The symptoms of stomach acid and acid reflux are experienced monthly by over 60 million Americans. Those suffering from it experience a burning sensation behind the breastbone, pain in the stomach area, nausea, bloating, gas, and occasionally they report feeling short of breath. Some will experience it occasionally, while for others, it can become a chronic condition.
What Causes Stomach Acid and Acid Reflux?
There is a small valve at the bottom of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter. The purpose of this valve is to allow food to enter the stomach, and then close tightly to prevent any stomach contents from returning up the esophagus. If the muscles around this valve become weak, the valve does not close tightly, and stomach acid can escape back up into the esophagus. Sometimes additional pressure from pregnancy, eating a big meal, or obesity can prevent this one way valve from working correctly.
Common Triggers for Stomach Acid and Acid Reflux
Triggers include:
- pregnancy
- smoking
- excess weight
- tomato sauces and acid foods
- eating a large meal
- laying down right after a meal
Controlling Your Symptoms
Most physicians recommend making dietary and lifestyle changes before giving you medication. The first step in controlling stomach acid is to identify the foods that irritate you. Keep a food diary for about a month, and see what foods act as a trigger for acid reflux.
Some people find that changing their meals from three large to six small meals daily will eliminate their symptoms. The stomach produces less acid to digest smaller meals, and this can stop the symptoms.
Other people find that not eating for three hours before they go to bed solves the problem. This gives the stomach time to empty before laying flat. Or, you could find relief by placing small blocks of wood under the frame at the head of the bed. This elevates your head and shoulders, and stops the back flow of stomach acid into the esophagus.
Over 50% of women experience heartburn during pregnancy. This is because of the pressure of the baby, and the fluctuating levels of hormones. Once the baby is delivered, the symptoms generally disappear.
Over the counter antacids can provide temporary relief from the symptoms of stomach acid and acid reflux. Many of these products contain excessive amounts of sodium, aluminum, magnesium and calcium. This can lead to harmful mineral imbalances if they are over used. Prescription medications work by stopping the production of stomach acid. This is a short term solution for extreme cases. The long term effects of suppressing stomach acid are just being discovered, and some research is suggesting there could be unwelcome side effects from this.
Stopping excess stomach acid and acid reflux will require you to make some lifestyle changes. Making small changes, one at a time, can make the transition easier. Living without the discomfort will make the changes worth it.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a registered health professional for advice.
Sources:
American College of Gastroenterology,” Heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)”(accessed January 4, 2011)
Brenda Cyr - I am a Registered Nurse, and have worked in a variety of hospital settings. I have always enjoyed writing, and decided to combine these to ...
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