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Acid reflux is an uncomfortable and potentially harmful condition that countless people live with, every day. It's a common occurrence, but easily managed or even prevented through healthy diet and lifestyle choices. At least thirty five percent of all overweight people live with acid reflux, and it is a serious issue for a vast majority of the general population. The good news is that every person who suffers with acid reflux has the power to avoid triggering this condition. * Heartburn due to acid reflux affects more than sixty million Americans at least once per month; that's about one fifth of the entire population of the United States. Approximately twenty five million Americans, or one twelfth of the total American population, will experience the harmful effects of acid reflux and/or heartburn every single day. * Heartburn is technically "incurable"; however, there are steps that can take to help offset your chances of developing the condition. If you worry that you are at risk for an acid reflux condition, it's important to review the types of foods that you're presently eating, and then take steps to change your habits. Fewer acid-creating foods means fewer acid reflux attacks. * Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes are known contributors to acid reflux. Smoking on a regular basis will increase the levels of acidity in the stomach. Certain levels of acid are normally present in the stomach, but smoking causes naturally-occurring reflux to create more damage to the esophagus. Nicotine will also cause the lower esophageal sphincter muscles to relax. When these muscles are in a relaxed state, acid reflux will occur. Further, alcohol use will weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing reflux to creep into the esophagus. * Anyone can suffer from acid reflux. Certain groups of people, however, face a higher risk of developing the condition. For example, while an overweight person sleeps, the weight of the abdomen can create extra pressure on the stomach. This added pressure weakens the lower esophageal sphincter to the point where acid reflux occurs. Pregnant women also suffer this problem, as they weight of the baby creates pressure on the stomach. Elderly people should take special care in monitoring their lifestyle habits to ensure that they do not become afflicted with acid reflux. * Left untreated, acid reflux can contribute to more serious consequences. A consistent condition will cause acid to be continuously present in the throat. Among the major medical consequences caused by acid reflux are esophageal strictures, Barrett's esophagus, erosive esophagitis, and esophageal cancer in the most extreme and rare cases. * Acid reflux can affect your mental well being, as well as your physical health. About eighty percent of all people who suffer from acid reflux will experience symptoms of the disease at night. In about seventy five percent of these cases, the heartburn is severe enough to cause the person to wake up in the night. The interrupted sleep may contribute to serious daytime problems, including increased irritability. Another serious side effect is lack of concentration, which may lead to a motor vehicle accident and decreased productivity at work. If you suffer from acid reflux, prevention is your best medicine. By learning more about the disease, you'll have greater power to control the effects, or even prevent acid reflux altogether.
Article Source: http://www.bodyformind.com/db
Writer Julius Riason pens for several web sites, on health news and family health subjects. Click here to get your own unique version of this article.
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