Digestive Science Reflux Elimination System
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (G.E.R.D.) is a condition where stomach contents (food or liquid) are returned from the stomach into the esophagus, the tube from the mouth to the stomach. This action can irritate the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms.
When you eat, food passes from the throat to the stomach via the esophagus (also called through the food or swallowing tube). Once food is in the stomach, a ring of muscle fibers prevents food from flowing back into the esophagus. These muscle fibers are called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES.
If this sphincter muscle does not close properly, food, fluid and stomach acid can move backward into the esophagus, which is called reflux or gastroesophageal reflux. This reflux can cause symptoms or even damage the esophagus.
Among the risk factors for reflux include hiatal hernia (a condition in which part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavity), pregnancy, and scleroderma.
Obesity, smoking and alcohol may also increase the likelihood of GERD symptoms.
Heartburn and GERD can be produced or worsened by pregnancy and by many different medications. Such drugs include:
- Anticholinergics (eg, for sea sickness)
- Beta blockers for high blood pressure or heart
- Bronchodilators for asthma
- Channel blockers
- Calcium for high blood pressure
- Dopaminergic drugs for Parkinson's disease
- Progestin for abnormal menstrual bleeding or birth control
- Sedatives for insomnia or anxiety
- Tricyclic antidepressants
If you suspect that a drug may be causing heartburn, talk to your doctor. Never change or stop medication you take regularly without talking to your doctor.
The main goal of the Acid Control Formula of Digestive Science, is to provide you a natural protection and relief from Gastroesophageal reflux disease, without interfering with the functioning of your digestive enzymes.
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