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The Relationship between Acid Reflux and Obesity
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Researchers from the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, in the US, found that eight studies indicated that having a high BMI (body mass index ) increased symptoms of Acid Reflux DiseaseThey found that being overweight increased the odds of having Acid Reflux symptoms by 50 percent when compared to having a normal weight. Being obese was not good news at all.
The negative effects that obesity has on the bodys digestive system were shown by Dr. B. Jacobson from the Boston University School of Medicine back in 2006. Weight loss was directly connected to the relief of symptoms associated with acid reflux, while weight gain and obesity were found to suddenly increase the severity of such symptoms.
Why is obesity a factor?
Stomach acids become volatile when trapped inside the stomach and subsequently compressed by large amounts of extra body fat. Obesity also causes hormonal changes that affect digestion and can be responsible for the formation of hernias.
Today, 20 percent of Americans suffer from recurring Acid Reflux disease, or GERD. This Acid Reflux then interferes with eating, sleeping, and daily living. Obesity, being almost an epidemic in America today further adds to this percentage, and consequently it has been found to put people at risk for complication and certain cancers including cancer of the esophagus.
A condition related to acid reflux disease, hiatal hernia is caused by the weakening of the esophageal sphincter and is common in obese individuals. This condition comes about when there is not enough space in the stomach to hold its contents, so it begins to extend itself above the diaphragm. It is for this reason that fat rolls sometimes turn into permanent hernias.
Unfortunately, when obese people choose to have weight loss surgery, their acid reflux symptoms may become even worse than they were beforehand. A decision has yet to be made regarding whether or not surgery is a viable treatment option for acid reflux sufferers that are obese. More research needs to be conducted to reach a definite conclusion.
One thing is for absolute sure, pressure increases in the abdomens of obese people and thereafter forces stomach contents back up into the esophagus. Exercising less and moving slower are at least indirectly caused by obesity and both will result in the bodys muscles losing their tone, the esophageal sphincter being no exception.
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Are you searching for the most effective acid reflux cure? Find out what can be done to get rid of the pain of heartburn and other effects at the Reflux Renegade website. Visit www.RefluxRenegade.com for more helpful tips & advice.
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