However, whilst acid-reflux can be distressing, it should be understood that stomach-acids themselves actually play a crucial role in the body’s processes: by enabling digestion and the subsequent circulation of essential nutrients. Acid-reflux occurs when the digestive process has been disrupted – as a result of stomach-acids responding to irregularities and conditions they are not designed to anticipate. These can include anything from missing meals, to fasting, to not eating at regular intervals to the intake of spicy foods, alcohol, and even tea or coffee.
Acid-reflux can cause discomfort by stomach-acids entering the oesophagus – often resulting in sensations of nausea and burning. In order to prevent this from happening there is a tight muscular band between the stomach and oesophagus that keeps the acid at bay. However, when we eat or drink, the band relaxes to allow it to enter the stomach, and if the process fails – acid enters the oesophagus. This can happen most frequently at night when you are lying down in a position that can often lead to stomach-acid leaks. This is why people who suffer from acid-reflux often experience their most painful symptoms in the morning.
Fortunately the condition can be managed and minimized relatively simply with steps such as: sticking to smaller and more frequent meals, avoiding spicy foods and other substances that can be aggravating, eating at-least an hour before bed-time to maximize digestive processes and making sure you always drink plenty of water.