9 Causes of Acid Reflux (GERD)
Ah, acid reflux—an incredibly irritating condition that can disrupt our daily lives and leave us reaching for antacids or a prescription for PPIs (proton pump inhibitors). But what if I told you there's more to the story than just surface-level symptoms? I’m going to take a few moments to shed some light on the possible causes of your acid reflux that will help you in your search for lasting acid reflux relief.
The Acid Reflux Enigma: Before we can conquer acid reflux, we need to understand it. Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and a host of unwelcome symptoms. But here's the twist—it's not just about the acid itself; it's about what's behind it.
Finding the Root Cause: To truly address acid reflux, we’ve gotta shift our focus to identifying the root cause - the reflux is actually a SYMPTOM, not the problem. While triggers can vary from person to person, here are some common factors that can contribute to acid reflux:
Weak Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES): The LES is a muscular ring located at the junction of the esophagus and stomach. Its role is to prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. A weakened or relaxed LES can allow acid to escape, leading to GERD.
Hiatal Hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This condition can weaken the LES and disrupt the normal function of the lower esophageal sphincter, contributing to acid reflux.
Obesity: Excess weight and obesity increase the risk of developing GERD. The increased pressure on the abdomen can push stomach acid back into the esophagus.
Diet and Eating Habits: Certain foods and eating habits can trigger or worsen GERD symptoms. Common culprits include fatty and fried foods, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and large meals. Eating close to bedtime or lying down after a meal can also contribute to acid reflux.
Pregnancy: Hormonal changes like elevated estrogen affecting acid production as well as the growing uterus during pregnancy can put pressure on the stomach, leading to acid reflux symptoms.
Smoking: Smoking weakens the LES and can also impair the production of saliva, which helps neutralize acid in the esophagus.
Medications: Some medications can relax the LES or irritate the esophagus, leading to GERD symptoms. Some examples include certain pain relievers (e.g., NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, antidepressants, and sedatives.
Connective Tissue Disorders: Certain connective tissue disorders, such as scleroderma, can affect the function of the LES and increase the risk of developing GERD.
Asthma: Asthma and GERD often coexist. The exact relationship between the two conditions isn’t something we understand (yet!), but it is believed that coughing and the use of certain asthma medications can contribute to acid reflux.
It's important to note that you may have a unique combination of factors contributing to their GERD symptoms that are different from the next person. If you suspect you have GERD, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. One doc I love for this is Dr. Adam Sandford, who is focused on finding the root cause while also bringing a ton of solutions for relief!
For a list of foods that trigger acid reflux, and a list of foods to soothe it, check out this blog post!
If you’re looking to taper off of PPIs in favor of natural remedies and rebalancing the stomach acid production, please reach out for link to book the 6-week PPI tapering program!
Be well,