Do you feel like you have heartburn after eating? Or perhaps you don\u2019t have heartburn, but a persistent lump in your throat, sticky mucus that won\u2019t go away, and you have to clear your throat before speaking. These two problems may seem different\u2014one called reflux, the other often attributed to allergies or nervousness\u2014but in many cases, they have the same cause: a malfunctioning sphincter.<\/p>\n
The problem isn\u2019t always excess acidity. Often, it\u2019s actually a malfunction of the stomach valve. And here\u2019s something that might seem strange: you can suffer from reflux without feeling any heartburn. If you\u2019re looking for a quick fix, you might already have a quick remedy like baking soda to relieve the immediate symptoms. But using a quick fix every day doesn\u2019t solve the problem at its source. Today, we\u2019re leaving aside temporary solutions and focusing on the underlying issue. We\u2019re going to delve deeper into the matter, and I\u2019m going to show you how to strengthen this valve to prevent acid and gas reflux, allowing you to become less dependent on medication. (Based on the work of Dr. Alberto Sanagust\u00edn)<\/p>\n
Key points to remember<\/p>\n
The problem is mechanical: acid reflux is often caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve between your esophagus and stomach, and not just by excess acid.
\nUse gravity to your advantage: simple changes like sleeping on your left side, raising the head of your bed, and not lying down for 2 to 3 hours after eating can significantly reduce symptoms.
\nAvoid overfilling your stomach: apply the \u201c80% fill\u201d rule and avoid drinking large amounts of liquid during meals to prevent pressure from forcing the valve open.
\nIdentify aggravating chemical factors: certain foods and substances such as mint, chocolate, alcohol, and tobacco can chemically relax the valve, thus worsening reflux. Temporarily eliminating them may promote the healing of your valve.
\n1. It\u2019s not just a simple pouch: understanding your stomach\u2019s pressure system
\nTo solve this problem, it\u2019s essential to understand a fundamental concept: the stomach isn\u2019t simply a pouch, but a reservoir with variable pressure. Imagine a balloon filled with liquid and gas. If you compress it, its contents will rise. What prevents this from happening between the stomach and the esophagus? A small, circular muscle located at the entrance, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). You can compare it to the knot in the balloon or a valve. The problem is that this sphincter can rupture for various reasons. It can open due to distension or pressure changes. Other times, it\u2019s due to improper muscle relaxation. Finally, in some cases, a hiatal hernia weakens it structurally, allowing the contents to flow back up.<\/p>\n
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\nThis brings us to a common misconception I often see in comments: \u201cDoctor, if I have reflux, should I suppress stomach acid?\u201d The answer is no. Acid is vital. It kills bacteria, aids in protein digestion, and is essential for vitamin B12 absorption. The problem isn\u2019t that acid is inherently bad; the problem is that it flows back up to the wrong place. It reaches your esophagus and throat. And why does this happen? Because the one-way valve is malfunctioning. While medications like omeprazole reduce this acid attack and can treat esophagitis, they don\u2019t mechanically strengthen this valve. They don\u2019t close the door. That\u2019s why today we\u2019re focusing on strengthening this valve from a mechanical perspective.<\/p>\n
2. The plumber\u2019s number one mistake: overfilling and the 80% rule
\nLet\u2019s start with an approach based on fluid dynamics, or more simply, plumbing. Why does this valve open when it shouldn\u2019t? Besides a hiatal hernia, a very common reason is bloating and distension of the stomach, with internal pressure doing the rest. The stomach is an elastic muscle, but it has its limits. If you eat until you\u2019re full, gastric distension increases internal pressure. This pressure can overcome the valve\u2019s resistance. It\u2019s a simple matter of physics: pressure always seeks a way out.<\/p>\n
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