causes of acid reflux

Acid Reflux Causes And Symptoms | Foods To Avoid To Get Rid Of It

What could be the possible causes of acid reflux that you feel after you eat too much?

Sometimes we feel a sudden internal burning effect in our chest region. This is the situation of heartburn.

This heartburn is a strong symptom of acid reflux. It happens when the acid produced by the stomach, moves up through the esophagus.

During this situation, you start to feel an uncomfortable burning effect and start burping.

This situation of acid reflux is common for everyone when they eat or drink too much and it mostly happens at night. The nightlife and unhealthy food habits make it common among adults.

It may take you by surprise, but nearly 28% of the adults in North America experience gastroesophageal reflux disease.

You may experience it too frequently which is the matter of getting worried.

Let’s know the causes of acid reflux so that you can avoid it, then we will move to the symptoms…

Causes Of Acid Reflux

causes of acid reflux at night

 

Here are the causes of acid reflux; by knowing these you can take precautions:

#1. Eating Too Much 

Having a large meal can also cause acid reflux.

As you eat too much at a single time, the acid-producing ability of the stomach is altered. Hence, this results in acid reflux and causes heartburn.

#2. Lying Down Just After Having A Meal

wondering what causes acid reflux at night?

Well, it could be this.

Lying down on a couch, or going to sleep just after having snacks or a heavy meal can also cause acid reflux.

When your body comes into a sleeping position, it triggers the acid to rise through your esophagus which causes acid reflux.

 #3. Improper Eating Habits

Sometimes eating the food not properly can also lead to acid reflux.

Whereas sometimes you eat food very quickly or swallow it without chewing it properly, your stomach has to process the food very quickly which results in acid reflux.

#4. Obesity

Experts have also believed that obesity can also trigger acid reflux. The extra-abdominal fat puts pressure on your stomach encourages the acid to rise into the esophagus.

Notably, it is one of the leading causes of acid reflux in teenagers and post-menopausal women.

#5. Smoking 

Smoking also plays a vital role in the happening of acid reflux by harming the organs.

Chewing tobacco or smoking causes the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter which then results in reflux.

As smoking is very harmful to many of the organs, it alters acid reflux in so many ways.

#6. Pregnancy 

Most pregnant women experience acid reflux. According to experts, it’s a type of hormonal effect.

During pregnancy, the uterus becomes bigger over time which pressurizes the belly. All this results in relaxation of the sphincter, and this causes acid reflux.

#7. Food Items You Eat

Can you believe that there are foods that cause acid reflux?

Some food items encourage acid reflux and so they are referred to as acid reflux foods. So, the acid reflux foods to avoid are:

  • Fatty, or fried food
  • Alcohol
  • Carbonated beverages
  • Mint
  • Spicy food
  • Coffee, tea
  • Citrus fruits

After having much information about acid reflux, let’s get to know its symptoms…

Symptoms Of Acid Reflux

Today’s lifestyle makes more people witness acid reflux. While many ignore it, others are simply unaware of its effects.

Frequent acid reflux can give rise to uneasiness. Hence, learning about the acid reflux symptoms can be of great help in reducing the effects as well as causes of acid reflux.

So, here are the symptoms:

#1. Experiencing a burning effect in your chest region, probably after having a meal

#2. Having pain in the chest along with the heartburn effect

#3. Having a taste of acid (sour or bitter-tasting) moving up to your throat

#4. Too frequent burping after eating food

#5. Hiccups that can’t be got rid of

#6. The feeling of something stuck in your throat.

These were some of the common symptoms to look for if you think you have acid reflux.

Moving on, you may have the question in your mind on how to get rid of acid reflux. 

We got you covered!

How To Get Rid Of Acid Reflux?

How To Get Rid Of Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is not quite a serious issue at the beginning.

However, it is highly uncomfortable. Hence, we have come up with some of the tips. These tips will help you distance yourself from acid reflux.

#1. Chewing gum increases the production of saliva, and also helps in decreasing the acidity in the esophagus.

#2. You can also prevent acid reflux by eating in smaller amounts frequently. This will help a lot in avoiding the situation.

#3. Balancing your body weight can help you in reducing body fat and lower the chances of having acid reflux.

#4. Quitting smoking, stopping chewing tobacco, and avoiding alcohol can also help in avoiding acid reflux.

#5. Eat your meal much earlier before going to bed. This is a very effective way to get rid of the problem.

#6. Avoid taking carbonated beverages as they encourage the burning effect in your chest.

People often opt for medication to get relief from acid reflux. However, you can also make some lifestyle and dietary changes to keep the acid reflux at bay.

Concluding Thoughts

Through this blog, we came to know about acid reflux, in which

the acid produced in the stomach moves up to the esophagus. It mostly happens at night after eating food.

Many causes can trigger acid reflux. For instance, being overweight, going to bed, or getting to the prone position just after having a meal, smoking, and pregnancy.

We also got to know about the ways to get rid of acid reflux. You can avoid foods that cause acid reflux. Adding to it there are certain lifestyle changes that can also help you get rid of this uncomfortable situation.

Hope you found what you were looking for. If you liked the article, don’t forget to leave your views in the comment section below.

Also Read: Best Drinks To Have On Empty Stomach

 

Marcus Elburn

Marcus Elburn has been a healthcare professional for over a decade. With an educational background in Therapeutics, Drug Development, and Human Toxicology, his research interests include integrative medicine, cardiovascular fitness, and metabolic health and its relation to weight loss. He is very much into fitness and enjoys cycling and running. When not working, he takes time out to write journals or binge-watch classic shows.

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