How Acid Reflux Affects Women and The Obese

Nothing proves the connection of women with Acid reflux disease , than the study done by Dr B. Jacobson in Boston.

Turns out , that 10,545 women were presented a questionnaire which asked them how often, how severely, and how long they suffered from Acid Reflux (GERD) symptoms. They were categorized according to their Body Mass Index(BMI),

The results :

22% had Acid Reflux symptoms once a week or more. Of all the women who had had symptoms at some time, 55% described them as moderate.

Those with a BMI under 20 were 33% less likely to suffer from Acid Reflux than those with a BMI between 20-22.4.

Women with a BMI of 22.5-24.9 had a 38% higher chance of having Acid Reflux symptoms in comparison with the 20-22.4 BMI group.

And we need to remember, that women with a BMI higher than 25 are classed as overweight. And obese.

Another factor unique to women, pregnancy, also has something to do with Acid Reflux. Pregnant women have increased levels of hormones, which decrease the pressure on the muscle and block reflux. Also there is an increased pressure from the baby in the lower abdomen. due to the hugely

Defining Acid Reflux and Indigestion

Have you heard of acid reflux? You likely have. You might even think you might be suffering from it yourself. There are many symptoms and signs that go along with acid reflux and indigestion. The best source you can have is your doctor. However if you are interested in doing the research yourself, you can find a wealth of material on the Web on acid reflux and indigestion. Take a look at how most people define acid reflux and indigestion and think about if you need to discuss your symptoms further with your medical professional.

Acid Reflux

When you start talking about acid reflux, the word GERD might pop up as well. GERD, which is short for gastroesophageal reflux disease, is when the acid from your stomach is regurgitated into your esophagus. This can create a bad taste in your mouth, a burning sensation in your throat, and more. The process associated with GERD is very harmful. Although many people choose to simply live with the unpleasant effects, there are things that can be complicated when you deal with GERD over a long period of time.

One of the complications can be erosion of the esophagus. This can lead to Barrett’s disease or other problems with your esophagus. In addition, your esophagus can stay corroded and bothered which is called esophagitis.

The thing to remember about acid reflux is that it can and should be treated. If you choose not to treat it, you should know it will not go away and might even get worse. You should take your medication as directed to control your symptoms and keep complications from arising.

Indigestion

Indigestion is often grouped into the same category with acid reflux however they are not exactly the same things. Those with indigestion can also have acid reflux. Indigestion is often seen as being a milder form in fact. However, most people will indigestion will experience different symptoms.

Some of the common symptoms of those with indigestion are gassy episodes, discomfort in the chest and neck area, and nausea. While the symptoms can feel similar, the causes are often different as well. One of the main reasons people feel indigestion is because of their eating habits.

One thing people with indigestion often do is eat too quickly. They may not give their food enough time to go through the digestive system after each bite. So, you may want to take your time when you eat to avoid the symptoms that go along with indigestion.

Another reason many people have indigestion is because they eat too much at one time. If you tend to overeat, you will likely get indigestion. Try to eat half as much as you typically do and see if your symptoms cease a bit.

The bad news is that both acid reflux and indigestion are both bothersome conditions that can strongly affect your life. However, the good news is that the symptoms can be treated through lifestyle changes and medication. So, attack your acid reflux and indigestion head on and take control of your life again.

expanded uterus. All these conditions during pregnancy tend to increase discomfort. Hence pregnant women are more prone to acid reflux. At the same time, the physical situation makes it very difficult for them when it happens.

There are simple measures that a pregnant woman can take to reduce the possibility of Acid Reflux. Besides taking appropriate diet, it is the way the woman drinks her water that makes a difference. Pregnant women are advised to drink eight glasses of water a day. The thing to bear in mind is to have these, in-between meals, instead of with meals. Drinking along with meals, the sheer volume pressures the stomach wall to expand, and then the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) feels more pressure, forcing it to open inappropriately. Hence, it is really recommended that in particular, pregnant women drink more water and other fluids in between meals, instead of with meals.

Women prone to Acid Reflux may also be at risk for what is called Laryngopharyngeal reflux, or a case of stomach acids landing up, pouring into, and affecting your larynx or voice box.. A typical age for onset here is 57, and though obese women are at risk, this condition, is usually seen in thin tall women. The activity of the esophageal muscle trying to hold down acid that is trying to back up from the stomach, leads to a “voice box fatigue” situation, and many women suffer on waking up, from a gravelly voice, and a feeling of a lump in the throat. .

Those women who suffer from the above symptoms are well advised to consult gastrointestinal practitioners.

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 Disease They 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.

In 2006, a Dr. B Jacobson, from Boston University School of Medicine, USA, showed that any excess weight might have a negative effect on digestive health. A person of normal weight who gained just a bit of weight , still looked fine , and was not obese could still become more prone to Acid Reflux Disease. Conversely, if a person suddenly noticed his/her Acid Reflux symptoms become more severe, losing a few pounds could help alleviate the symptoms

So why does obesity matter?

Imagine layers and layers of excess body fat compressing the stomach, pushing it in, localizing and trapping stomach acids in little natural enclosures in the stomach folds so formed. Then the effects of indiscriminately imbibed food, and resultant hernias. And we are still not considering the hormonal modifications going on in the body that cause your obesity, and possibly, some problems in most of your body functions, like digestion.

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.

Obese people tend to have weaker esophageal sphincters, and they more often develop a condition related to Acid Reflux called hiatal hernia, in which the upper part of the stomach protrudes above the diaphragm. Think about that. There is limited space and there is so much, to fit in. No wonder some folds become permanent hernias.

An associated point of concern for obese folks suffering from Acid Reflux is that even if they undergo weight loss surgery, research indicates that, at that point, the Acid Reflux, sometimes, even gets worse. Currently, there are conflicting opinions about the possibility of treating a bad case of Acid Reflux in an obese individual, through surgery. The Jury is out on that one.

What seems to be very clear is that obesity increases pressure in the abdomen, and causes the contents of the stomach to swish back into the food pipe. Obesity, indirectly leads to slowing of movement and less exercise, and basically loss of various muscle tones. The Esophageal Sphincter could possibly be among those affected.

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