Acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is a common condition in which the acidic contents of the stomach flow back up into the oesophagus, causing symptoms like pain in the chest, heartburn and a sour taste in the mouth. As per Cleveland Clinic, a person with acid reflux often experiences a burning sensation in their chest after eating due to irritation in the linings of the oesophagus.
According to the Mayo Clinic, in some cases, people may also experience an unpleasant taste in their mouth or have difficulty swallowing. This is because of regurgitation or backwash of food.
Causes Of Acid Reflux
The most common cause of acid reflux is a weakening of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) muscle, which is responsible for keeping food and stomach acid in the stomach. If the LES becomes weakened or damaged, the acid can flow up into the oesophagus, causing symptoms of acid reflux.
Also read: 7 Things to Know About Acid Reflux
Any sickness is the result of our daily activities, interrupted patterns, and poor lifestyle choices. The same is true for acid reflux. According to Nutritionist Karishma Chawla, acid reflux can be caused due to any of the following reasons:
- Snacking before going to bed
- Being overweight is a problem
- Smoking
- Laying down immediately after a heavy lunch
- Using blood pressure medications or muscle relaxants
- Pregnancy
WebMD mentions frequent vomiting, persistent wheezing or cough, refusal to eat something and re-swallowing are some of the potential symptoms of acid reflux in infants.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, mint can also trigger acid reflux in some cases.
Medical conditions that can lead to acid reflux include hiatal hernia, pregnancy, and scleroderma.
A hiatal hernia develops when the top section of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm and then into the chest cavity. Journal Annals of Gastroenterology found the detailed mechanism of the prevalence of acid reflux in hiatal hernia. Pregnancy can also cause acid reflux due to increased pressure on the abdomen.
Treatment Options
Treatment for acid reflux usually involves lifestyle changes. Eating smaller meals and avoiding certain foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, spicy foods, and gluten can help reduce the symptoms.
Nutritionist Karishma suggests oatmeal prevents acid reflux. Oatmeal is a superfood with numerous health benefits, and as a result, it reaches the list of top breakfast recipes due to its high nutritional value. Oatmeal is high in fibre and easily absorbs stomach acids.
Also read: Can Acid Reflux Cause Headache or Migraine?
Another food we can use to treat acid reflux is ginger, which has been used in our Indian households for decades for its medicinal properties and some fantastic health advantages, so it's no surprise that it can assist with acid reflux as well. Ginger's anti-inflammatory characteristics aid in the treatment of a variety of digestive issues.
Research indicates that H2 blockers medications can help to treat acid reflux. Although, Doctor's recommendation is always advisable before taking any medicine.
