Is Indigestion and Acid Reflux Hereditary?

There have not been many studies to help suggest that hereditary conditions play a part in acid reflux. However, doctors do believe that almost half the chance of developing acid reflux disease comes from a hereditary condition in our genes. The other half of our acid reflux disease can come from many sources including diet.

Acid reflux disease is the most common digestive disorder in the world. About one in five people suffer from heartburn and/or the regurgitation of acid into the esophagus or mouth. Those who have a regular pattern of acid reflux disease are at a greater risk of developing esophageal cancer.

After a July 2003 study in which scientists used 2000 pairs of identical and non-identical twins to determine the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and the potential risk for acid reflux, they found that forty-three percent of the development of acid reflux could be attributed to our genes.

However, heredity is just one of many causes of acid reflux disease. There are at least ten other common causes of acid reflux that you should consider. The first of these is coffee, tea or other drinks that have caffeine in them. These types of drinks relax the digestive system and allow the stomach contents to reflux up into the esophagus.

Chocolate is the second factor since it contains concentrations of theobromine, which also relaxes the esophageal sphincter muscle, which allows the stomach to squirt acid up into the esophagus.

Third, to consider is fried and fatty foods. These types of foods slow down the digestion process which causes food to remain in the stomach longer. This increases the pressure on the stomach and allows a reflux of the stomach contents.

Tomatoes and tomato-based products are another common cause of acid reflux. As with the above three conditions it causes the digestive system to relax which leads to acid reflux.

Alcohol not only causes the digestive system to relax like the above items but it also causes an increase in stomach acid, which increases the risks of acid reflux disease.

Number six in common causes is tobacco. As the chemicals in cigarettes move from the lungs into the blood stream, they can weaken the esophagus and digestive system making it more susceptible to acid reflux.

Large meals are the seventh factor since a full stomach puts added pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. This added pressure increases the change of food refluxing back into the esophagus.

Citrus fruits and juices are another cause. As with most of the other foods and drinks on this list, they cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and cause acid reflux problems to develop.

Eating two to three hours before you go to sleep is another factor in acid reflux disease. If you lay down on a full stomach, you will cause the contents to have added pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, which increases your chances of refluxed food.

The tenth factor in acid reflux disease is wearing tight fitting clothing or belts. If you wear anything, tight around the abdomen this will squeeze the stomach and force food up against the esophagus, which causes food to reflux.

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