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Facts About Acid Reflux

By: Julius Riason

Every day, countless people suffer from an uncomfortable and potentially harmful condition called acid reflux. Due to poor diet and lifestyle choices, acid reflux is a very common occurrence, but it is easily preventable.

At least thirty five percent of all overweight people live with acid reflux, and it is a serious issue for a vast majority of the general population. The good news is that every person who suffers with acid reflux has the power to avoid triggering this condition.

* At least once per month, more than sixty million Americans will experience heartburn due to acid reflux. That number amounts to about one fifth of the U.S. population. One twelfth of the American population, or twenty five million individuals, will suffer the harmful effects of heartburn and acid reflux on a daily basis.

* Technically, there's no cure for heartburn, but there are steps that you can take to help offset your chances of developing the condition. If you think that you may be at risk for an acid reflux condition, you should review the types of food that you're currently eating. Then, you can take steps to change your eating habits. When you eat fewer acid-creating foods, you'll suffer from fewer acid reflux attacks.

* Alcohol and smoking are major contributors to the acid reflux problem. Regular smokers have increased levels of acidity in their stomachs. Due to this increased acidity, normally-occurring reflux causes even more damage to the esophagus. The nicotine from cigarettes is also known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Acid reflux occurs when this muscle is not working correctly. Alcohol can also weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, causing it to relax. When this happens, reflux can creep into the esophagus.

* Acid reflux is a disease that can affect anybody. There are, however, certain demographics that face a higher risk of developing the condition. Overweight people have pressure on their stomach while sleeping, created by the weight of the abdomen. This pressure can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter to the point where acid reflux occurs. This same risk also occurs in pregnant women, with the additional weight of the baby adding pressure to the stomach. Elderly individuals also need to watch their lifestyle habits to ensure that they do not become afflicted with acid reflux.

* When left untreated, acid reflux can lead to more serious consequences. When acid reflux is a consistent problem, then acid will be found continuously in the throat. This can cause major medical problems including esophageal strictures, Barrett's esophagus, erosive esophagitis, and in the most extreme and rare cases, esophageal cancer.

* In addition to physical afflictions, acid reflux will often have consequences on your mental well-being. Of those who suffer from acid reflux, about eight percent experience symptoms during the night. These nighttime episodes will disrupt sleep in a full seventy five percent of people suffering with acid reflux. When sleep is interrupted, the person can experience serious daytime problems. Increased irritability is a common side effect. Lack of concentration during daytime hours will also occur, leading to decreased productivity at work and, more seriously, motor vehicle accidents.

Prevention is indeed the best medicine, particularly in the case of acid reflux. The more you know about the disease, the more power you have over preventing it or lessening the effects on your health.

Article Source: http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-articles

Julius Riason enjoys writing for numerous popular modern web sites, on heart health and natural health product topics.
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