At the entrance of our stomach is a valve, which is a ring of muscle called Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). LES closes as soon as food passes through it. If it doesn’t close or opens too often, acid produced by our stomach move up into our esophagus. This cause symptoms such as burning chest pain called heartburn. If this symptoms happen more than twice a week, it is acid reflux disease also know as gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Causes: One common cause of acid reflux is stomach abnormality called hiatal hernia. This occurs when the upper part of the stomach and LES move above the diaphragm, a muscle that separates our stomach from our chest.
Other common factors for LES are:
1. Eating large meals or lying down right after meal.
2. Being over weight.
3. Eating close to bed time.
4. Eating foods such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, garlic, spicy or fatty foods.
5. Drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol, carbonated drinks.
6. Smoking.
Common Symptoms:
1. Heartburn- a burning pain that move from our stomach to our abdomen or chest or up to throat.
2. Regurgitation: A sour tasting acid backing up into our throat or mouth.
Other Symptoms:
1. Bloating 2. Bloody vomiting 3. Nausea 4. Wheezing, dry cough, sore throat
Tips to get rid of Acid Reflux:
1. Standing up straight.
2. Elevating upper body.
3. Drink water mixing baking soda.
4. Trying some ginger.
5. Sipping apple cider vinegar.
6. Chewing gum.
7. Over the counter treatment such as antacids.
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