Title: Understanding the Underlying Causes of Acid Reflux

Title: Understanding the Underlying Causes of Acid Reflux

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Are you no stranger to the discomfort of 'heartburn' after a meal, wondering why this keeps happening? The pain may be associated with a prevalent disorder, often referred to as acid reflux or, medically, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Acid reflux is intimately common and widely experienced affecting countless individuals across the globe. Before we discuss what provokes this condition, let's first understand what precisely acid reflux is.

Acid reflux transpires when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)–the muscle at the junction of the esophagus and stomach–weakens or relaxes inappropriately, enabling stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This reflux of stomach acid is corrosive and harmful to the lining of the esophagus and can cause a fiery sensation known as 'heartburn.'

So, if you are inquiring about the causes of acid reflux, remember that the primary cause is the malfunctioning of the LES. Though, there are also secondary sources that can exacerbate this problem.

Further causes are certain food and drink. Consuming hard-to-digest foods, fatty or greasy meals, tangy foods, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol may induce acid reflux. Smoking is another major perpetrator as it can hamper the operation of what causes acid reflux the LES.

Overeating or consuming excessive amounts at one time, especially before bedtime, can also cause acid reflux prominently. Furthermore, bodily states like obesity and pregnancy can boost the chance of suffering from GERD.

Additional probable causes can encompass certain medications, such as aspirin and specific muscle relaxants. Stress can also impact the incidence of acid reflux, whilst not a direct cause, high levels of stress may stimulate behaviors that can trigger acid reflux.

In summary, although the underlying cause of acid reflux is the dysfunction of the LES, there exist many secondary triggers that can exacerbate this issue. Understanding these causes is an essential step for prevention and effective treatment.

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