in which gastric contents flow back into the esophagus. Well… Unfortunately, gastric contents are not only previously consumed food, but also hydrochloric acid and enzymes. How can you deal with it?
Reflux – what is it and where does it come from?
Let's start by noting that not paying attention to what we eat and not knowing how to put together meals that support health is a global problem. Most people do not eat regular, nutrient-rich meals, and often consume hard-to-digest, highly processed foods late in the evening. Not to mention the frequent tendency to overeat / stuff oneself with a single, large meal. At first glance, that is no catastrophe, right?
Nevertheless, it leads to disturbances in the digestive system. Such actions irritate the mucosa, disturb stomach function, are harmful to the intestines and, as a result, impair the function of the so-called lower esophageal sphincter. Then the barrier that had previously protected against the backflow of food no longer functions properly, and we experience unpleasant symptoms.
The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscle that is the line of defense against reflux. When functioning properly, it should maintain proper length and tone. When, as a result of the aforementioned actions, it shortens or its tone decreases, the contents return, flowing back from the stomach into the esophagus.
The most common symptoms include:
- “acid burping” often with an unpleasant odor,
- stomach / abdominal pain in the upper part,
- heartburn, the so-called retrosternal burning,
- inflammation (e.g. of the throat, accompanied by pain).
As I mentioned, the backflowing contents are not only food residues, but also enzymes and stomach acid. So irritation may occur, followed by damage to the lining of our esophagus. What is more, digestive functions are disturbed, and the system is unable to properly break down the food consumed. In fact, this is a whole cascade of processes, because it may also be associated with a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals (deficiencies), and that affects the whole body.
In some cases, symptoms are noted that are not normal in the course of the disease (yes, reflux has been classified as a disease affecting a really large percentage of the population). These include:
- stabbing pain / pain in the chest area,
- a feeling of something stuck in the throat,
- pain in the shoulder blade area,
- a cough that is often dismissed.
Interestingly, popular drinks such as coffee or strong tea (also alcohol), consumed in large amounts, can be one of the elements contributing to disturbed digestive processes and a decrease in the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter. Reflux is also aggravated by other stimulants, and even by medications, e.g. cigarettes or aspirin. It is worth mentioning that high exposure to stress and lack of sleep, as well as inadequate recovery, have a significant impact on digestive functions and in the long run contribute quite strongly to disturbances in stomach function.
Reflux - other possible effects:
By the way, other phenomena may also affect the severity of reflux. Among other things, inflammation, problems with glycemia / sugar and insulin metabolism (diabetes), Helicobacter pylori or even obesity, directly associated with the so-called increased abdominal pressure.
Reflux - what to remember
- eliminate highly processed foods,
- reduce stress,
- cut out stimulants,
- get enough sleep,
- eat meals regularly, do not overeat (especially late in the day) and do not eat in a hurry,
- remember that lying down immediately after a meal does not necessarily support digestion,
- make sure that gastric acid secretion is optimal,
- remember that heat treatment matters (it is best to cook traditionally, steam, stew),
- meals must not be too hot or too cold, because then the body strives to regulate the temperature,
- make sure you are properly hydrated and have electrolytes,
- consume nutrient-dense products,
- shakes / blended products, which are more accessible and easier to digest, may be a good idea,
- in the case of problems with hyperacidity, the so-called alkaline diet is often recommended to stabilize acid secretion, and thus the amount flowing back into the esophagus,
- reduce inflammation,
- avoid hard-to-digest products, including legumes,
- chew thoroughly, because you need to start digestion, and therefore enzymes must reach the food you eat.
Reflux - helpful supplements and remedies
- appropriately selected probiotics,
- aloe,
- chamomile,
- depending on the circumstances, betaine HCl may be indicated,
- adaptogens that increase resistance to stress and have an anti-inflammatory effect,
- Huperzine A,
- DGL licorice,
- phosphatidylcholine.
