What is Acid Reflux?
When food enters the stomach, powerful digestive enzymes (including hydrochloric acid) mix with water and start the process of breaking down food into usable form. A mucus lining protects the stomach from experiencing irritation due to these acids.
However, after eating a heavy meal (or foods that have a particularly high acidity level), digestive juices may be forced to work even harder, and may push up into the esophagus. In addition, pregnancy or added weight may push the stomach higher, increasing the likelihood of common acid reflux from digestive juices.
What Causes Acid Reflux?
At the end of the esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter is found and functions as a valve which prevents the stomach acids from travelling upwards.
If this valve is weak, the stomach contains too much food or gastric juices, or there is too much pressure on or in the stomach, acid reflux may occur. Factors that may also contribute to acid reflux include eating large meals, certain foods and beverages such as fatty, spicy foods, coffee, tomatoes, oranges, coffee, milk and alcohol.
Lying down too soon after a meal, bending or lifting heavy objects may also bring about acid reflux. Being overweight, pregnancy, hiatal hernia and constipation can also cause acid reflux as increased pressure on the stomach pushes gastric juices back into the esophagus.
