We were all told to sit up straight when we were younger, but like too many other things it’s easier said than done. But if you knew that your acid reflux symptoms were being caused by your poor posture, would that make it worth the extra effort?
It might seem like a stretch at first, but acid reflux symptoms can actually have a lot to do with the way you hold your spine. Poor posture puts pressure on the junction between the stomach and the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
When the LES is under pressure, it is more likely to open after a meal and allow the acidic stomach contents to come back up and cause acid reflux symptoms. Standing up straight gives the stomach the space it needs and take the pressure off of the LES.
Physical pressure from poor posture is not the only reason the LES may open at the wrong time and cause acid reflux symptoms. Extra weight in the torso or even clothing that fits too tightly can have a similar effect, as Dr. Andrew Weil agrees. Also, certain foods and lifestyle choices may cause the LES to become weak, so that is does not stay closed.
Next Steps
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Dr. Marina Rose has helped people with acid reflux and other challenging, chronic health conditions in and around the city of San Jose, CA.
So what do we do? It looks like an epidemic. So many people have LPR and are secretly fighting a never ending battle. Maybe a virus is causing this?