Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux for short, can result from a variety of situations that interfere with the systems that clean up acid from the esophagus. After eating, food runs down your esophagus to a ring of muscles called lower esophageal sphincter or LES for short that is liable for allowing food to go through into your stomach and then closes again. The reflux of acid occurs when the LES weakens and fails to close tightly as it should. The consequence is a burning sensation felt behind the chest bone known as heartburn that could radiate towards the neck.

Why GERD Happens

1. Impaired Stomach Function

Most acid reflux sufferers have abnormal nerves or muscle functions in the abdomen that cause slow digestion of food and stomach acid. Because of this, emptying of stomach contents can occur which result to increase pressure in the stomach thus causing acid reflux.

2. Medications May Cause Acid reflux

There are several medications and over the counter prescriptions that can contribute to acid reflux and even make the symptoms worse. Some examples are antibiotics, potassium, iron pills, sedatives, calcium channel blockers and others.

3. Asthma May Cause GERD

The connection between GERD and asthma is not fully understood; though more than half of GERD sufferers also have asthma. Asthma is a condition that typically affects the respiratory system and is normally manifested in the form of wheezing sound.

4. Foods that weaken the lower esophageal sphincter

Foods and beverages that you intake are the common reasons of acid reflux. Namely spicy foods, fatty foods, citrus and tomato products, chocolates, peppermint, soda, coffee and alcohols. They either relax or weaken the lower esophageal sphincter. If the LES cannot operate right, there is increase in the probability of acid regurgitating.

5. Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol intake, being under stress and tight-fitting clothes can lead acid reflux. Habits which include drinking and smoking should be in control or better yet eliminated. Wearing tight-fitting dress around the waist area increase pressure in the stomach area. Being under stress has also been known to cause a great deal of acid reflux.

6. Improper Eating Habits

Eating certain types of foods is not the only reason for acid reflux, wrong eating habits can also cause it to strike. Some behaviors include bending over, eating close to bedtime, lying down immediately after eating and heavy dinner. The secret is to keep your stomach comfortable not full. In addition, it is advisable to eat frequent meals instead of three heavy ones

Visit Acid Reflux Remedy for natural treatment for this dysfunction. You can also browse at Natural Cures for Acid Reflux for home solutions.