The Main Cause of Heartburn

Many things are said to be the cause of heartburn. Certain foods are claimed to be the cause of heartburn. Eating too fast is also listed as a cause of heartburn, along with large meals.

The main cause of heartburn, however, seems to be none of these. Rather, the main cause of heartburn appears to be weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

Sphincters and Their Work

The human body has several sphincters. A sphincter is a circular band of muscle fiber. It is found around several body passageways or natural openings. Sphincters function somewhat as a tourniquet does. When they tighten, they restrict flow through the passage or opening. When they relax, they permit flow.

Four examples of sphincters are:

1. LES: Regulates food movement into stomach.

2. Bladder sphincter: Regulates urine flow from bladder.

3. Anal sphincter: Regulates waste movement from bowels.

4. Cow’s teat sphincter: Regulates milk flow from udder.

5. Iris sphincter: Regulates bright light flow into the eye.

When a sphincter becomes weak, it cannot properly control the passageway or body opening. Results are leakage of one kind or another.

When the LES fails to tighten properly, acid leaks into the esophagus and causes heartburn. When the cow’s sphincter fails to tighten, bacteria “leak” into the teat and cause mastitis. When the iris sphincter fails to tighten, too much bright light leaks into the eye. When the bladder or anal sphincter fails to tighten, incontinence occurs.

Those who play brass musical instruments use a sphincter around the mouth to control the amount of air going into the instrument. If you whistle, your sphincter can help you control the air needed to hit a note. If that sphincter fails to tighten or relax appropriately, air control will fail.

Current Treatment of the Main Cause of Heartburn

What has all this to do with the cause of heartburn? A weak sphincter, the LES, appears to be the main cause of heartburn.

It is interesting to note that in the case of a weak LES that is the root cause of heartburn, treatment focuses on relieving the acid burn. In the case of other sphincter weakness, treatment focuses on strengthening the sphincter with exercise, biofeedback, or even drugs.

Look back at our four sphincter examples. What is the goal of treatment?

1. LES: Current treatment aims to reduce production of natural stomach acid rather than treat the root cause of heartburn - a weak LES.

2. Bladder sphincter: Treatment would never try to reduce production of natural urine. Sphincter strengthening is sought.

3. Anal sphincter: Treatment would never try to reduce production of natural wastes. Sphincter strengthening is sought.

4. Cow’s teat sphincter: Treatment would never try to reduce natural milk production. Sphincter strengthening is sought.

5. Iris sphincter: Treatment would never try to reduce production of natural bright sunlight. Sphincter strengthening is sought.

6. Mouth sphincter: Treatment would never try to reduce production of natural air. Sphincter strengthening is sought.

Needed Treatment for the Main Cause of Heartburn

It is hoped that those who seek strengthening for other sphincters will research the possibility of exercise, biofeedback, or other means that will strengthen the LES. If such research proves successful, we might yet conquer the root cause of heartburn.

Caution: Please see your doctor about ongoing heartburn. This information is for educational purposes only. The author is not a medical professional.