Newburgh Alternative Medicine: Understanding Acid Reflux and Causes

People, including New Yorkers, have always believed that acid reflux is caused by too much acid in the stomach. An article written by Amy Punke for The News, however, explains that the condition has many possible causes, one of which is the lack – and not the abundance – of acid. Below is an excerpt:

It is a common misconception that reflux is caused by having too much acid in the stomach. It is, in fact, more commonly found to be the opposite problem. The explanation goes like this. We have a sphincter at the bottom of our esophagus that opens and closes as we eat (kind of like a door that stays open when we eat and closes when we are not eating). The opening and closing of this "door" is controlled by how much acid (in this case, hydrochloric acid) is secreted in the stomach. If we don't have enough acid in our stomach, the "door" stays open and the contents of the stomach “reflux” back into the esophagus, and we experience heartburn.

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux is a condition wherein the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus, resulting in symptoms like burping, heartburn, hoarseness, and regurgitation. Not only is it irritating but it can also damage the lining of the esophagus. Acid reflux is often the reason for chronic stomach and back pains, and why some New Yorkers seek chronic pain treatment from a Newburgh wellness treatment center.

Common Causes

Certain foods can cause acid reflux, including citrus fruits, coffee, fatty foods, and alcohol. Hiatal hernia and obesity are also possible triggers. The author mentions that another cause is low hydrochloric acid, or what is known as “hypochlorhydria.” 

Punke clarifies that the hydrochloric acid helps people properly digest food. The lack of sufficient acids not only keeps the stomach from digesting well, but also prevents the sphincter from closing, thus allowing food to flow back.

Conventional Treatments

The article cites several possible treatments. For one, the person should avoid large meals that the stomach cannot handle, as well as certain foods and beverages known to cause reflux. Losing weight is another way to prevent the condition.

Many turn immediately to antacids and prescription medicines to get rid of the bad feeling. Unfortunately, antacids, when used frequently tend to lose their effectiveness over time, and may also lead to constipation, (osteoporosis and brittle bones, immune weakness, muscle spasms and organ spasms related to digestion)

Alternative Treatments

Newburgh alternative medicine centers such as Advanced Alternative Medicine Center have devised non-traditional ways to treat chronic ailments like acid reflux. Holistic doctors assess that acid reflux could be caused by psychological or emotional factors. By considering multiple factors upsetting the patient, doctors are able to provide alternate but effective methods of treatment.

(Source: Acid reflux: the inside story, New Glasgow Newspaper, July 15, 2014)