Defining Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
To assimilate the food we eat, our stomach dissolves it with a strong acid. Acid reflux is the result of hydrochloric acid trying to flow back up the esophagus causing a heartburn.
The condition’s proper medical name is called gastroesophageal reflux disorder. It is believed the problem that makes the condition worse is an unhealthy diet but it may not the only cause of acid reflux disorder; factors that include overeating, can also put a strain on the stomach and contribute to the disorder.
Too much strain is placed on the muscles of the stomach when we overeat and the result of this a build up of internal pressure. This affects the functioning of the esophageal valve causing reflux and the pain of heartburn.
Other factors such as such as food allergies, regular smoking, drinking too much alcohol and lying down after a meal can contribute or aggravate this condition and lead to a severe acid reflux problem.