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STOP Your Acid Reflux Without Drugs

By: Jeff Martin What is acid reflux and what is the origin of GERD?

GERD is the result of the phenomenon where the stomach continually pushes liquid, acids and juices backwards into the esophagus. Often experienced after consuming food, heartburn, the burning feeling in the mid-chest is one of the most frequent signs of the more complex syndrome that is acid reflux or GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease).

Because the stomach contains acid as well as bile, pepsin and other digestive enzymes, the liquid that gets back into the esophagus then attacks the esophageal lining to cause corrosion and a feeling of burning.

If no mechanism prevents the acid substances from getting back into the esophagus, then over time serious injury can result to the esophagus and generate further complications. The esophagus is a tube composed of muscle which passes food from the mouth to the stomach by a series of muscular movements. At the bottom of the esophagus is the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter, which should normally operate as a one-way valve, opening by reflex to let food into the stomach, then closing to prevent stomach content from moving back into the esophageal cavity. But upon weakening of the LES, or lack of synchronization (remaining open when it should be shut), acidic stomach content can flow back into the esophagus.

Acid reflux gravity is a matter of three factors:

1. The muscular effectiveness of the LES.

2. The stomach liquid type and quantity.

3. The natural ability of esophagus muscles to throw such content back 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.

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 and involves much more than one facto. This is the reason why physicians still find this chronic ailment so hard to treat if all they have is conventional over the counter or prescribed medications to apply. Fortunately, there are alternative solutions - the holistic remedy that addresses the root cause and then brings back the natural balance on the inner gastric and esophageal environmental levels.