You are what you eat. Just ask anyone who suffers with acid reflex. This painful condition is caused by certain foods, but there are other factors to consider as well. Acid reflux is a chronic and harmful disease that's caused by a number of variables.

People who suffer from acid reflux are actually feeling the discomfort caused when the caustic fluids of the stomach back up. This characteristic of acid reflux is the result of improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES muscle. These muscles, found at the base of the esophagus, provide a method of opening and closing the passageway into the stomach.

Weakened LES muscles are unable to close completely. As a result, stomach acids creep up and into the esophagus.

Some people suffer acid reflux as a result of an abnormality of the esophagus. Several different parts of the esophagus may be malformed, but the two most common abnormalities leading to acid reflux are 'peristalsis', and a condition known as 'adult-ringed esophagus'. In an adult-ringed esophagus, small rings are formed in the throat, causing the inability to swallow properly.

A stomach that fails to function properly can also create acid reflux. More than half of all sufferers have impaired stomach muscles that do not respond well to stimuli. As a result, these weak stomach muscles cause the stomach to retain its contents for an extended period of time, creating a backup of acid in the esophagus.

Acid reflux may be caused by hiatal hernias. The hiatus is a hole located in the diaphragm that helps to secure the passageway between the stomach and the esophagus. The hiatus is usually tight and helps to separate the organs. A weak hiatus can become loose and cause the small part of the stomach to protrude through the hole. This is called a hiatal hernia. While not fully responsible for acid reflux, hiatal hernias can lead to a lack of functioning in the LES muscle, which then leads to acid reflux.

Doctors must consider other underlying conditions, such as asthma and diabetes, when diagnosing acid reflux causes. It's estimated that at least half of all people with asthma also suffer from asthma, although it's not clear which disease causes the other.

People with diabetes must watch their eating habits, as many diabetics suffer from gastroparesis. This condition creates a delay in the emptying of the stomach, resulting in a backup in the stomach and, consequently, an acid buildup in the esophagus.

Some medications can also play a role in the development of acid reflux. NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may cause a development of acid reflux and can worsen the condition in those who already have it. These over-the-counter drugs are quite common. Some of the most popular brands of NSAID are Advil, Aleve, Motrin and Nuprin. A recent research study showed that people who use these medications regularly are up to two times as likely to experience some acid reflux symptoms.

In listing the causes of acid reflux, diet is only partly to blame. Many other factors can also contribute to this uncomfortable and even dangerous condition. If you suffer from persistent indigestion or acid reflux, make an appointment with your doctor for a complete physical. Rosamond Gaven