Information about what causes Acid Reflux Disease or GERD.

WHAT CAUSES ACID REFLUX DISEASE?
(also known as GERD)

There are many causes of acid reflux. Acid reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve between the stomach and the esophagus, does not close properly and stomach contents reflux back up into the esophagus. Learning the cause of acid reflux may help to relieve the discomfort.

Some of the many causes of acid reflux are:

FOODS

One of the main triggers of acid reflux is what a person eats. Certain foods can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), causing stomach acid to flow enter the esophagus, and other foods can increase the production of stomach acid.

Some of these foods are:

Fatty foods or spicy foods
Citrus fruits
Onions
Tomato products
Caffeinated beverages
Alcoholic beverages
Chocolate, mints or peppermints
Pepper

LIFESTYLES

Heartburn can be triggered by something as simple as a lifestyle choice. Actions a person takes without a second thought can actually be a cause for acid reflux. Eating large meals is an example of a lifestyle habit that would cause the stomach to expand and cause pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, causing acid reflux. Another example would be lying down after eating a meal. Gravity helps the flow of food and digestive liquids to flow from the stomach to the intestines. If a person lays down, the stomach contents are more likely to flow into the esophagus and stay for a while. Wearing tight fitting clothing around the waist and abdomen can also trigger acid reflux because it can cause an increase in abdominal pressure.

Other factors that can cause acid reflux may be obesity, stress, slow stomach emptying, weak muscular contractions in the esophagus, exercise, pregnancy, cigarette smoking, certain hormones, and some medications like asprin or ibuprofen.

WHAT CAUSES ACID REFLUX DISEASE?(also known as GERD)

FOODS

LIFESTYLES

WHAT CAUSES ACID REFLUX DISEASE?
(also known as GERD)