By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2011-05-13 13:14:49 | Word Count: 664
Acid reflux syndrome occurs primarily as a result of an abnormal or weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES is a very important part of the digestive process. The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscle that is located in between the esophagus and the stomach opening or diaphragm. A functional LES acts as a gateway for food to pass through from the esophagus to the stomach. A weak LES however, permits stomach acid to pass from the stomach to the esophagus. This is how acid reflux is allowed to happen. Normally, the LES opens for food to enter the stomach and closes afterward. If the LES does not close tightly enough or at all, this can pose a serious threat to your body and cause acid reflux.
Stomach acid is not something that is safe in other parts of your body. Because of the acidity and corrosiveness of stomach acid, no other part of the body is equipped to deal with it. The stomach has several layers and lining that prevents this acid from doing damage to the organ. The purpose of the acid is to help to break down the food you eat into tiny particles. Once broken down, the particles are transferred to the large and small intestines where nutrients, proteins and minerals are extracted and delivered to other parts of the body.
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When stomach acid refluxes into the esophagus and even up to the throat, this can be very painful and irritating. Acid in the esophagus can eat away at the nearby tissue and cause you to feel uncomfortable. Frequent stomach acid in the esophagus and throat may be classified as acid reflux syndrome. To determine whether you have acid reflux or not, you should become aware of the causes and symptoms.
Causes
There are some things, other than a weak lower esophageal sphincter that can contribute to the development of acid reflux syndrome. Having a hiatal hernia, being pregnant or obese can all encourage acid reflux to occur. These conditions cause a shift in your internal organs, especially the stomach. If you are pregnant or obese, this can put excess pressure and weight on the stomach, forcing it to shift and morph. This can allow stomach acid to seep out. Your diet and eating habits are also a factor in the development of acid reflux syndrome. Eating fatty foods, large portions and eating right before bed, are not good for acid reflux. You should also avoid lifting heavy objects.
Symptoms
The most prevalent symptom of acid reflux is heartburn. Heartburn affects more than 40 percent of Americans at some point in their lifetime. Heartburn causes you to feel a burning and sometimes painful sensation. It is called heartburn because it happens in the esophagus and throat, where acid is present. This area is close to the heart. If you have persistent heartburn, more than a couple times per week, you probably have acid reflux syndrome. Treating acid reflux syndrome is something that can be done through your diet and lifestyle choices.
For more information on acid reflux syndrome, review The Reflux Remedy Report to get all of your questions answered.
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Click here to read the rest of Reflux Disease Information. If you enjoyed this article, you also might like our other stories about GERD.
