Burning in the throat, acidity and chest pain are the most common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, which in some cases can also be triggered by physical activity.
Also commonly said gastric reflux o gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux is a disorder caused by the temporary rise of stomach contents into the esophagus. Burning in the throat, acidity and chest pain are the most common symptoms, which in some cases can also be triggered by physical activity.
This is the conclusion reached by several studies according to which doing too much physical activity may not have negative effects on the gastrointestinal system.
In practice, those suffering from gastroesophageal reflux must be careful about the type of gymnastics to be practiced: jumps and movements that increase abdominal pressure can cause a rise in acids, while aerobic gymnastics can certainly be more tolerated.
Index
What is gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux is the completely involuntary ascent of gastric juices and much of the stomach contents along the esophagus, sometimes up to the throat.
In severe cases, “gastroesophageal reflux disease” (GERD) can develop, characterized by lesions of the esophagus wall caused by reflux.
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux
The most common symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux are:
- abdominal burning
- acid reflux
- bad digestion
- recurrent pharyngitis
- chronic laryngitis
- asthma problems
- breathing problems in the nose
The causes of gastroesophageal reflux
Reflux can be caused by a relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscular valve that opens as food passes. If the valve closes, it prevents the gastric juices present in the stomach from ascending towards the esophagus. If this is not done correctly, the juices rise.
Reflux can also be caused byacidity of saliva and smoke.
Finally, pregnant women and obese people particularly suffer from gastroesophageal reflux, due to the pressure exerted on the abdomen.
Gastroesophageal reflux and sport
If on the one hand it is generally argued that physical exercise can protect (also) from the onset of reflux and that movement can reduce the risk, on the other hand the thesis is supported according to a intense exercise could exacerbate the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Episodes of reflux appear to be associated with the length and intensity of physical activity undertaken.
Experimental studies, in fact, suggest that gastroesophageal reflux can be increased in athletes due to: decreased gastrointestinal blood flow, alterations in hormone secretion, changes in the motor function of the esophagus and ventricle and the constrained position of the body during exercise. exercise.
On the other hand, sport, especially when combined with a healthy diet, keeps body weight under control, burns excess calories and helps fight obesity, consequently reducing the risk of manifesting the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. .
The solution? Listen to your body, it has a lot more to tell you than you think. Do not underestimate the signals it sends you and always listen to the advice of a specialist before undertaking any activity.
Read also:
- Gastoesophageal reflux: an effective remedy from ultrasound?
- Gastritis: 10 natural remedies
Germana Carillo
