Acid Reflux Causes

Acid Reflux Causes

Improperly Functioning LES

Acid reflux is a common and in some cases chronic condition. Normally, the ring of muscle toward the end of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) acts like a valve: it opens to allow food and liquids to travel down into the stomach and then closes right after. This prevents the stomach contents as well as stomach acid (bile) from flowing back up the esophagus. However, in some cases, the muscle weakens, loses tone, or relaxes due to factors such as tobacco use or alcohol consumption. In these cases the LES doesn’t close properly when food empties into the stomach, or there may be a physical abnormality with the muscle that causes it to function improperly. The result is acid rising from the stomach up the esophagus, causing symptoms including heartburn and nausea.

Hiatal hernia

Another cause of acid reflux is a hiatal hernia. The hiatus is a small hole through which the esophagus passes into the stomach. It usually fits snugly but if it is weakened or enlarged, the stomach muscles may protrude up into the chest through the diaphragm producing a hiatus hernia, a condition so common that more than half those over age 60 have it.  With hiatus hernia, acid reflux is more likely.

Learn more about hiatal hernias. 

Acid Reflux Triggers

Certain foods and beverages as well as behaviors are thought to bring on acid reflux symptoms. The easiest way to prevent an acid reflux attack is to avoid these common triggers or to identify and avoid the ones you believe are triggers for you. (Researchers have found little evidence to support avoiding all the foods and beverages listed because while there is some evidence to suggest that consuming them may bring on symptoms, there is little to show that anything beyond losing weight and elevating the head while sleeping will help relieve them. Nevertheless, it could be well worth avoiding these “suspects” just to see if it helps.

Common known acid reflux triggers include:

• Citrus fruits
• Spicy, fatty, and fried foods
• Alcohol
• Caffeine and carbonated beverages
• Orange juice
• Chocolate
• Peppermint
• Vinegar
• Lying down after eating, so avoid eating within 2-3 hours of bedtime.
• Overeating – a full stomach can make stomach contents press more against the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Other triggering suspects:

• Peppermint
• Garlic and onions
• Tomatoes (including ketchup)