There are various causes of acid reflux, ranging from diet, excess weight, to certain diseases. To avoid stomach acid rising, it's a good idea to anticipate these various causes early on.
Acid reflux disease or acid reflux is caused by the weakening of the muscles at the bottom of the esophagus or also known as lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, the LES muscle relaxes when eating so that food from the esophagus can enter the stomach.
After the food has descended into the stomach, this muscle will close so that the food cannot return to the esophagus. When the LES muscle is weak, the esophagus will remain open and stomach acid will back up into the esophagus. As a result, heartburn appears immediately after eating, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain.
This is the Cause of Stomach Acid Rise
Stomach acid rise can be influenced by various factors that come from outside and from within the body. The following are some of the causes of acid reflux:
1. Obesity
People who are overweight or obese are usually more prone to acid reflux disease. In fact, this condition is the most common cause of acid reflux.
Fat that builds up in the stomach can increase pressure on the stomach, allowing stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn, can be more pronounced if obese people wear tight clothing.
2. Food and drink
In most people, certain types of food or drink can cause stomach acid to rise, especially high-fat foods, such as fried foods. This type of food can trigger the release of the hormone cholecystokinin which can weaken the LES muscle.
In addition, acidic or spicy foods, chocolate, soft drinks, caffeinated drinks, and alcoholic beverages can also cause stomach acid to rise.
Foods that can trigger stomach acid to rise can be different for each person. So, avoid foods that make you feel symptoms of stomach acid rising after eating them.
3. Hiatus hernia
A hiatal hernia can also trigger stomach acid to rise. This condition occurs because the diaphragm muscle that separates the abdominal and chest cavities does not work optimally, allowing the upper part of the stomach to enter the chest cavity.
As a result, the food and acid contained in the stomach can back up into the esophagus and cause heartburn.
4. Consumption of certain drugs
Taking certain drugs, such as muscle relaxants, birth control pills, tricyclic antidepressants, or blood pressure-lowering drugs for a long time can also increase the risk of acid reflux. These drugs can also worsen the symptoms of an existing acid reflux disease.
In addition to those mentioned above, pregnancy and unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, lying down immediately after eating, and snacking before bedtime, can also cause stomach acid to rise.
Most of the causes of acid reflux can be prevented by changing lifestyle and eating patterns, for example by losing weight or changing food choices and habits after eating. While some other conditions are unavoidable, so the risk of stomach acid rises remains.
If you experience symptoms of acid reflux disease that are severe, recur frequently, and are accompanied by chest pain and shortness of breath, you should consult a doctor for proper examination and treatment.
