What Is Acid Reflux?
GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease or Acid Reflux, can be a long term chronic condition. The stomach contents come up into the throat. A person will experience heartburn — a burning feeling in the chest area from this stomach acid moving upward into their esophagus.
But unlike people who have heartburn occasionally, people with GERD can experience this on a daily basis.
GERD is very common problem. An estimated 14 percent of adults in the United States have Acid Reflux.
Causes & Symptoms
When a person swallows, a ring-shaped muscle at the top of the stomach relaxes and loosens to allow food to pass and then closes again. This muscle is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). If the LES weakens or doesn’t close completely, stomach acid or bile may leak back into the throat.
The LES is generally only one-half of the valve that keeps things from coming up from the stomach. The diaphragm is the second half. Together you get a seal.
Difficulty swallowing, dry cough, sensing a lump in the throat, hoarseness and regurgitating food may also indicate GERD. Obesity, pregnancy and asthma may cause or exacerbate GERD In addition, smoking can be a trigger. Some medications for other conditions may also worsen GERD symptoms. These include sedatives, several blood pressure medications, birth control, and antidepressants.
An often overlooked cause of acid reflux is not enough stomach acid that is involved. The diaphragm senses the acid as a signal to close the opening at the end of the Esophagus.
Longevity Health & Wellness has discovered a unique and inexpensive approach to resolve this issue, achieving a complete closing at the Esophagus entry point.
Longevity Health & Wellness / Boulevard Chiropractic, St. Louis Park, MN 612-703-4822
