Lifestyle factors contributing to acid reflux – NewsFix.ca








Smoking and high salt intake are factors involved in acid reflux but tea, coffee and alcohol are not.
Acid reflux, sometimes also called gastro-esophageal reflux, is a frequent cause of indigestion. It happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning pain. Researchers in Norway surveyed a group of 3,153 with heartburn out of two larger groups taking part in two public health studies.

They were asked about lifestyle factors and their answers compared with those of people who didn’t have heartburn. People who’d smoked every day for the last 30 years had a 70 per cent greater risk of acid reflux. Salt intake was also a factor, with those who added salt to meals routinely also having a 70 per cent greater risk of acid reflux. Salted meat and fish intake also increased the risk.

But high fiber brown bread consumption and regular exercise seemed to confer some protection. And, contrary to popular belief, tea and coffee consumption did not raise the risk of acid reflux, nor did alcohol. The study suggests that the individual with indigestion can make some useful changes to help them avoid the pain of the condition.