The number of people that suffer with acid reflux disorder is on the increase. This is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (digestive system) and even though this condition is often known by different names, they have similar symptoms. Hydrochloric acid is used by the digestive system to break down the food we eat. The disorder gives you a burning sensation in your chest near the heart and stomach, when the acid wants to return up the digestive tract.

When food enters your stomach, a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter opens to allow food into the stomach which normally remains closed so that stomach food and acid do not flow back up into your esophagus area. 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. The conditions proper medical name is called gastro esophageal reflux disorder – or GERD for short. Unfortunately the exact cause of acid reflux condition remains a mystery, but it is believed an individual’s diet is primarily to blame; overeating could also add to the problem and cause unnecessary stress on the stomach and its ability to process food.

When anyone eats a large amount of food it creates an additional burden on the stomach muscles. Something has to give; this being the acid which returns or refluxes back up the esophagus bringing with it the very unpleasant 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. This situation can be a problem for the health of the body as the stomach, esophagus and mouth all need to be in good working order. The stomach carries out not only the breaking down of food but processing it into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body.

A short term solution may appear to be the drugs that are easily purchased over the counter but guidance is needed. However, these can interrupt natural body processes and cause other health problems. The long term approach to reduce the stomach problems and acid reflux is to adjust how you consume food and drink. This will then allow your stomach to settle down and regain its strength. 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.

Lifestyle changes extend beyond those of just eating habits as other contributing factors to acid reflux can be:

Smoking

Allergic reactions to certain types of food

Certain medical drugs

Higher than normal alcohol consumption

Having a sleep after eating a meal

All this comes down to a lifestyle change which ultimately only you can control. It doesn’t take that much to make a difference. All that is required is a little dedication on your part to be careful about what you eat and drink to possibly clear up your acid reflux problem. Whether you decide to take this and your doctors advice is really up to you.