Acid reflux – risks, causes, and prevention

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition where the acid in your stomach comes up into the esophagus and causes that burning feeling and often a funny taste in your mouth. There  is a one-way valve that allows food to go down into the stomach but blocks it from coming back up. Usually, the system is effective. Although there may be some unavoidable medical reasons why acid reflux may happen, most often, it’s caused by lifestyle.

What is the danger of acid reflux?

The lining of your esophagus is different from the stomach lining. The stomach lining is strong enough to hold the stomach acid without damage. The esophageal lining isn’t as strong and the acid that continually backs up can cause cell damage to the lining. In rare cases, this can cause esophageal cancer.

What are the causes of acid reflux?

- certain types of foods, particularly spicy and fatty foods, but also chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, sodas, tomato sauces, even onions

- eating large meals, overeating

- obesity

- pregnancy

- wearing tight belts and waist lines

- smoking

- lying down right after eating

- exercising right after eating

- certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers, given for high blood pressure

How can acid reflux be prevented?

Look at the list of risk factors and see if you fall into any of the categories. If you do, then you need to modify the behavior that may be causing the acid reflux. However, if you feel that it may be medications that you take, you must speak with your doctor – do not stop taking the medication without your doctor’s knowledge.

- lift the head of your bed, the whole head, not just using more pillows. If you lift your upper body with pillows, you’re “folding” at the abdomen level and could force acid to come up. Put blocks under the feet of your headboard to live the whole bed.

- eat several small meals per day rather than three large ones; don’t over indulge

- avoid food and drinks that trigger reflux

- exercise, but not right after eating. Wait a couple of hours

- don’t lie down and take a nap or go to bed for the night just after eating. Wait an hour or two.

- lose weight if you’re obese

- stop smoking