Acid Reflux Causes

What are some acid reflux causes? Well, the main cause of acid reflux is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) not working as it should. The LES protects the esophagus from stomach acid by closing very tightly, right after food and liquids are swallowed. When the LES doesn't completely close (or if it relaxes too often), stomach acid travels up through the esophagus causing acid reflux.

The linings of both your esophagus and stomach weren't made the same. The lining of your stomach was made to handle acid, but the lining of the esophagus wasn't. This is why I believe you should create a food dairy.

There are doctors who believe that there's a pretty good chance that acid reflux may be genetic. The reason may be due to the structural problems in the esophagus or stomach.

There are a few other things that contribute to acid reflux causes:

• Beverages - The caffeine from coffee, tea, and sodas will relax the LES.

• Chocolate - Yes, I hate to give you the bad news ladies and gentlemen, but there's a substance called theobromine which is discovered in caffeine plants. Theobromine relaxes the LES which allows acid from the stomach to travel to the esophagus.

• Eating A Large Meal - This will add pressure to your lower esophageal sphincter, preventing it from closing tightly. Which is why it's always a good idea to eat a few hours before bedtime. A large meal before you go to bed will cause the food to press harder against your LES.

• Smoking - Chemicals from cigarettes will cause the LES to become weak, while the chemicals pass from the lungs into your blood.

• Tomato-Based Foods - Pizza, spaghetti with tomato sauce, ketchup on your fries and cheeseburger, and V8 juices, will increase stomach acid.

Some of the muscles in the stomach sometimes work very slowly. Food will stay inside the stomach longer than necessary and this will increase the chances of stomach acid moving up into the esophagus.

Other foods that contribute to acid reflux are:

• Citrus Fruits (Clementines, Grapefruits, Lemons, Oranges, Tangerines)

• Fatty and Fried Foods

• Garlic and Onions

• Peppermint Candy

• Spicy Foods

Every person's body chemistry is made up differently, so certain foods won't affect everyone the same way, which is why I believe you should create a food diary.

In your diary will be a record of foods and beverages you've consumed for each day. You will also record the different dates and times that you've eaten, and any symptoms you experience. This will help you discover the different acid reflux causes.

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