there ever a time when you felt a burning sensation in your upper abdomen which radiated upward and was accompanied by a sour taste in your mouth, alongside the feeling that food is coming back up?
This condition, where stomach acid travels from the stomach to the esophagus, is what is know as acid reflux and acid reflux and diet are connected to one another.
Acid reflux happens when stomach acids come into contact with the lining of the esophagus causing it to become irritated.
Common causes may include the following:
* A weakened Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) is one of the reasons why acid refluxes into the esophagus. LES is the valve that keeps the stomach acid in the stomach. Once it is relaxed or weakened, it isn’t able to perform this function so well.
* There is a direct relationship between acid reflux and diet because some foods are causative elements in the promotion of acid reflux. These include foods that are often consumed on a daily basis such as chocolate, coffee and drinks with alcohol content. Too much consumption of spicy and fatty foods can also aggravate acid reflux.
* Certain conditions like obesity and pregnancy where there is excessive pressure in the abdomen causing a pushing of some of the contents of the stomach back into the esophagus. This can also occur with tight fitting clothing or accessories such as a belt.
Since acid reflux and diet are interrelated, it is essential you watch what you eat in order to prevent frequent re-occurrence. Eat smaller meals at more frequent intervals rather than super heavy meals in just one sitting. Why? Because this act can prevent too much stomach acid production. ALso avoid the foods mentioned that can cause weakening of the LES.
