Acid reflux is a disorder of the lower esophageal sphincter, which is a muscle that acts as a kind of doorway between the esophagus and the upper entrance of the stomach. Except for when food is delivered from the esophagus into the stomach, this doorway should always remain shut. The only other occasion that it should open is during vomiting.

This closed-door policy is necessary to protect the esophagus, mouth and respiratory way from the acid contained in the stomach. This acid is necessary for normal digestion to occur. It is needed to break down the food into smaller particles that, by the time they reach the colon, are so tiny that they can be absorbed into the bloodstream to nourish the bodily organs and tissues. However, only the lining of the stomach was designed to be able to take the corrosive effects of digestive acids.

Effects of Acid Reflux

If digestive acid comes into contact with other organs, such as the esophagus, it can damage them. This is exactly the effect of reflux disease. It feels like heartburn, but it is far more serious. Actually, heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux. However, treatment for heartburn does nothing to alleviate acid reflux disease.

Special treatment must be sought, for if left untreated, acid can enter the lungs, causing breathing problems. If the acid travels as far as the mouth, which it can easily do if you're asleep, it can also do a great deal of corrosion damage to your teeth. Treatments for this condition range from surgery to regular colonic cleansing therapy. This therapy has an overall benefit on the digestive tract and may be able to alleviate reflux problems as well.