Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is when stomach acid and digestive juices travel back up into the tube that connects your mouth to your stomach. This condition is often called indigestion or heartburn. For some, this backwash may be an occasional occurrence with no problems; others may experience GER hundreds of times a day with symptoms that can be painful, embarrassing, and even life-threatening.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is when the acids in your stomach back up into your esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation or painful swallowing called heartburn. Indigestion pain can also come from acid reflux, which is when the stomach contents leak from the lower gastrointestinal tract. If you experience any of these symptoms and have trouble eating or drinking, it could be GERD or indigestion causing them.
Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD for short, is a condition in which the stomach’s contents flow back up into the esophagus. The sensation of burning or acid in the throat is often what many people experience when they have GERD. If these symptoms are occurring several times a week or more (sometimes just once a day) then it is possible that you have this condition.
The Common Causes Of Heartburn And Acid Reflux
Excessive, uncontrolled amounts of stomach acid are behind the common causes of heartburn and acid reflux. The two conditions are linked by one important mechanism: the lower esophageal sphincter. Acid enters our stomach through the opening between the stomach and the esophagus, allowing food to be digested.
Many people experience acid reflux or heartburn at least once in their life. Have you ever wondered what causes it? Acid reflux and heartburn are caused by stomach acid that's come up from the stomach into the esophagus, creating a burning sensation. This can be triggered by many different factors including eating too quickly, eating too much at a time, obesity, smoking, pregnancy, drinking large amounts of alcohol or coffee.
Acid reflux, or heartburn, is an uncomfortable sensation in the esophagus that affects more than 25% of the population. In addition to being painful, acid reflux can also lead to chronic conditions like Barrett’s Esophagus and esophageal cancer.
Avoid Certain Foods And Get Rid Of Heartburn
Some foods are notorious for causing heartburn. These foods are highly acidic and can increase stomach acid levels and cause discomfort in the stomach. Some of these food items include coffee, alcohol, tomatoes, chocolate, garlic, citrus fruits, peppermint, curry dishes, nuts and alcoholic beverages. The best way to avoid heartburn is to eliminate these foods from your diet if you have a history of acid reflux or symptoms.
Causes of heartburn range from excess acid in the stomach to an indigestible food item, or can even be caused by a hiatal hernia. The most common foods that cause heartburn are spicy, citrusy, fatty, and pepper-flavored foods. Other causes of heartburn include coffee, tea, chocolate, cola, alcohol, carbonated beverages with caffeine and cigarettes.
Heartburn is an unpleasant and sometimes painful sensation that occurs in the chest when stomach acid flows back up into the throat or esophagus. It can be triggered by several factors like eating too much, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or taking medications. The best way to avoid heartburn is to avoid certain foods like spicy peppers, caffeine, chocolate, mints, tomato-based products and citrus as well as staying away from alcohol and tobacco.
