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 prevents the acid substances from moving up into the esophagus, then over time significant injury can occur to the esophagus and further complications will arise. It is the weakening of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter, or lack of synchronization (remaining open when it should be shut) that means that acidic stomach content can flow back into the esophagus. The esophagus itself is a tube composed of muscle, which passes food from the mouth to the stomach, by phased muscular movements. The LES is at the bottom of the esophagus and should normally operate as a one-way valve, opening automatically to let food into the stomach, then closing to block stomach content from moving back into the esophageal tube.
Acid reflux significance is determined by three factors:
1. The muscular effectiveness or weakness of the LES.
2. The acidity and volume of stomach contents.
3. The natural ability of esophagus muscles to reject back such content from the bottom of the esophagus.
It is of interest to see that with most individuals who are victims of acid reflux, the concentration of acid within the gastric contents is more pronounced than with people not suffering from acid reflux. It has also been found among sufferers of heartburn that the liquid stomach content comes into contact with the esophageal lining and remains there longer than is the case for people not suffering from acid reflux.
In addition, when awake and upright, gravity helps the body to keep the stomach liquids in the stomach. The body also uses saliva as a means of protecting the esophagus. The saliva contains water, enzymes, mucus and electrolytes to neutralize the corrosive effects that acid reflux might have in the esophagus.
Nonetheless, at night when saliva production drops off, gravity is no longer a factor and swallowing slacks off as the body is horizontal, the reflux liquids remain in the esophagus for a longer time and increase damage and injury to the esophageal lining.
GERD is a complicated phenomenon resulting from more than one factor. This explains why doctors still find this chronic ailment so hard to treat using over the counter or prescribed medication. Fortunately, an optional treatment exists - the holistic remedy that treats the root cause and restores the natural inner gastric and esophageal environmental balance.
Author Resource:-
Jeff Martin is a certified nutritionist and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, Heartburn No More . For Further Information: Acid Reflux Condition
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