Acid Reflux Disease: The Facts about WHY You Have Heartburn

by Jeff Martin

It is the simultaneity of two medical conditions that brings on heartburn, or GERD - gastro-esophageal reflux disease as it is called. The reverse flow of food and acid from the stomach to the esophagus is the first factor favoring acid reflux disease. Nonetheless, healthy people can experience reflux as well, in a case called “physiologic gastroesophageal reflux” and this does not always mean symptoms of acid reflux disease or modification of the organic tissues.

The next factor provoking acid reflux is a malfunction of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter. This circle of muscle acts as a unidirectional valve between the esophagus and the stomach. It measures 3-4 cm, meaning that it is two to three times thicker than the proximal esophagus. When acid reflux disease occurs, the stomach content finds its way back into the esophagus because the LES does not shut correctly. This is then called acid reflux disease, with accompanying symptoms of the disease which follow.

The typical sensation of acid reflux disease is persistent (twice weekly or more) heartburn. Heartburn is the burning feeling in the chest or the throat, when the stomach contents is pushed back to the lining of the esophagus. As people in good health may also have light reflux, occasional heartburn is common as well and does not immediately mean acid reflux disease.

Some sufferers express a sensation of food that blocks, choking or constriction of the throat. It is the steady flow back of stomach contents against the esophagus that has this effect, causing a swelling of the esophagus due to scar tissue from histological degradation. Other patients of acid reflux disease may also experience pains in their chest or nausea, coughing, burning pains in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, continual earache, sinusitis, changes in their voice, or problems in swallowing (notably lumpy foods).

Some patients can become affected by a condition known as Barrett’s esophagus, where cells occurring in the esophageal lining assume abnormal forms and colors. Particularly in adults aged over 60, this is a first step towards cancer of the esophagus. Other effects include stricture of the esophagus, ulcers, bleeding, and spasms. When acid from the stomach reaches the trachea as well as the upper esophagus, several severe conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, and pneumonia can follow. Acid reflux disease that is not treated in a timely way can have serious consequences detrimental to health.

Surgery, medical therapy and holistic therapy are the three options for treating acid reflux disease. The latter includes diet and lifestyle modifications as well as use of specific herbal supplements. PPIs and H2 blockers are among the medical options in cases of acid reflux disease. While one can use prescribed medications or acid blockers like these, remember that the results are sometimes no more than temporary and that conventional medicine can lead to serious side effects. The use of surgery needs very careful reflection, as certain underlying problems, such as constriction and muscular contraction disorders, can be complicated.

GERD, taking a holistic view, is a warning signal of a lack of internal equilibrium of consequence that must be properly dealt with. For this reason, alternative medicine such as herbal medicine, modifications in lifestyle, homeopathic remedies as components of a complete holistic program are the preferred choice for sufferers of acid reflux.

About the Author:

Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, “Heartburn No More- Open The Door To an Acid Reflux Free Life”. To Learn More About Jeff Martins Unique 5-Step Holistic Acid Reflux Cure System Visit:
Heartburn No More, for further information visit: Acid Reflux Disease.