What Causes Acid Reflux?

Excess stomach acid leaking up into the lower throat or esophagus is what causes acid reflux symptoms. The term reflux means to flow back. Acid reflux is simply a medical term for stomach acid flowing back out of the stomach and into the esophagus. GARD is an acronym sometimes used by doctors to describe acid reflux, which can be a chronic condition. Gastrointestinal acid reflux disease (GARD), acid reflux disease, acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion are all terms used to describe the same symptoms.

When looking at what causes heartburn, acid reflux or even GARD some people are interested in what foods, beverages and other things that may lead to the symptoms. The idea being that if you can avoid certain things, you may be able to avoid acid reflux. Everyone has heartburn occasionally, but those who experience it frequently may be bringing it on themselves.

Many people who suffer from acid reflux are not willing to give up the foods that they love in order to prevent symptoms, but some people do learn to change their diets and/or their lifestyles in order to help control their problem. Spicy, fried and highly acidic foods like citrus fruits or tomatoes may sometimes be what may cause heartburn. Simply overeating may be what causes heart burn in some people. Obese people commonly experience the acid reflux symptoms. Eating smaller meals, more frequently may help to reduce the chance symptoms.

Another medical condition may be what causes acid reflux symptoms in some people. A hernia is a medical term used to describe the protrusion of an organ or other bodily structure through the wall that normally contains it. A hiatal hernia is the protrusion of part of the stomach into the lower esophagus. It is easy to understand why those with a hiatal hernia experience acid reflux and this is one of the reasons that people who are experiencing frequent acid reflux should have their symptoms evaluated by a physician.

In order to find out what causes acid reflux in your own case, you may want to keep a food diary. Even a cup of coffee can be what causes acid reflux in some people, while others will not experience any acid reflux symptoms at all after drinking coffee. Some will only experience symptoms after more then one cup. Once you know that your symptoms are not related to anyother medical condition, it is possible to determine what causes acid reflux in your case and it is possible to treat the symptoms when occasionally you drink or eat the wrong things.