Do you feel like you have heartburn after eating? Or perhaps you don’t have heartburn, but a persistent lump in your throat, sticky mucus that won’t go away, and you have to clear your throat before speaking. These two problems may seem different—one called reflux, the other often attributed to allergies or nervousness—but in many cases, they have the same cause: a malfunctioning sphincter.
The problem isn’t always excess acidity. Often, it’s actually a malfunction of the stomach valve. And here’s something that might seem strange: you can suffer from reflux without feeling any heartburn. If you’re 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’t solve the problem at its source. Today, we’re leaving aside temporary solutions and focusing on the underlying issue. We’re going to delve deeper into the matter, and I’m 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 Sanagustín)
Key points to remember
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.
Use 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.
Avoid overfilling your stomach: apply the “80% fill” rule and avoid drinking large amounts of liquid during meals to prevent pressure from forcing the valve open.
Identify 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.
