Acid reflux, often referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing discomfort and potentially more serious health issues if left untreated. It manifests commonly as heartburn, a burning pain that can travel from the stomach up to the throat. Let’s delve into some of the most frequently asked questions about acid reflux. So, if you enjoy reading academic articles, you should definitely take a look at this article!
The Physiology of Acid Reflux – Why Does It Happen?
Acid reflux occurs primarily in two distinct ways. The first occurs when the valves that prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus malfunction, causing stomach juices to flow back into the mouth. This backflow happens because the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which acts as a gate between the stomach and esophagus, weakens or relaxes inappropriately. When this sphincter fails to close fully, acid can seep back up, leading to symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion.
The second form of acid reflux is due to dietary habits leading to excessive acid production in the stomach. Overeating, consuming spicy or fatty foods, or drinking alcohol and caffeine can increase stomach acid beyond what is necessary for digestion. This excess acid can create a severe burning sensation in the stomach. Prolonged exposure to high levels of stomach acid can thin and wear away the protective lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum. Over time, this can result in complications such as ulcers and, in later stages, may lead to stomach cancer. Given these factors, reflux should be taken seriously and managed appropriately to prevent long-term damage to the digestive tract.
The Most Common Causes of Acid Reflux

While premature births and urinary tract infections may predispose individuals to reflux, the primary culprits are often lifestyle and dietary habits. Below, we will examine the factors that can lead to this condition.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body undergoes numerous hormonal changes that can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter. Additionally, as the fetus grows, there is increased abdominal pressure that can force stomach contents back up into the esophagus. These factors make reflux more common and often more severe during pregnancy.
Consuming Highly Spicy Foods
Highly spicy foods are a major trigger for reflux. The capsaicin in peppers, which makes food spicy, can irritate the stomach lining and cause a delay in the rate at which the stomach empties. This can result in an increase in stomach acid, which, if the lower esophageal sphincter is weak, can lead to acid escaping into the esophagus.
Smoking
Smoking negatively impacts the function of the lower esophageal sphincter, causing it to relax at inappropriate times. Additionally, smoking increases the production of stomach acid and reduces saliva production, which helps neutralize acid, thus more frequently leading to symptoms of reflux.
Frequent Alcohol Use
Regular consumption of alcohol can cause the esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acid to escape into the esophagus more easily. Alcohol also increases stomach acid production and can cause damage to the stomach and esophageal linings, exacerbating the symptoms of acid reflux.
Often Eating Fried Foods
Fried foods are high in fat, which can increase the production of stomach acid and slow down digestion. This causes food to stay in the stomach longer, which can put pressure on the esophageal sphincter and allow acid to reflux into the esophagus if it becomes overwhelmed.
Consuming Foods Made with Hard-to-Digest Fats Like Margarine and Palm Oil
Processed foods containing trans fats, like margarine and palm oil, are difficult to digest. The slow digestion can increase pressure inside the stomach, which can lead to the esophageal sphincter opening at inappropriate times, allowing stomach acid to reflux.
Drinking Acidic Beverages Like Cola, Soda, and Carbonated Drinks
Acidic and carbonated beverages can increase intra-abdominal pressure and the acidity of stomach contents. When these drinks are consumed in large quantities, they can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and cause an increase in reflux episodes.
Regularly Consuming Acidic Fruits Like Tangerines, Oranges, and Kiwis
The high acidity in fruits like oranges, tangerines, and kiwis can add to the acidity of the stomach, aggravating acid reflux conditions, especially when the lower esophageal sphincter is weak.
Excessive Coffee Consumption
Coffee, particularly in large amounts, can stimulate the production of stomach acid and relax the esophageal sphincter, which can lead to increased acid reflux.
Eating Right Before Going to Sleep
Eating meals or even snacking close to bedtime can lead to increased acid reflux during the night. Lying down immediately after eating gives acid an easier path to travel back up the esophagus, especially when the body is horizontal.
Overindulging in Fatty Foods
High-fat meals and snacks can lead to increased production of stomach acid and slower digestion, putting pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, which, if it fails, can lead to acid reflux.
Consuming Ready-to-Eat Foods Like Wafers, Chocolate, and Cakes
These types of foods are often high in fat and sugar, which can exacerbate the production of stomach acid and delay the digestive process, increasing the chances of acid reflux.
Sleep Pattern Disruptions
Irregular sleeping habits can disrupt the natural rhythm of the digestive system, leading to increased acid production at night, which can exacerbate reflux symptoms.
Frequent Gastrointestinal Problems
Common digestive issues, such as constipation or diarrhea, can increase abdominal pressure, which may lead to the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter, causing acid reflux.
Understanding these triggers is crucial for managing and preventing the uncomfortable symptoms associated with acid reflux. Adjustments in diet and lifestyle can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of acid reflux episodes.
Can Acid Reflux Be Cured?

Acid reflux is a treatable condition. With appropriate medical guidance and lifestyle adjustments, many people can manage or significantly reduce their symptoms. Treatments might include medications, dietary changes, and sometimes surgical options. However, if left untreated, acid reflux can lead to long-term, irreversible damage. This damage may result in chronic diseases such as Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer. Thus, addressing acid reflux early and effectively is crucial to prevent serious health issues.
Acid Reflux Treatment Methods
Early-stage Acid Reflux
The appropriate treatment for acid reflux will emerge following a specialist’s evaluation. However, the duration of the condition often determines which method to use. In the initial stages of reflux, treatment usually involves the use of antacid syrups prescribed for specific durations. These syrups are basic in nature and help raise the stomach’s pH level to prevent acid from irritating the tissues. When used in the correct doses, these syrups generally do not show any known side effects or harm.
Moderate-stage Acid Reflux
If reflux has been ongoing for some time and the patient has not taken any measures, special pills that serve as proton pump inhibitors are commonly used. These pills block the secretion of acid in the stomach and can often be purchased over the counter, allowing patients to obtain them whenever needed. These medications usually stop acid secretion completely, thus eliminating symptoms of heartburn and esophageal burning after just a few days of use.
As someone who has suffered from reflux for many years, I can say that it is indeed a debilitating condition. However, these proton pump inhibitors are not as harmless as they might seem! They are known to increase the risk of gynecomastia in men after prolonged use. Additionally, stomach acid plays a significant role in the digestion of proteins. Those using these drugs may experience slower digestion in the stomach, leading to issues like bloating, gas, and smelly flatulence, which, although minor compared to reflux, can still be quite uncomfortable. Therefore, it might be necessary to moderately limit the intake of protein-rich foods while using stomach medication.
Advanced-stage Acid Reflux
In more advanced stages of reflux, a doctor will absolutely need to perform an endoscopy. This procedure involves inserting a special tube through the mouth into the stomach to examine the stomach tissue with the help of a camera and diagnose any potential diseases. The specialist will determine the necessity of surgery and assess how far the disease has progressed using endoscopy. Although endoscopy is usually sufficient, occasionally a doctor may also require a colonoscopy and intestinal biopsy. Based on the results obtained, the doctor will choose the most suitable treatment method, which may involve surgery or more specialized medications.
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