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HEARTBURN
GERD
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Like many medical conditions, there are multiple factors that contribute to this common disease. The main factor is a defect in the anti-reflux barrier composed of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which is a band of muscle separating the esophagus from the stomach. Many factors lead to relaxation of the LES allowing passage of gastric acid into the esophagus. From gastric distension after a large meal to dietary content (caffeine, fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, etc.) and from altered contractions of the esophagus and/or stomach to structural defects in the diaphragm leading to protrusion of the stomach into the chest cavity (hiatal hernia), the end result is the same, GERD!
DIET
Alcohol, onions, fried, fatty, spicy foods carbonated drinks, coffee, citrus (grapefruit) tomatoes are some of the main triggers of heartburn.
STRESS
The more stressed you are, the more likely you are to suffer from heartburn associated with acid reflux disease. In a recent survey, more than 50% of heartburn attacks were linked to stress. There are many reasons why an increase in stress can cause an increase in heartburn pain.
Stress can lead to smoking, over-eating and excessive alcohol intake. Stress is often used as an excuse for not exercising or forgetting to take medication. All of these lifestyle behaviors can cause the heartburn. |
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