Avoid the Causes of Acid Reflux with These Tips!

Stomach acid problems are common and affect many people, yet some individuals may not fully understand what triggers a rise in stomach acid. So, what could be the cause?

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid rises into the esophagus. The symptoms of acid reflux can vary between individuals. Some people experience a burning sensation in the chest, commonly known as heartburn, while others may feel dizzy, nauseous, or even vomit. Medically, acid reflux can be caused by various factors, including diet, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions. Here’s a more detailed explanation of the causes of stomach acid rise.

Unhealthy Eating Habits and Their Impact on Stomach Acid

For those suffering from acid reflux, choosing the right foods can be a challenge. Certain foods are known to trigger an increase in stomach acid. Along with food choices, poor eating habits can also contribute to acid reflux. Here are some food types and eating patterns that can worsen stomach acid levels:

1. Consumption of Fatty and Oily Foods

For those with acid reflux, it's crucial to avoid fatty and oily foods. Foods high in fat, such as fast food, fried foods, and fatty meats, slow down digestion. These foods trigger an increase in stomach acid production and weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), making it easier for stomach acid to rise into the esophagus.

2. Spicy Food Consumption

Spicy foods contain capsaicin, which can irritate the stomach lining and stimulate excess stomach acid production. Additionally, spicy foods can slow down stomach emptying, increasing pressure inside the stomach and triggering acid reflux.

3. Caffeine and Carbonated Drinks

Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks, can stimulate excessive acid production in the stomach. Carbonated drinks, such as soda, can cause bloating, adding pressure to the stomach and pushing stomach acid into the esophagus.

4. Large Portion Sizes

Eating large portions forces the stomach to work harder to digest food, which increases pressure on the LES and allows stomach acid to rise into the esophagus. It’s better to consume smaller, more frequent meals while ensuring the food choices are healthy.

5. Eating Too Quickly and Poor Chewing

Eating too quickly and not chewing food properly can put more strain on the stomach. The act of eating too fast may lead to increased acid production and worsen acid reflux symptoms.

6. Eating Before Bedtime

For acid reflux sufferers, it's advised not to eat within two hours before going to bed. Lying down after eating allows gravity to work against the stomach, making it easier for stomach acid to rise into the esophagus.

7. Low Fiber Intake

Fiber helps the digestive process and prevents constipation, which can increase abdominal pressure. A lack of fiber in the diet can disrupt digestion and increase the risk of acid reflux. Therefore, fiber is an essential nutrient for acid reflux sufferers to include in their daily diet.

Other Causes of Stomach Acid Rise

Besides food choices and eating patterns, there are additional causes of stomach acid rise:

1. Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can negatively affect the digestive system, including stimulating excess stomach acid production. People who experience prolonged stress tend to have irregular eating habits, further exacerbating acid reflux symptoms. It's recommended for acid reflux sufferers to avoid stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

2. Obesity and Abdominal Pressure

Obesity is another cause of stomach acid rise. People with obesity often have excess fat around the abdominal area, which increases intra-abdominal pressure. This pressure pushes stomach contents into the esophagus, especially when lying down or after consuming large meals.

Obesity can also weaken the LES, the muscle that prevents stomach acid from rising into the esophagus. When this muscle is weakened, it opens more easily, allowing acid reflux to occur. Additionally, obesity is associated with chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances, which can affect the function of the LES and cause unstable acid production.

3. Smoking Habit

For those with acid reflux, smoking worsens the condition. Nicotine in cigarettes can weaken the LES and increase stomach acid production. Smoking also interferes with the healing of the esophageal lining, which has been irritated by acid.

4. Certain Medications

Certain medications can cause an increase in stomach acid, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin. Additionally, blood pressure medications that act as muscle relaxants, as well as medications for asthma and some heart conditions, may weaken the LES and lead to acid reflux.

Medical Conditions That Can Cause Stomach Acid Rise

There are also medical conditions that can lead to acid reflux, as they can cause side effects that increase stomach acid levels. Sometimes, these conditions present symptoms, one of which may be acid reflux. Here are examples of medical conditions that can contribute to an increase in stomach acid:

Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. The diaphragm plays a key role in keeping stomach acid in the stomach, and when a hiatal hernia occurs, it weakens the LES. As a result, stomach acid rises into the esophagus.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach empties food into the small intestine slowly. This is common among people with diabetes and results in food remaining in the stomach longer, increasing pressure and the likelihood of acid reflux.

Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) Infection

Infections caused by H. pylori bacteria can lead to acid reflux. This infection affects the stomach lining and contributes to conditions such as ulcers and GERD. H. pylori disrupts the balance of stomach acid and can damage the protective lining of the stomach, increasing the risk of acid reflux.

Long-Term Effects of Stomach Acid Rise

When stomach acid issues persist without proper management, they can lead to long-term health complications. Here are some of the consequences of untreated acid reflux:

1. Sleep Disturbances

Stomach acid that rises into the esophagus often worsens when lying down, disrupting sleep. GERD sufferers may experience difficulty falling asleep or waking up frequently due to discomfort in the chest and throat. If acid reflux is not addressed, it can severely affect sleep quality and overall daily functioning.

2. Breathing Issues

Stomach acid can reach the airways, causing respiratory problems such as chronic cough, asthma, bronchitis, or even aspiration pneumonia. The irritation of the airways due to stomach acid can make it difficult for individuals to differentiate between respiratory symptoms and acid reflux.

3. Esophageal Cancer

One of the most serious long-term effects of untreated acid reflux is esophageal cancer. Persistent acid exposure can change the cells of the esophagus, a condition known as Barrett's Esophagus. These changes can eventually lead to cancer, which is a severe and often life-threatening illness.

Conclusion

Stomach acid rise can be caused by various factors, including poor dietary choices, unhealthy habits, and medical conditions. To prevent and manage this condition, it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid triggering foods, and keep a healthy weight. Acid reflux sufferers should also consider regular check-ups with healthcare professionals.

If you're looking for a comfortable and affordable way to undergo regular health check-ups, you can consult with hospitals affiliated with IHH Healthcare Malaysia. Routine medical check-ups can help prevent long-term complications associated with acid reflux. So, don't hesitate to schedule your check-up at IHH Healthcare Malaysia today!