Understand What Causes Acid Reflux, And How You Can Curb It

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), commonly known as Acid Reflux, is a gastrointestinal disorder that affects the lives of millions of people around the world. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid and other digestive juices flow back to the oesophagus. This results in a burning sensation in the throat and chest (also known as heartburn). Acid reflux is the main reason why people are forced to change their eating habits. When not treated, this disorder can become a severe health concern. Let us now understand what causes it.

This Story also Contains

1. What Is Acid Reflux?
2. Low Stomach Acid Reflux Vs High Stomach Acid Reflux
3. Causes Of Impaired Acid Production
4. What Challenges Occur In Diagnosis?
5. Low Gastric Acid And Acid Reflux Repercussions
6. Lifestyle Changes: An Ultimate Solution To Acid Reflux

What Is Acid Reflux?

It is a common belief that acid reflux is due to the excessive production of stomach acid. There are various over-the-counter medications that can provide quick relief. But for some, these medications are rendered useless. This raises the question, what causes acid reflux? Most people are unaware of the fact that lower stomach acid can also lead to acid reflux. This condition, in which the body produces a low amount of stomach acid is called hypochlorhydria.

It is very important to understand the function of stomach acid, to analyse its impact on the body. Stomach acid, also known as gastric acid is a highly acidic fluid that is secreted from the lining of the stomach. It helps in the breakdown of food present in the stomach before it enters the small intestine for digestion and absorption.

Low Stomach Acid Reflux Vs High Stomach Acid Reflux

Our digestive system is a long one-way tunnel in which food only moves in one direction. There are various checkpoints often called sphincters that act like traffic police to ensure the prevention of backflow. One such sphincter is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which separates the oesophagus and stomach. It is a ring of muscle that gets closed to prevent the backflow of content from the stomach to the oesophagus.

When the body secretes excessive stomach acid, it weakens the lower oesophageal sphincter. The weak muscle failed to prevent the entry of stomach acid into the oesophagus. This develops burning sensations.

On the other hand, when the body produces a meagre amount of gastric acid, then food in the stomach does not get digested. It remains in the stomach for a very long time which creates pressure on the sphincters. As a result, the lower oesophageal sphincter relaxes and food along with the stomach acid flows back to the oesophagus.

Most of us have experienced this; especially when we overeat and lay down after a hearty meal. Although, in this case, low stomach acid production is not the issue, it is the excessive intake of food which causes the problem. When we consume a very large portion of a meal, our stomachs expand to accommodate the food. This expansion causes pressure on the sphincter and forces it to relax.

Causes Of Impaired Acid Production

Generally, low acid production is an age-related issue. With age, the cells present in the stomach lining decrease which eventually decreases the production of stomach acid. If you think it is an elderly issue, you are wrong. There are various factors that force the body to produce low stomach acid. Some of these factors include bacterial infection, chronic stress, excessive use of antacids, and malnutrition.

Low stomach acid production can cause severe effects on the body but its identification is easy. It is a very true saying that every action has a reaction. Symptoms of any disease are true to these sayings. There are certain symptoms that can indicate low gastric acid production. These are bloating, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constipation, etc.

What Challenges Occur In Diagnosis?

Do you know most people only understand high acid production and acid reflux? Well, the challenge is with the diagnosis. The symptoms of low acid production and high acid production are very similar. Therefore, people simply take antacids to manage acid reflux. However, there are certain tests that can identify low gastric acid as a cause of acid reflux. These tests are the Heidelberg pH test and the gastric acid stimulation test.

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Low Gastric Acid And Acid Reflux Repercussions

If left untreated, low gastric acid can lead to a range of health problems, including:

• Nutrient deficiencies: Low stomach acid can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, including vitamin B12, zinc, and iron.
• Increased risk of infections: Stomach acid helps to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. Low gastric acid can increase the risk of bacterial overgrowth, leading to infections such as SIBO.
• Increased risk of food allergies and sensitivities: Low stomach acid can lead to undigested food particles, which can trigger an immune response and cause food allergies or sensitivities.
• Increased risk of autoimmune diseases: Low stomach acid can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, which can compromise the immune system and increase the risk of autoimmune diseases.

If left untreated, acid reflux can cause other issues such as,

• Esophagitis: Inflammation of the oesophagus.
• Barrett's oesophagus: A condition in which the cells in the lining of the oesophagus change, increasing the risk of oesophageal cancer.
• Narrowing of the oesophagus due to scar tissue formation.
• Acid reflux can lead to asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Lifestyle Changes: An Ultimate Solution To Acid Reflux

There are many treatments available to manage acid reflux such as the use of over-the-counter medicines or H2 blockers. It is a very old saying that prevention is better than cure. Acid reflux can be easily prevented by simply changing the lifestyle. Our surroundings, eating habits, and behaviour have a very high impact on our duty. A simple change in our lifestyle can have a significant effect on our health. Some of the measures which can have a positive effect in reducing acid reflux are as follows:

• Eat a balanced and varied diet including foods rich in zinc, vitamin B12, and HCl-promoting nutrients such as apple cider vinegar or digestive bitters.
• Reducing stress through relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga.
• Avoiding medications that reduce stomach acid production unless prescribed by a doctor.
• Taking digestive enzymes and betaine HCl supplements with meals to help digest food

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