What is acid reflux and where does GERD come from?

Often triggered after consuming food, heartburn, the burning feeling in the middle of the chest, is one of the most common signs of a more complicated syndrome known as GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease) or acid reflux - the phenomenon where the stomach pushes liquid, acids and juices back into the esophagus.

The liquid that gets back into the esophagus then attacks the esophageal lining, corroding and burning the tissue because of the stomach contents of acid as well as bile, pepsin and other digestive enzymes.

If nothing prevents the acid substances from moving up into the esophagus, then over time significant injury can occur to the esophagus and further complications will arise. It is the weakening of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter, or lack of synchronization (remaining open when it should be shut) that means that acidic stomach content can flow back into the esophagus. The esophagus itself is a tube composed of muscle, which passes food from the mouth to the stomach, by phased muscular movements. The LES is at the bottom of the esophagus and should normally operate as a one-way valve, opening automatically to let food into the stomach, then closing to block stomach content from moving back into the esophageal tube.

Acid reflux significance is determined by three factors:

1. The muscular effectiveness or weakness of the LES.

2. The acidity and volume of stomach contents.

3. The natural ability of esophagus muscles to throw such content back from the bottom of the esophagus.

It is of interest to see that with most individuals who are victims of acid reflux, the concentration of acid within the gastric contents is more pronounced than with people not suffering from acid reflux. It has also been found among sufferers of heartburn that the liquid stomach content comes into contact with the esophageal lining and remains there longer than is the case for people not suffering from acid reflux.

In addition, when awake and upright, gravity helps the body to keep the stomach liquids in the stomach. The body also uses saliva as a means of protecting the esophagus. The saliva contains water, enzymes, mucus and electrolytes to neutralize the corrosive effects that acid reflux might have in the esophagus.

Nonetheless, at night when saliva production drops off, gravity no longer helps and swallowing decreases because the body is horizontal, the reflux liquids remain in the esophageal cavity longer and increase corrosion and damage to the esophageal lining.

GERD is a complicated phenomenon and much more than one factor is involved. This explains why physicians still find this chronic ailment so hard to manage when limited to conventional over the counter or prescribed medicaments. Fortunately, there are alternative treatments - the holistic remedy that treats the root cause and then brings back the natural inner gastric and esophageal environmental balance.