What is acid reflux and what is the origin of GERD?

GERD is the result of the phenomenon where the stomach continually pushes liquid, acids and juices backwards into the esophagus. Often experienced after consuming food, heartburn, the burning feeling in the mid-chest is one of the most frequent signs of the more complex syndrome that is acid reflux or GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease).

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

If nothing is done to prevent the acid substances from moving up into the esophagus, then significant injury can occur over time to the esophagus and further medical complications will come about.

It is the weakening of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter, or lack of coordination (remaining open when it should be closed), that means that highly acidic stomach content can splash back into the esophagus. The esophagus itself is a tube made of muscle that uses phased muscular movements to pass food from the mouth to the stomach. The LES is at the bottom of the esophagus and should normally function as a uni-directional valve, opening automatically for food to go into the stomach, then closing to block stomach content from splashing back up into the esophageal tube.

Acid reflux significance is determined by three factors:

? The muscular effectiveness or weakness of the LES

? The acidity and volume of stomach contents

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

Among sufferers of heartburn, observations have been made that the liquid stomach content comes into contact with the esophageal lining and remains there for a longer period than happens for non-victims. In addition, it is remarkable that with most individuals who are victims of acid reflux, the degree of acidity of stomach contents is greater than for non-victims of acid reflux.

Gravity helps the body when awake and upright to keep the stomach liquids in the stomach. Saliva is also used by the body as a means of protecting the esophagus. The saliva contains water, enzymes, mucus and electrolytes as neutralizing agents to the corrosive effects that acid reflux can produce 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 involves much more than one facto. This is the reason why physicians still find this chronic ailment so hard to treat if all they have is conventional over the counter or prescribed medications to apply. Fortunately, there are alternative solutions ? the holistic remedy that addresses the root cause and then brings back the natural balance on the inner gastric and esophageal environmental levels.