How To Overcome Symptoms of Gerd and Acid Reflux Disease

The painful condition where the contents of the stomach want to flow back the way they came to cause heartburn is something we may all have experienced in our lives: it is called acid reflux. This is a disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (digestive system) and even though this condition is often known by different names, they have similar symptoms. The digestive system uses hydrochloric acid to digest and process food. The disorder gives you a burning sensation in your chest near the heart and stomach, when the acid wants to return up the digestive tract.

When we eat and swallow our food it is allowed into the stomach area to be digested by the esophageal sphincter valve which should then close back up in order to stop the hydrochloric acid from escaping. The esophageal sphincter should close and trap the acid but when this doesn't happen and the acid escapes back up the digestive tract the condition of acid reflux or heartburn is the result.

You may also hear the name gastro esophageal reflux disorder, which is its full title or sometimes abbreviated to GERD. Although the real cause of acid reflux disorder has not yet been found, it is thought that eating the wrong foods could be to blame; factors that include overeating, can also put a strain on the stomach and contribute to the disorder.

Too much strain is placed on the muscles of the stomach when we overeat and the result of this a build up of internal pressure. Something has to give; this being the acid which returns or refluxes back up the esophagus bringing with it the very unpleasant heartburn. The aim is to lessen the stress on your stomach and stop any damage the stomach acid will cause to your esophagus.

This can be achieved by consuming smaller meals, the incidences of heartburn should reduce. Your mouth, esophagus, and stomach are the first areas of food processing so if something goes wrong in this area, if will affect the health of the entire body. This is because the stomach is not only responsible for breaking down our food but also for preparing this food to be converted to specific nutrients that everyone's body needs.

A short term solution may appear to be the drugs that are easily purchased over the counter but guidance is needed. The problem is these 'short term' remedies can create other problems as they interfere with the natural functioning of the digestive system. It may take a while but the best solution is to make adjustments to your drinking and eating habits which may have caused the acid reflux condition. This will then allow your stomach to settle down and regain its strength. You may have to take it easy for a while but eventually there shouldn't be any reason why you cannot enjoy the foods you have been forced to give up for a while.

Whilst eating is probably the largest factor in acid reflux disorder, other substances can also contribute; a few of these are listed below:

Smoking cigarettes, pipes or cigars, chewing tobacco, and drugs

Allergic reactions to certain types of food

Prescription and OTC drugs and medication

Drinking alcohol

Having a sleep after eating a meal

All of these factors are within your control and it only requires a change of habits and behavior on your part. If you need an incentive to stop the occasions where you suffer with heartburn then this should be it! So by watching what you eat and taking care of your health, you stand a better chance of avoiding and clearing acid reflux disorder. It really is a decision only you can make!