Gastric Reflux Causes

Gastric reflux, also known as acid reflux disease or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is one of the most common conditions experienced by people all over the world. It can be considered as a disease in itself or a symptom of some other severe disorder. Although it is not a serious condition, it needs to be treated as soon as possible in order to prevent it from being chronic. Before thinking of the prevention of this disease, it is essential to know what exactly causes it. Let us take a look at it in detail.

Causes of Gastric Reflux

Gastric or acid reflux disease is caused due to improper function of the lower esophageal sphincter muscles. Due to this abnormal functioning, the acid in the stomach seeps back to the esophagus. This can lead to a lot of discomfort, irritation in the throat which leads to difficulty in swallowing. Also, chest pain and heartburn are some of the major gastric reflux symptoms. So, what causes gastric reflux? Take a look.

Dietary Habits
A person's diet and dietary habits play an important role in causing gastric reflux disease. People eating very spicy and fatty foods tend to suffer from acid reflux disease. On the other hand, having very large meals especially at night also lead to indigestion, and consequently acid reflux. Also, lying down, sleeping, bending down, leads to the stomach acid to seep back in the esophagus, causing gastric reflux. Similarly, certain foods like citrus foods, fried foods, mint, chocolate, coffee, tea, etc. cause acid reflux.

Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking is one of the prominent gastric reflux causes as it increases the acid in the stomach unnaturally. Cigarettes and tobacco contain cancer causing agents that irritate the esophagus and lead to gastric reflux. Smoking also slows down the process of digestion, damages the digestive valves and results in acid reflux. Alcoholism is one of the major causes of acid reflux. Alcoholism also boosts the formation of stomach acid which makes a person prone to gastric reflux. Consumption of a heavy meal along with alcohol gives rise to more severe symptoms.

Obesity
It is a proven fact that obesity can also cause gastric reflux. Although the exact relation between the two have not be proven yet, it is clear that obese people are more prone to suffer from gastric reflux. In some cases, it is believed that the excess fats in the body exert pressure on stomach, which leads to seeping back of the stomach acid, resulting in acid reflux disease. Therefore, obese people, who consume alcohol and also smoke, are at a highest risk of suffering from this condition.

Gastric reflux disease can be treated with the help of medications as well as with natural remedies. One can go for prescription or over-the-counter medications like antacids, H2 blockers and PP inhibitors that help in acid reflux treatment. However, to get rid of this disease permanently, it is essential to make some changes in the lifestyle. One should try and overcome all the above mentioned causes in order to treat and prevent this disease. It is advisable to make changes in the diet, maintain a healthy weight, stop smoking and alcohol consumption, etc. to prevent gastric reflux disease. One should remember that chronic gastric reflux can lead to ulcers and esophageal cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to treat it as early as possible.

As a concluding note, it should be noted that having a nutritious and balanced diet, and a regular exercise are the best preventive measures for acid reflux disease. Take care!