10 Causes of Acid Reflux
Cause #9: Smoking
Smoking has been associated with increased risks of many conditions such as high blood pressure, periodontal disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and more.
It may also contribute to acid reflux as smoking damages the mucus membranes, increases acid secretion in the stomach, reduces the muscle function of the lower esophageal sphincter, impairs the muscle reflexes in the throat, and reduces salivation which helps neutralize acid. It also increases the risk of esophageal cancer.
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