What is Acid Reflux?
You might have heard a lot about acid reflux or even experienced it yourself. But what exactly is it? At the opening of your stomach, there’s a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Normally, the LES opens and closes as needed, but sometimes it doesn’t function properly. When this happens, stomach acid can escape and flow backward into your esophagus, causing discomfort. This condition is not only painful but can also lead to serious health issues.
Facts about Acid Reflux
Many over-the-counter medications are available to combat acid reflux once it starts, and they usually work. However, these drugs only treat the symptoms, not the underlying issue. No matter how much you use them, the symptoms often return, creating a cycle of dependency. Even commercials for these medications suggest you can eat whatever you want as long as you have the drugs on hand.
Spicy Food Doesn’t Trigger Acid Reflux
Contrary to popular belief, spicy food might not be the culprit behind acid reflux. A recent study from the director of Stanford’s Esophageal and Small Bowel Disorder Center indicates that only a few people actually have reflux triggered by specific foods.
Acid Reflux Ruins Sleep and Causes Sleep Apnea
If you’ve ever tried to sleep with reflux symptoms, you know how disruptive it can be. Recent evidence suggests that acid reflux can significantly affect sleep quality and may even cause sleep apnea. The widespread effects of poor sleep can impact overall quality of life, leading to decreased work productivity and increased economic burdens.
Acid Reflux Often Coexists with IBS
Recent research indicates that individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are also likely to have acid reflux. While both are common gastrointestinal issues, they were previously thought to be unrelated. However, a study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology suggests that these conditions are actually part of the same spectrum of diseases.
Acid Reflux May Lead to Cancer
Some studies suggest a link between acid reflux and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. While the exact connection is still unclear, any increased cancer risk is concerning. Another study indicates that the risk may come from the reflux of stomach acid itself, with the frequency and duration of reflux episodes increasing the risk for certain conditions.
Something to Think About
Before you reach for your usual remedy, consider that conventional treatments can have serious side effects, including bacterial infections, fractures in postmenopausal women, and heart disease. A natural remedy to consider is taking probiotics, which are thought to be particularly effective in reducing gastrointestinal symptoms, even in newborns.
If you experience acid reflux or heartburn, check out our Acid Reflux Relief. It combines a powerful blend of apple cider vinegar, aloe, meadowsweet, slippery elm, and more to provide safe indigestion relief.
