Home | Health
What is acid reflux and where does GERD come from? GERD is the result of the phenomenon where the stomach continually pushes liquid, acids and juices backwards into the esophagus. Often experienced after consuming food, heartburn, the burning feeling in the mid-chest is one of the most frequent signs of the more complex syndrome that is acid reflux or GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease). The liquid that gets back into the esophagus then attacks the esophageal lining, corroding and burning the tissue because of the stomach contents of acid as well as bile, pepsin and other digestive enzymes. If nothing prevents the acid substances from moving up into the esophagus, then over time significant injury can occur to the esophagus and further complications will arise. It is the weakening of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter, or lack of synchronization (remaining open when it should be shut) that means that acidic stomach content can flow back into the esophagus. The esophagus itself is a tube composed of muscle, which passes food from the mouth to the stomach, by phased muscular movements. The LES is at the bottom of the esophagus and should normally operate as a one-way valve, opening automatically to let food into the stomach, then closing to block stomach content from moving back into the esophageal tube. Acid reflux significance is determined by three factors: 1. The muscular effectiveness of the LES. 2. The type and quantity of stomach contents. 3. The natural ability of esophagus muscles to reject back such content from the bottom of the esophagus. Among sufferers of heartburn, observations have been made that the liquid stomach content comes into contact with the esophageal lining and remains there for a longer period than happens for non-victims. In addition, it is remarkable that with most individuals who are victims of acid reflux, the degree of acidity of stomach contents is greater than for non-victims of acid reflux. In addition, when awake and upright, gravity helps the body to keep the stomach liquids in the stomach. The body also uses saliva as a means of protecting the esophagus. The saliva contains water, enzymes, mucus and electrolytes to neutralize the corrosive effects that acid reflux might have in the esophagus. Nonetheless, at night when saliva production drops off, gravity is no longer a factor and swallowing slacks off as the body is horizontal, the reflux liquids remain in the esophagus for a longer time and increase damage and injury to the esophageal lining. GERD is a complicated phenomenon resulting from more than one factor. This explains why doctors still find this chronic ailment so hard to treat using over the counter or prescribed medication. Fortunately, an optional treatment exists - the holistic remedy that treats the root cause and restores the natural inner gastric and esophageal environmental balance.
Article Source: http://www.writedot.com
Jeff Martin is a certified nutritionist and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, Heartburn No More . For Further Information: Avoid Acid Reflux
Not yet Rated
Sign up Now for inclusion in whendot.comarticle distribution service. submit your article automatically to over 150 Article sites
