How do carbonated or fizzy drinks contribute to reflux episodes?
Answer
The carbonation introduces gas, increasing stomach pressure that pushes acid past the LES
Fizzy beverages, such as sodas or carbonated water, are flagged as potential reflux triggers not because they inherently cause the stomach to produce more acid, but due to the physical introduction of gas. The process of carbonation introduces a significant volume of gas into the stomach. This added volume increases the internal pressure within the stomach cavity. When the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is already relaxed due to pregnancy hormones, this heightened internal pressure physically forces the stomach contents, including acid, upward past the weakened valve barrier and into the esophagus.
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