6 Causes of Acid Reflux to Prevent
For those of you who have experienced acid rising or acid reflux, you definitely know that the sensation is very uncomfortable. You will experience heartburn, a bitter taste in the esophagus, and more. Because of that, you need to know the causes of acid reflux so that its occurrence can be prevented.
Because the main reason why acid reflux often recurs is that you do not know how to prevent it. This often happens to sufferers of GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. So, recognize all acid reflux triggers and how to handle them so that this condition does not return!
6 Causes of Acid Reflux
Stomach acid is a natural fluid produced by the lining of the gastric (stomach). Its job is to digest food into smaller molecules so they are easier for the body to absorb. However, there are several triggers that cause this acid to rise into the esophagus.
This condition of acid rising from the gastric to the esophagus is what is termed acid reflux. Here are some of its causes:
1. Improper Food Consumption
Because it originates in the stomach, you might guess that a triggering factor for an episode of acid reflux is food. It turns out that is indeed true. There are many foods that cause acid reflux, such as:
- Fatty foods, because this type of food stays in the gastric longer than other types of food.
- Spicy and acidic foods, because they can worsen heartburn.
- Drinks containing caffeine and alcohol, because they can trigger the onset of heartburn.
So you know which foods trigger your acid reflux, you can stop consuming them one by one. Furthermore, replace the foods you consume with healthier ones, such as non-acidic fruits, lean meats, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods.[1]
2. Diet Mistakes

Besides food, you also need to pay attention to your diet. This is because you often go to sleep right after eating. In fact, this is a cause of acid reflux at night and you should avoid it. At the very least, wait for the stomach to digest food for 3 hours before bed.[2]
As a tip, you can start eating before you are hungry and stop before you are full so that acid reflux does not occur. Then, reducing meal portions and increasing frequency to every 4 to 6 hours can overcome this. This is because a stomach that is empty and one that is too full can both trigger GERD.
3. Being Overweight

It turns out that being overweight or obese is also one of the causes of stomach pain, specifically GERD. This is because there is a change in adiponectin secretion. These changes make glucose and fat metabolism in the stomach of obese individuals different from people with an ideal body weight.
Therefore, based on research, losing excess weight is a very effective treatment for acid reflux. The more ideal your weight, the fewer GERD symptoms are experienced.[3]
4. Prolonged Stress and Anxiety Disorders

Then, there are also causes of acid reflux other than food, namely prolonged stress and anxiety disorders. Broadly speaking, the cause of acid reflux due to stress and anxiety is linked to brain activity. Disturbed brain stimuli can interfere with the function of the digestive tract.[4]
5. Hiatal Hernia

A hernia is a condition when part of the body is pushed into a position it should not be in. Meanwhile, the hiatus is an opening in the diaphragm that separates the gastric and the chest. So, a hiatal hernia is a condition when a part of the gastric protrudes into the chest through that opening.[5]
It turns out that a hiatal hernia is also a risk factor for acid reflux. Almost everyone who has a hiatal hernia often experiences GERD symptoms such as heartburn.
6. Throat Disorders

Besides disorders in the stomach, acid reflux can also be caused by disorders of the throat. This can occur because the esophageal sphincter muscle weakens or becomes too relaxed. In fact, this muscle ring is the muscle that prevents food and stomach acid fluid from experiencing reflux.
Furthermore, damage to the esophagus can also cause acid reflux to return from time to time.
How to Handle It When Acid Reflux Occurs

From the explanation above, you can draw conclusions about how to prevent acid reflux. However, what if stomach acid has already risen to the esophagus and caused discomfort? If such a condition occurs, you can immediately take an antacid to relieve it.
Read Also: 6 Ways to Treat Acid Reflux, Note the Steps!
Besides antacids, there are also other safer medication options, namely herbal supplements. One supplement that is effective for relieving acid reflux is Sido Muncul Natural Sari Kunyit Plus Soft Capsule. This supplement contains turmeric and black pepper which can neutralize acid in the stomach.
So, besides avoiding various causes of acid reflux, you can also consume this herbal supplement to feel better. Although it is made from herbal ingredients with minimal side effects, you still need to read the usage instructions on the packaging so that the medication is consumed more safely.