Simple Thing Like Heartburn (Acid Reflux) Could Cause Cancer
t is difficult to believe that something so common as acid reflux sometimes called heartburn, something we all experience from time to time, especially after a rich or spicy meal or as we get older could potentially lead to the life threatening and debilitating disease, cancer. Research shows that the bacteria flourishing both in the esophagus and stomach can lead to cancer of the esophagus or stomach.
The Dangers Of Untreated Acid Reflux Bacteria
Cancer can not be excluded
here are two complications of acid reflux disease that have been established as cancer-causing. One is cancer of the esophagus and the other is cancer of the stomach. Reflux may seem to be a simple problem since most people experience it from time to time; but we must remember that occasional reflux is completely different form frequent reflux. If you are having frequent heartburn it is crucial that you consult a physician for diagnosis and initiation of treatment. This is necessary to do before any complications arise. Acid reflux bacteria can be easily treated with compliance to antibiotics; but there is no cure of late stage cancer of stomach or esophagus. .
This Is An Illustration of the Distress Heartburn Can Cause.

Painful Looking Isn't It? It sure makes me squirm.
Have You Ever Felt This Way?

Complication of Acid Reflux Bacteria: Barrett's Esophagus
There are two types of problem bacteria
here are two types of acid reflux bacteria that have been shown to be dangerous to our health. One is the cancer stimulating Helicobacter Pylori or H. Pylori. The other is a diverse group of organisms which thrive in the esophagus. The H. Pylori exist in the stomach wall. Both types are organisms that have been found to be associated with stomach and esophageal cancers.
Although it has not truly been shown that the bacteria inhabiting the esophagus can positively cause cancer, however, it was substantiated that it can otherwise cause a shifting of our normal esophageal cells. Instead of having a smooth cell lining, the esophagus is transformed into an abnormal and coarse wall. This procedure is ordinarily seen in patients having reflux disease. Due to lengthy vomiting, the lining of the esophagus is continually irritated leaving it into a condition called Barrett's esophagus. Acid reflux bacteria then expands into the esophageal lining causing further irritation and infection, and the potential of cancer. .
Endoscopy View of Barrett's Esophagitis

See how it is not symmetrical and there are dark lines and how ulcerous the walls look? This is not a healthy esophagus.
Normal Appearance of an Esophagus through Endoscopy

Notice the symmetry and the pink and red tissue, no ulcers, no striations.
Get Your Information and Help With Acid Reflux At the Best Price
H. Pylori, The Acid Reflux Bacteria That Can Cause Cancer.
Not to be taken lightly
elicobacter pylori also known as H. pylori, is an acid reflux bacteria stimulated by extended vomiting and lengthy annoyance of the stomach wall. When individuals feel frequent heartburn, the stomach produces more acid leading to ulcerations in its walls. Having ulcers in the stomach walls cause such bacteria to thrive on it. Helicobacter Pylori is pathogenic in the sense that it invades the stomach's normal flora, and is debilitating in the sense that it is shown to be the cause of gastric cancer.
Normal Anatomy of the Esophagus and Stomach

You can see how easily it would be for rolling stomach acid to easily boil right up into the esophagus, burning it and creating more problems.
Conditions That Make Gastric Reflux Worse
- being overweight or obese
- being pregnant
-drinking alcohol or caffeine
- drinking carbonated beverages or fruit juice
- eating chocolate or peppermint
- eating fatty or spicy foods
- eating large meals
- lying down or bending over after a meal
- medications, like anti-inflammatory medications
- smoking or using tobacco products
More Acid Reflux Information
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Acid Reflux...Is It Caused by Gallbladder Stones?
-
.One of the symptoms of gallstones is an onset that is similar to acid reflux. These attacks are sudden and very painful and can sometimes lead individuals to believe that they have acid reflux caused by gallbladder stones. In fact there is no such t...
Some Causes of Gastric Reflux Disease
Your stomach may not be emptying
O
ne of the major factors which cause gastric reflux is the inability of the stomach to empty itself completely. It typically occurs transiently after eating. However, when there are extended periods of acid reflux there can be resultant contact between the acid and the esophageal wall, leading to inflammation and scarring of the esophagus. Other causes of this phenomenon include food sensitivities, inappropriate gastric/esophageal motility and emptying, inadequate enzymes, acid and mucus production, antioxidant imbalance, poor nutrition and excessive use of alcohol.
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Treatment of Gastric Reflux Disease
Caution about taking medicine without diagnostics
G
astroesophageal reflux disease and heartburn are commonly treated by conventional medical doctors with prescriptions for one of the many antacids like Nexium, or Prilosec. Such treatment may help manage the acute symptom of pain, but does not, however, address or lead to the correction of the underlying problems which give rise to the symptoms. Reducing short-term symptoms while ignoring the cause, may lead to long-term digestive difficulties by disrupting the natural digestive processes.
It is strongly recommended that if you have these symptoms for an extended period of time, see your doctor for diagnostic testing and treatment which may include antibiotic therapy.
Please Share Your Thoughts With Me
Rajays wrote...
Susan, this lens is an eye opener. I have learnt so much here. Very helpful information and illustration. Blessed, faved and starred.
poutine wrote...
I unfortunately suffer from problems with all the above mentionned.
Good explanation.
topstuff wrote...
what a great lens, thanks for all the wonderful information
ArtByLinda wrote...
This is so important, so many people just put off getting heartburn checked by medical professionals, and live with it not knowing the damage it can do. Very well put together, thank you for sharing this information. Linda
JustBon-Crochet-Designs wrote...
Some essential reading here. Great share, thank you. 5*s
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