Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a frustrating yet common condition millions of people suffer from every day. Between 25 and 40 percent of Americans currently have or will experience acid reflux symptoms as some point in their lives, and this number continues to rise.
Contrary to popular belief, acid reflux is not caused by too much acid in the stomach—it’s actually caused by too little. Decreased amounts of stomach acid are caused by a host of factors.
Causes of Acid Reflux
- Too little acid associated with poor diet, age, or genetics
- Taking medications
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Hiatal hernia
- Obesity
- Poor diet and lifestyle choices
Acid reflux is felt when gastric juices enter the esophagus because of a leaky valve that is unable to shut properly. Sufferers often explain their symptoms as a burning sensation in the back of their throat, heartburn, tightness in the chest, having a bitter taste in their mouth, bad breath, feelings of nausea, and belching after meals.
The best way to combat and heal acid reflux is to eliminate stressors on the body that are damaging the gastric juices and replace them with nourishing foods and supplements to restore proper digestive function.
Stressors such as prescription drugs, antacids, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods disrupt the body’s natural ability to break down food.
At Whole Body Health, we treat our patients by incorporating healing foods in their diet and using supplements such as Stomach Juice or Digestive Enzymes. Lifestyle modification and education are key in promoting balance in the body to help you eliminate symptoms of this life-altering, frustrating disorder.
