How To Overcome Symptoms Of Gerd And Acid Reflux Disease

The painful condition where the contents of the stomach want to flow back the way they came to cause heartburn is something we may all have experienced in our lives: it is called acid reflux. Many similar conditions exist but they all exhibit pretty much the same range of symptoms but all fall under the umbrella of gastrointestinal disorders. In order to assimilate the food we eat, our stomach dissolves it with a strong acid. The burning sensation experienced by sufferers of this disorder is caused by the stomachs digestive fluid attempting to return up the esophagus.

Food is normally trapped in the stomach by the lower esophageal valve after it has passed through to stop this problem. It is when the esophageal sphincter doesn't close after food has passed through that the stomach fluids try to escape upwards and that is why it is called acid reflux.

This condition is also known as GERD which is the shortened version of the correct medical name: gastro esophageal reflux disorder. Although the real cause of acid reflux disorder has not yet been found, it is thought that eating the wrong foods could be to blame; overeating could also add to the problem and cause unnecessary stress on the stomach and its ability to process food.

Too much strain is placed on the muscles of the stomach when we overeat and the result of this a build up of internal pressure. Something has to give; this being the acid which returns or refluxes back up the esophagus bringing with it the very unpleasant heartburn. The aim is to lessen the stress on your stomach and stop any damage the stomach acid will cause to your esophagus.

To prevent this from happening you should eat small meals throughout the day. 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 has the important task of processing food so it can be broken down into important and vital nutrients used by the body.

The use of readily available, anti-acid drugs is not the long term answer. However, these can interrupt natural body processes and cause other health problems. The long term treatment for acid reflux is to adapt your lifestyle habits in particular eating and drinking. This should be done for a period of a few months to strengthen your stomach's normal processes. If you can reduce the heartburn occurrences, in time you may well be able to slowly start eating those dishes that have needed to be cut out.

Other factors can also create a predisposition for acid reflux and these include:

Being a smoker

Allergic reactions to certain types of food

Prescription medication

Drinking alcohol

Having a sleep after eating a meal

All of these factors are within your control and it only requires a change of habits and behavior on your part. If you need an incentive to stop the occasions where you suffer with heartburn then this should be it! So by watching what you eat and taking care of your health, you stand a better chance of avoiding and clearing acid reflux disorder. It really is a decision only you can make!