Overview Of Causes

  Acid reflux may be caused by several different factors, which are related to lifestyle choices and improper dieting. The most common occurrences of acid reflux are caused by ingesting of the wrong types of foods, or lying down after eating a large meal. The reflux is triggered by the displacement of the section of the stomach that closes to prevent stomach acid from escaping one's stomach. In some cases a hiatal hernia may cause the section of the stomach to rise above the diaphragm, which prevents the diaphragm from closing the lower part of the esophagus that prevents the stomach acid from escaping. Other acid reflux causes are smoking cigarettes, abnormal amounts of caffeine and pregnancy.   For those that eat large meals and then lie down, or consume snacks before going to bed, are generally subject to occurrences of acid reflux. Though this may not cause on going occurrences, it will produce many of the acid reflux related symptoms.

  The most common occurrence of acid reflux disease is derived from one's eating habits, which directly affects the stomach and the production of stomach acids. Eating foods that are spicy, or contain strong acids adversely affect one's stomach acid production. The increase of stomach acid is generally the source of acid reflux, as the stomach is becoming subject to abnormal levels of stomach acid that it is unable to contain. There are several different foods that may induce acid reflux, but food consumption isn't the only source of acid reflux.  

  A hiatal hernia, which raises the section of the stomach that closes to contain stomach acid, is another common source of acid reflux. The diaphragm is used to control the opening and closing of the section of the stomach that prevents acid from escaping, and when the hernia forces that particular section of the stomach above the diaphragm it prevents the diaphragm from being able to open and close the stomach as it normally would. This allows for stomach acid to be expelled into the affected person's esophagus and may lead to esophagus related symptoms caused by acid reflux. Though physical force is generally required for a hernia; simple exercise may induce the reflux by causing too much pressure to be exerted upon the abdominal cavity. Other sources of acid reflux are derived from one's use of tobacco products, or by physical changes that occur during pregnancy.  

  Use of tobacco products plague the smoker with many adverse health effects, one of which includes acid reflux. When a person smokes a cigarette, the stomach reacts by producing stomach acid. Other effects from cigarette smoking allow for the occurrence of acid reflux, these include; damage to membranes in one's esophagus, the inability of the muscles in the esophagus to work properly and the reduction of saliva that is normally produced. The damage and limitation of the muscles in one's esophagus produces effects similar to those that are suffering from a hiatal hernia, as the ability of the lower esophagus to close is hindered. The reduction of the normal amount of saliva produced reduces the ability of the body to naturally neutralize stomach acid, causing an increase of stomach acid to be present.