Acid reflux is a common condition characterized by a burning sensation in the chest, known as heartburn or GERD. This can make digesting food difficult, cause a chronic sore throat, sharp pains, and nausea, especially when lying down to sleep at night.

The Mechanism of Acid Reflux
To understand this condition, let’s look at what happens in the stomach. The stomach naturally contains very strong gastric acids necessary to break down and digest food. Just above the stomach and at the base of the esophagus, there is a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter. This valve opens when you eat to allow food to enter the stomach and then closes to prevent stomach acid from flowing back up.

Unfortunately, this small valve can sometimes weaken and malfunction, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus and throat. This causes a burning sensation in the chest, sour-tasting stomach fluids, difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, and mucus buildup.
The Causes of Acid Reflux:
Studies and personal experiences show that acid reflux is often caused by an incorrect level of stomach acid. Stomach acid should naturally be between 1 and 3 on the pH scale, which is very acidic. If this level becomes more alkaline (4 or higher), the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes and allows acid to flow back up.

If acid reflux (GERD) is not treated, it can lead to ulcers, damage and scar tissue formation in the esophagus, which can prevent proper swallowing and increase the risk of throat cancer.