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What is acid reflux and where does GERD come from?

Often triggered after consuming food, heartburn, the burning feeling in the middle of the chest, is one of the most common signs of a more complicated syndrome known as GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux - the phenomenon where the stomach pushes liquid, acids and juices back into the esophagus.

The liquid that gets back into the esophagus then attacks the esophageal lining, corroding and burning the tissue because of the stomach contents of acid as well as bile, pepsin and other digestive enzymes.

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 significance is determined by three factors:

1. The muscular effectiveness or weakness 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 is of interest to see that with most individuals who are victims of acid reflux, the concentration of acid within the gastric contents is more pronounced than with people not suffering from acid reflux. It has also been found among sufferers of heartburn that the liquid stomach content comes into contact with the esophageal lining and remains there longer than is the case for people not suffering from 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 falls to a low point, when gravity is no longer a help and swallowing decreases while the body is horizontal, the reflux liquids remain in the esophagus for longer and increase corrosion 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.

Jeff Martin is an author of the best-selling e-book, "Heartburn No More- Open The Door To an Acid Reflux Free Life". To Learn More About His Unique 5-Step Holistic Acid Reflux Cure System Visit: Heartburn No More. For further information visit: Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Article Source: Get Rid Of Your Acid Reflux With No Drugs