5 Hidden Causes of Heartburn and Acid Reflux
2023年专四阅读详解与其诅咒黑暗不如燃起蜡烛
星期3 WednesdayBetter to light one candle than to curse the darkness. 与其诅咒黑暗，不如燃起蜡烛。
Text AHalf a dozen radio stations about the face of the globe crackled sparks of electricity from capital and into millions of humble homes; peace came through the air and was simultaneous over all the face of the earth. The great ceremony on the battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay was anticlimax.The greatest fleet in the world lay amidst the greatest ruins in the world under a dark and cheerless covering of clouds. The USS Iowa was on one side of the Missouri, the USS South Dakota on the other. A tattered flag with thirty-one stars was hung on one of the turrets of the battleship —the flag of the infant republic, which Commodore Perry brought with him to the same bay almost a hundred years before. Above the mainmast fluttered the battle flag of the Union of today. The deck was crowded with the American technicians. There were a Russian with a red band about his cap and a Tass newsreel man who insisted on crawling in among the main actors to get his shots; there was a Canadian general who spoiled his part and signed on the wrong line; there was a carefully tailored Chinese general from Chungking.Half a dozen Japanese were piped over the side of the Missouri, but for the purpose of history and in every man’s memory there were only two —the general, Umezu, and the statesman, Shingemitsu. Umezu was dressed in parade uniform, all his ribbons glistening, and his eyes blank, but you could see the brown pockmarks on his cheeks swelling and falling in emotion.Shingemitsu was dressed in a tall silk hat and a formal morning coat as if he were attending a wedding or a funeral. He had a wooden leg, and he limped along the deck; when he began to climb to the veranda deck where the peace was to be signed, he clutched the ropes and struggled up with infinite pain and discomfort.Shingemitsu and Umezu were brought forward, and, after a few carefully chosen words beautifully spoken by General MacArthur, they signed their names to a document marking an end to the Japanese Empire. When they had signed, the generals and admirals of all the other nations put their signatures to the document, and peace, if peace it was, had come.1. The document was signed on[A] the USS Iowa. [B] the USS South Dakota.[C] the battleship Missouri. [D] didn’t mention.2. In the second paragraph, “A tattered flag with thirty-one stars” is of[A] USS. [B] the infant USA.[C] today’s USA. [D] the greatest fleet.3. When portraying Umezu and Shingemitsu, the author focused on all the following EXCEPT[A] facial expression. [B] appearance.[C] motions. [D] inner activity.4. By saying “and peace, if peace it was, had come”, the author implied that[A] he valued the signature ceremony.[B] he was sure of the peace coming.[C] he suspected that the signature meant the real end of war.[D] he believed the signature ceremony would bring peace.Text BLeft unfettered(无拘无束的), Anthony Konieczka, 9 years old, would happily thumb away at his Game Boy Advance or PlayStation 2 from the minute he gets up to the moment he crawls intobed, 14 bleary-eyed(睡眼惺忪的)hours later.Anthony’s basement is stocked with traditional toys — board games, puzzles, art supplies —and as far as he is concerned, they are relics of Christmases past. His sister Michaely, 6 years old, still likes dressing her Barbies. But once she starts playing Game Boy it’s hard to get her away.Play patterns like this could grab another Christmas for the toy department. Through September, toy sales were down 5% compared with the first nine months of last year, according to the NDP Group. Meanwhile, the video-game industry is heading for another record year. Thanks to hot new games like Halo 2 for the Xbox, the industry is light-years ahead of the toy business when it comes to buzz. With distractions such as instant messaging, cell phone games and iPods angling for kids’ minds and allowances, the digital revolution is making life miserable for the toy industry.While some hard-to-find toys emerge every holiday season, toymakers are heading into this one without a monster hit. Indeed, there has not been a Furby-style frenzy in years. Of 10 toy segments only two, arts and crafts and dolls, have generated sales growth over a recent 12 month period. Some of the weakest categories like construction sets and action figures are the ones aimed at boys, who suffer the most blisters from the video games. Analysts expect one of the top stocking stuffers this season to be not a traditional toy but the new generation of Nintendo’s Game Boy, the DS, which hit stores last week.The deeper issue is that shifts in play patterns are forcing toymakers to fight for shelf space in a tightening market. Boys in particular seem to be abandoning traditional toys at earlier ages in favor of consumer electronics, trendy video games, PC software and the Internet. The notion that kids are growing more sophisticated and tech-savvy (懂技术的), a trend called “age compression”, has bedeviled toy companies for at least a decade. Action figures, for instance, used to be considered healthy for boys up to age 12. Now the items are mainly marketed to boys 4 to 6. A recent study found that nearly half of the U.S children start on video games at 4 to 5 years old —and 20% at age 3 or younger.Toy companies, of course, have long seen this coming. Mattel attempted to get into educational software in the late 1990s, spending $3.6 million to buy the Learning Company. But it turned out to be a blunder and led to more than $400 million in losses. Later on Mattel got back to building basic brands like Barbie and Hot Wheels. But Bar bie’s sales slump may also be a victim of kids growing older at younger ages.Several of the toys expected to sell well this season are, in fact, those that incorporate video gaming and DVD technologies. Mattel’s Fisher-Price introduced a game system called InteracTV this year, featuring DVDs with characters like Dora the explorer. Hasbro came out with a portable color video player called VideoNow and has been putting classic games like Battleship and Yahtzee into hand-held electronic format.5. At the beginning of the passage, the author implies that[A] video games are designed only for boys.[B] girls are usually not interested in video games.[C] both Anthony and Michaely are good at playing PlayStation 2.[D] children would not like to stop playing Game Boy once they start.6. We learn from the passage that in this holiday season[A] it is hard to find traditional toys in the market.[B] toymakers are planning to design monster toys.[C] no hit toys will come onto the market.[D] Furby will become popular among children.7. The sales of construction sets are decreasing because[A] they are not healthy toys for children.[B] they are very weak and easily broken.[C] they are hard to find on shelves of toy stores.[D] they are aimed at boys who are easily attracted by the video games.8. What has been bothering toymakers for almost ten years?[A] The Internet addiction.[B] The trend of age compression.[C] The sales of action figures.[D] The new generation of Game Boy.9. It is predicted that in this season the popular toys would be[A] hot new game Halo 2 for the Xbox.[B] arts and crafts and dolls.[C] action figures designed for boys aged from 4 to 6.[D] toys that integrate video gaming with DVD technologies.Text CSpace is a dangerous place, not only because of meteors(流星) but also because of rays from the Sun and other stars.Radiation is the greatest known danger to explorers in space. Doses of radiation are measured in units called “rem”. We all receive radiation here on the Earth from the Sun, f rom cosmic rays and from radioactive minerals. The “normal” dose of radiation that we receive each year is about 100 millirem; it varies according to where you live, and this is a very rough estimate. Scientists have reason to think that a man can put up with far more radiation than this without being damaged; the figure of 60 rem has been agreed on. The trouble is that it is extremely difficult to be sure about radiation damage — a person may feel perfectly well, but the cells of his or her sex organs may be damaged, and this will not be discovered until the birth of children or even grandchildren.Early space probes showed that radiation varies in different parts of space around the Earth. It also varies in time because, when great spurts of gas shoot out of the Sun, they are accompanied by a lot of extra radiation. Some estimates of the amount of radiation in space, based on various measurements and calculations, are as low as 10 rem per year, while others are as high as 5 remper hour! Mission to the Moon have had to cross the Van Allen belts of high radiation and, during the outward and return journeys, the Apollo 8 crew accumulated a total dose of about 200 millirem per man. It was hoped that there would not be any large solar flares during the times of Apollo moon walks because the walls of the lunar excursion modules (LEMs) were not thick enough to protect the men inside, though the command modules did give reasonable protection. So far, no dangerous doses of radiation have been reported, but the Gemini(双子座)orbits and the Apollo missions have been quite short. We simply do not know yet how men are going to get on when they spend weeks and months outside the protection of the atmosphere, working in a space laboratory or in a base on the Moon. Drugs might help to decrease the damage done by radiation, but no really effective ones have been found so far. At present, radiation seems to be the greatest physical hazard to space travelers, but it is impossible to say just how serious the hazard will turn out to be in the future.10. What make space a dangerous place?[A] The radioactive meteors.[B] The Sun and other stars.[C] Rays from the earth.[D] Rem.11. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT true?[A] The “normal” dose of radiation we rec eive is generally accepted as safe.[B] Scientists are certain that 60 rem of radiation won’t damage man.[C] Harm of radiation is not likely to be seen immediately.[D] We don’t know exactly the seriousness of radiation damage.12. Missions to the moon are dangerous to the explorers because[A] they have to cross the high radioactive area.[B] solar flares may damage the LEMs.[C] they have to stay in space for a long time.[D] they will probably run into meteors.13. How will men effectively protect themselves when they spend long periods in space?[A] By taking special drugs.[B] By wearing special suits.[C] By using a protective blanket.[D] No effective solution has been found yet.14. The example of Apollo is to show[A] the Apollo mission was very successful.[B] protection from space radiation is no easy job.[C] astronauts don’t care about radiation damage.[D] radiation is not a threat to well-protected space explorers.15. The best title for this passage would be[A] The Atmosphere and Our Environment[B] Research on Radiation[C] Effects of Space Radiation[D] Important Protection against RadiationText DA simple computer program that teaches children to distinguish between sounds can dramatically boost their listening skills. It can allow them to progress by the equivalent of two years in just a few weeks, the game’s creator claims.The game, called Phonomena, was devised by David Moore of the University of Oxford, U.K., as an aid for children with language problems, but he says his latest trials also show that it can help any child. Other experts, however, are reserving judgment until independent tests are carried out.Phonomena is designed to improve children’s ability to distinguish between differentphonemes(音素), the basic sounds that form the building blocks of language. Up to a fifth of all children are thought to have problems hearing the differences between some sounds, says Moore, who heads the U.K. Medical Research Council’s Institute of Hearing Research.In the game, children have to distinguish between pairs of phonemes such as the “i” sound from the word “bit” and the “e” from “bet”. They are played one phoneme followed by two more examples, and asked which one matches the first sound. As the game progresses, the phonemes are gradual ly “morphed”(改变) to make them more and more similar, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between them.With 44 phonemes in English, there are potentially more than 1,000 different pairs, but the game concentrates on just 22 pairs of the commonest and most similar-sounding phonemes.In the latest trials, 18 children aged between eight and ten played the game three times a week for four weeks. Their language abilities were compared before and after exposure to the game using a standard listening test.The team found a dramatic improvement in their language abilities, with listening ages up by an average 2.4 years compared with 12 children who did not play the game. In earlier trials on children with learning difficulties, the speech and language therapists who tested the game reported similar improvements.But Ted Wragg, an expert in education at the U.K’s University of Exeter, warns that such trials can produce misleading results. The improvements could be due to the efforts and attention of teachers and therapists, rather than the game itself. There is a history in education of people and companies making claims about learning products that do not stand up to scrutiny, he says.It is a bit like teaching someone to catch a ball, Moore adds. “Sensor y performance is no different from motor performance. As far as we know, the neural processes driving them both are the same.” And just as playing catch improves hand-eye coordination in other tasks, Moore thinks the phoneme training boosts children’s gene ral language skills.The advantage of using computers, he says, is each game can be tailored to a child’s abilities.An oxford-based company called MindWeavers has been set up to commercialize the game.Similar computer0based language tools already exist, such as those developed by Scientific Learning of Oakland, California. But these are geared exclusively towards children with speech and language problems and involve intensive training.“We don’t believe you need to do this Draconian(严酷的) amount of training for it to do good,” says Moore. He is also exploring the use of phoneme training as an aid to adults learning a foreign language.16. At first, the Phonomena game is designed for[A] adults.[B] disabled children.[C] children with language problems.[D] all children.17. We can infer from the passage that in the game[A] one fifth of the children have difficult distinguishing between sounds.[B] children are asked to tell the differences between similar sounds.[C] the phonemes are becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish.[D] 44 phonemes in English are involved.18. In Ted Wrag g’s opinion,[A] the trial results are not reliable and reasonable.[B] the game is helpful to children with language problems.[C] the trial results are accurate.[D] the trial results show that the game is useless.19. What is the advantage of using computers in Phonomena game?[A] It can provide customized service.[B] It can provide multimedia service.[C] Children can play the game at home.[D] It can improve child’s ability.20. What’s the limitation of the existing computer-based language tools?[A] They are designed exclusively for children.[B] They require too much training.[C] They are too harsh.[D] They do nothing good to language skills.语境词汇Text A1. crackle sparks of electricity <喻>通过电波传递2. anticlimax n.令人扫兴的结尾3. tatter v.扯碎，使变破烂：a tattered flag 一面破旧的国旗4.mainmast n.主桅5. pipe v.召集，召唤6. the veranda deck 舰艇上的游廊7. clutch v.抓住，抓紧Text B1. thumb v.以拇指摆弄n. 大拇指2. blister n.水泡，气泡v.使起水泡3. angle v.谋取；垂钓n.角；角度，观点4. hit n.成功的尝试；击中v.打（击）5. frenzy n.狂乱；极度的激动6. trendy a.时髦的，流行的n.新潮人物,穿着时髦的人7. bedevil vt.使苦恼；折磨8. slump n.经济衰退；消沉v.倒下，陷落；下跌Text C1. radiation n.放射，辐射；放射物，放射线2. cosmic n.宇宙的；广大的，无限的3. probe n.太空探测器；探查v.查究，调查4. spurt n.喷射；忽然的加速、增强vi.喷出，涌出5. accumulate v.积累，聚集；增长6. excursion n.郊游，远足，游览Text D1. distinguish vt.＆vi.区分，辨别2. phoneme n.音素，音位2. exposure n.暴露，揭露；曝光，曝光时间3. scrutiny n.细察，详审4. sensory a.知觉的，感觉的，感觉器官的5. tailor vt.使合适，修改n.裁缝6. exclusively ad.仅仅，专门地；排他地，独占地难句突破Text A1. There were a Russian with a red band about his cap and a Tass newsreel man who insisted on crawling in among the main actors to get his shots; there was a Canadian general who flubbed his part and signed on the wrong line; there was a carefully tailored Chinese general from Chungking. 【分析】并列复合句。
The Secret Path of Emotional Revelation
**The Secret Path of Emotional Revelation**In the labyrinth of human emotions, there lies a hidden and mysterious passage ¨C The Secret Path of Emotional Revelation. It is a journey that leads us to the innermost recesses of our hearts, uncovering truths that have long been concealed.The words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment," resonate deeply with the essence of this path. Consider the story of Galileo Galilei, who defied the orthodox beliefs of his time to reveal the truths of the universe.In the fabric of our daily existence, this secret path unfolds in unexpected ways. It might be the moment of profound self-awareness that comes after a major life setback, such as the loss of a job or a relationship breakdown. Suddenly, we are forced to confront our fears, desires, and true selves. Or it could be the quiet epiphany that occurs during a solitary walk in nature, when the beauty and serenity around us allow our emotions to surface and reveal hidden longings. For instance, a person who has always pursued material success might, after a health scare, realize the true value of relationships and inner peace.However, treading this path is not without its perils. The thickets of self-denial, the fog of societal expectations, and the traps of past conditioning can obscure our way. It is like walking through a dense forest in the dark, unsure of the direction. Take the example of someone who has been conditioned to believe that success is defined by external achievements alone, constantly striving for more but never finding true fulfillment.Yet, when we persevere and remain true to the journey, the rewards are immeasurable. Emotional revelation brings with it a sense of clarity, purpose, and inner harmony. It enables us to make choices that align with our authentic selves, fostering a life of meaning and authenticity. The story of an artist who, after years of struggling to meet the demands of the market, finally surrenders to their creative instincts and produces works that are a true expression oftheir soul, is a testament to the power of this revelation.In conclusion, The Secret Path of Emotional Revelation is a sacred and transformative journey. It is a quest that requires courage, introspection, and an openness to the unknown. Let us embark on this path with a spirit of adventure and curiosity, for it is through these revelations that we unlock the door to a life of depth, wisdom, and true emotional liberation.。
消化系统英文版
Anus
The opening at the end of the digestive tract where waste is skilled from the body
Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancream
Liver
Produces bills, a substance that aids in fat digestion, and characterizes hazardous substances in the blood
Pancreas
Produces enzymes that aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat in the small intention
Large Intestine and Rectum
Large Intentine NhomakorabeaOverview of Digestive System Functions
Breakdown of food
The digestive system breaks down food into small particles through mechanical and chemical processes
Digestive system English version
• Introduction to the Digestive System
• Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive System
• Common Digestive Disorders and Their Symptoms
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common disorder that affects the large intent It causes dominant pain, cramming, bloating, gas, diarra, and conditioning
饭后跳舞的坏处英语作文
Dancing after a meal is a common form of entertainment and exercise for many people.However,there are several potential downsides to this practice that should be considered.Here are some of the negative aspects of dancing right after eating:1.Digestion Disruption:Engaging in physical activity immediately after eating can disrupt the digestive process.The body needs to focus on breaking down and absorbing nutrients from the food,and dancing can divert energy and blood flow away from the digestive system.2.Stomach Discomfort:The act of dancing can cause the stomach to move in ways that might lead to discomfort or even pain,especially if the meal was large or high in fiber.3.Increased Heart Rate:Dancing can increase the heart rate significantly.After a meal, the body is already working harder to digest food,and the added stress on the heart may not be advisable for individuals with certain health conditions.4.Risk of Indigestion:The combination of a full stomach and vigorous movement can lead to indigestion,which may include symptoms like bloating,gas,and heartburn.5.Potential for Acid Reflux:The physical exertion from dancing can cause stomach acids to flow back into the esophagus,leading to a burning sensation in the chest known as acid reflux or heartburn.6.Reduced Nutrient Absorption:The bodys absorption of nutrients can be less efficient when it is focused on physical activity rather than digestion.7.Increased Risk of Injury:With a full stomach,the bodys center of gravity may shift, potentially leading to a higher risk of injury during dance movements.8.Dehydration:Dancing can be dehydrating,and if youve just eaten,you might not feel as thirsty,which could lead to underestimating your bodys need for water.9.Social Etiquette:In some cultures or social settings,it may be considered impolite to engage in vigorous activities like dancing immediately after a meal.10.Energy Allocation:The body needs to allocate energy to both digestion and physical activity,which can be a strain,especially if the meal was particularly rich or heavy.To mitigate these potential issues,its generally recommended to wait at least an hour or two after eating before engaging in any strenuous physical activity,including dancing.This allows the body to begin the digestion process without the added stress of movement. Additionally,consuming a lighter meal can help reduce the impact of these downsides.。
造翼者音乐中的英文及翻译
注：根据论坛网友及豆瓣小组的相关帖子整理而成。
wingmakers音乐中的英文翻译汇总第九室(Chamber 9)3:49- The time has come to lift your gaze from the fire's brightness and cast shadows of your own.时间到了将你的目光从火的亮光中抬起并抛出你自己的影子的时候。
4:50- Another mouth, another hand, another mind open.另一张嘴，另一只手，另一种意识的打开第十室(Chamber 10 )第一部分6:12- Their power is so great that their naked souls would scorch the Earth. 他们的力量如此强大，他们赤裸的灵魂甚至能将大地烤焦。
第二部分0:12- Open me... take me from here to there... let the wind blow my hair and the earth's skin touch me. (from the chamber 10 poem “Downstream”) 打开我，将我带往各个地方...让风吹起我的头发，让大地的肌肤触摸我。
（第十室诗“顺流而下）3:03- Tell me the truth now. Never will，never will. Tell me the truth now. Never will，never will.现在就告诉我真相。
永远不会，永远不会。
现在就告诉我真相，永不，永不。
20:07- What is found here can never be formed of words. (from the chamber 10 poem “What is Found Here”)从这里找到的从未能用字眼来形容。
关于心脏病的英语
Regulation of Cardiac Activity
The heart rate and force of contract are regulated by the autonomous nervous system
The pathological nervous system decreases heart rate and contracting
cardiopathy (disease of the heart muscle), and other heart related
problems
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can significantly reduce the risk of developing heart
It involves the contract and relaxation of the heart muscles
Diastole is the relaxation phase when the vegetables fill with blood
Electrical Conduction System of the Heart
03
Common Types of Heart Disease
Coronary Art Release (CAD)
Cause
01
Narrowing or blocking of the coronary arts, which
supplies blood to the heart muscle
Symptoms
Difficultly breaking, specifically during physical activity or when lying down
医学英语消化系统疾病总结
医学英语消化系统疾病总结English Answer:Gastrointestinal Disorders.Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are a group ofconditions that affect the digestive system, which is responsible for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. These disorders can range from minor and self-limiting to severe and life-threatening.Common GI Disorders.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburnand inflammation.Peptic ulcer disease: Sores develop in the lining ofthe stomach or duodenum (first part of the small intestine).Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): A chronic condition that causes inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. Types of IBD include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A common functional GI disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea or constipation.Celiac disease: An autoimmune disorder in which the body reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, by damaging the small intestine.Diverticular disease: Small pouches (diverticula) form in the colon, which can become inflamed or infected.Colorectal cancer: A cancer that starts in the colonor rectum.Symptoms of GI Disorders.The symptoms of GI disorders vary depending on the specific condition, but some common symptoms include:Abdominal pain.Diarrhea.Constipation.Bloating.Nausea.Vomiting.Heartburn.Indigestion.Weight loss.Fatigue.Diagnosis and Treatment of GI Disorders.The diagnosis of GI disorders typically involves a physical exam, medical history, and diagnostic tests such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, or imaging studies. Treatment depends on the specific disorder and may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.Prevention of GI Disorders.Some GI disorders, such as colorectal cancer, can be prevented or reduced in risk by:Maintaining a healthy diet.Exercising regularly.Avoiding smoking.Limiting alcohol consumption.Getting vaccinated against certain infections.中文回答：消化系统疾病概述。
《消化系统英文版》课件
The gallbladder stores bill produced by the liver and releases it into the duodynum in response to signals from the small intent
03
Pancream
The pancras products enzymes that aid in protein, carbohydrate,
Digestive enzymes
Breaking down food into small particles through Chewing and mixing with Saliva
Secreted by the pancras, livers, and gallbladders to aid in chemical digestion
colonial utility
Elimination of waste
03
Formation of fees
Role of colon
Waste material that cannot be absorbed through the large intention where it is further processed and water is reabsorbed
Mouth
The Mouth is the opening at the antagonist end of the digestive tract It is lined by moist, pink mucosa and contains several sense receivers that aid in taste and touch The tongue is a muscular organization that aids in chewing, swinging, and speech
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5 Hidden Causes of Heartburn and Acid Reflux1. Inadequate stomach acid (and use of acid-blocking medications)Stomach acid is a good thing. Let me repeat: stomach acid is a good thing. It’s crucial to digesting your food (particularly proteins), absorbing minerals and vitamin B12, protecting the body from ingested pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungus, etc.), and for triggering the appropriate enzyme release from the pancreas and small intestines to digest your food.Contrary to popular belief, people with heartburn DO NOT have higher acid levels than the general population. Blocking acid production with use of medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or taking antacids that neutralize stomach acid, such as TUMS, may temporarily make you feel better, but in reality, they are only perpetuating the underlying problem.In fact, long term use of PPIs (as little as 8 weeks of use) is linked to the development of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). (Eur J Clin Invest. 2011) And even worse, SIBO can further trigger heartburn and erosive esophagitis. (Scand J Gastroenterol. 2012) It’s a vicious cycle.2. Overly-relaxed esophageal sphincterOur digestive tract has built-in mechanisms to keep food moving in the right direction, at the right time, without us even thinking about it. One of the first ―gateways‖ that food passes through is the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that separates the base of theesophagus from the stomach. If this sphincter is not properly functioning (in other words, it stays open when it should be shut), you can experience acid reflux after meals.There have been all sorts of potential solutions to this problem, but one of the most overlooked (and inexpensive) is acupressure. Acupressure involves putting pressure on certain points in the body, usually with your finger (unlike acupuncture, which uses needles). This means it’s easy to perform on yourself.Applying pressure to an acupressure point called P6 (or Neiguan), which is located 3-fingers-distance below the crease of your wrist on your inner arm can reduce LES relaxation by 40%. (Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 2005) That means the sphincter will close and hopefully stop the contents of your stomach from splashing up into the esophagus.Of course, no amount of acupressure or acupuncture will be of any use if you eat too much at meals.―Gastric distension is known to stimulate an increase in the frequency of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations.‖ (Journal of Gas troenterology and Hepatology, 2014)This is one of many reasons I advocate for mindful eating as well as avoiding large amounts of fluids with meals.3. High blood sugarI’m always amazed how many systems of the body are negatively affected by elevated blood sugar, which is why it so commonly comes up on my blog. Your digestion is no exception. Turns out if you experience marked elevations in your blood sugar, your LES is more likely to relax (called transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation or TLESRs). As explained above, a relaxed (open) LES allows acid to splash where its houldn’t; into the esophagus.According to a 2004 study in American Journal of Physiology Gastrointestinal Liver Physiology (what a mouthful, right?!):―Marked hyperglycemia doubled the rate of TLESRs in response to both pressure-controlled and volume-controlled gastric distension but had no effect on basal LES pressure.‖Maybe that explains why a low-carbohydrate diet can be effective at reducing reflux and heartburn. (Dig Dis Sci, 2006) If you don’t over-consume carbohydrates, it’s very unlikely you’d experience ―marked hyperglycemia.‖ It also helps explain why smaller meals are so commonly recommended in the management of heartburn.4. Too many fermentable carbohydratesWe often assume that what we eat only affects our body immediately after eating. For example, if you eat a meal and don’t experience heartburn in the few hours after eating, you’re likely assume you’re in the clear. But often the effects of what you’ve eaten can cause a delayed reaction.It turns out the relaxation of your LES can be affec ted by what’s happening downstream in your intestines. In one study, researchers administered supplemental fructooligosaccharaides (FOS), a poorly digested carbohydrate that’s commonly recommended as a prebiotic fiber (and added to products like yogurt and probiotic supplements) and monitored the effects on the LES, reflux, and various gastric hormones.Shockingly, once these fibers reached the colon, their fermentation triggered relaxation in the LES and episodes of reflux.―Compared with placebo, FOS led to a significant increase in the number of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) and reflux episodes, esophageal acid exposure, and the symptom score for GERD.‖―Colonic fermentation of indigestible carbohydrates increases the rate of T LESRs, the number of acid reflux episodes, and the symptoms of GERD.‖ (Gastroenterology, 2002).If you’re keen to avoid this delayed reaction, you’d be wise to limit your intake of difficult-to-digest fibers, especially from supplements (inulin is the most common source of FOS in supplements). Some may also benefit from a low-FODMAP diet, which naturally limits your exposure to FOS and other fermentable carbohydrates. Research has indeed shown certain FODMAPs trigger reflux. (Gastroenterology, 2003)Finally, I can only hypothesize here, but I’d imagine all nutritional steps you can take to heal your digestion and support a healthy microbiota would also have some carryover effects upstream and reduce your likelihood of experiencing heartburn or reflux.5. Food sensitivitiesIf you’ve discussed heartburn with your doctor (or asked Dr. Google), you’ve likely seen a list of trigger foods that you should avoid. This typically includes acidic foods (like tomatoes, orange juice, vinegar), spicy food, caffeine (coffee, tea), raw onions, fatty foods, among many others.According to the National Heartburn Alliance, 92% of heartburn sufferers point to food as the primary culprit. However, if the generic ―do not eat this‖ lists were truly accurate, I’d expect the majority of people to feel better avoiding those foods. That’s simply not the case. Reactions to foods are highly individual.Research confirms that inflammatory responses to foods (via inflammatory mediators like cytokines) are directly involved in GERD, particularly the type that results in esophageal inflammation (also called esophagitis).―[S]pecific cytokine and chemokine profiles would appear to underlie the various esophageal phenotypes of GERD, explaining, in part, the genesis of esophagitis in asubset of patients… The mucosa of GERD patients produces significantly larger amounts of various cytokines compared with that of healthy controls.‖ (World J Gastroenterol. 2013)The challenge is figuring out which foods trigger the release of these inflammatory mediators (your hidden food sensitivities), so you can come up with your own customized list of safe and unsafe foods. Many people attempt this with an elimination diet, however keep in mind that symptoms (particularly those tied to cytokine release) can be delayed up to 4 days after eating a food (as I explained here). If you choose an elimination diet, do so with eyes wide open and read the top 10 elimination diet mistakes first.If you identify food as a major trigger and you’re committed to healing with food, it behooves you to get tested for food sensitivities and work with a professional to navigate the (often complicated) process of eliminating and reintroducing foods. I’ve had dozens of clients experience improvement (and in many cases complete resolution) of heartburn and reflux symptoms after working together.In one particularly interesting case, my client was not only reactive to a handful of otherwise benign foods (spinach, pears, rice, turmeric, just to name a few), but she was reactive to multiple ingredients in her acid-blocking medication (a food dye used in the coating, a filler made from corn, and lecithin). She had spent thousands of dollars seeing specialists and little did she know the answers to her problems were in her fridge and medicine cabinet.If you want to get to the bottom of your triggers and experience what life is like without heartburn, learn more about my program here.—Whelp – that sums up 5 hidden causes of heartburn and reflux.Like I mentioned above, this is only a small sampling of potential causes (and solutions). One that I didn’t highlight, but is worth mentioning is the effect of excess weight on heartburn.―Obesity, in particular, abdominal obesity, plays a key role in determining GERD symptoms and complications through mechanical and metabolic effects. Controlled weight loss (by diet or surgery) is effective in improving GERD symptoms.‖ (World J Gastroenterol, 2009)So, if you’re struggling with acid reflux and also know you need to lose weight, changing your diet is a win-win.。