What is acid reflux and where does GERD come from?
GERD is related to the phenomenon where the stomach pushes liquid, acids and juices "the wrong way" into the esophagus. Often triggered after consuming food, heartburn, the burning feeling in the mid-chest is one of the most frequent signs of the more complex syndrome, which is GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux.
The stomach matter that gets back into the esophagus then attacks the esophageal lining, causing corrosion and burning of the tissue because of the acid as well as bile, pepsin and other digestive enzymes.
If nothing is done to prevent the acid substances from moving up into the esophagus, then significant injury can occur over time to the esophagus and further medical complications will come about. It is the weakening of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter, or lack of coordination (remaining open when it should be closed), that means that highly acidic stomach content can splash back into the esophagus. The esophagus itself is a tube made of muscle that uses phased muscular movements to pass food from the mouth to the stomach. The LES is at the bottom of the esophagus and should normally function as a uni-directional valve, opening automatically for food to go into the stomach, then closing to block stomach content from splashing back up into the esophageal tube.
Acid reflux significance is determined by three factors:
1. The muscular effectiveness of the LES.
2. The stomach liquid type and quantity.
3. The natural ability of esophagus muscles to reject back such content from the bottom of the esophagus.
It has also been noted among sufferers of heartburn that the liquid stomach content comes into contact with the esophageal lining and remains there for a longer period than is the case for people who are not victims of acid reflux. It is remarkable that with most individuals who are victims of acid reflux, the concentration of acid compared to stomach contents is greater than for non-victims of acid reflux.
The body also uses saliva as a protection mechanism for the esophagus. The saliva has water, enzymes, mucus and electrolytes to neutralize the damage that acid reflux might do to the esophagus. In addition, when awake and upright, the body is helped by gravity to maintain the stomach liquids in the stomach.
Nonetheless, at night when saliva production drops off, gravity no longer helps and swallowing decreases because the body is horizontal, the reflux liquids remain in the esophageal cavity longer and increase corrosion and damage to the esophageal lining.
GERD is a complicated phenomenon and much more than one factor is involved. This explains why physicians still find this chronic ailment so hard to manage when limited to conventional over the counter or prescribed medicaments. Fortunately, there are alternative treatments - the holistic remedy that treats the root cause and then brings back the natural inner gastric and esophageal environmental balance.
About the Author:
Jeff Martin is a certified nutritionist and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, Heartburn No More . For Further Information: Avoid Acid Reflux
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