Why is sleeping on the left side recommended for managing acid reflux symptoms?
Answer
The stomach is situated to the left of the esophagus, aiding gravity
The recommendation to sleep on the left side is based purely on anatomical positioning relative to gravity. In the body, the stomach is located to the left side of where the esophagus enters it. When an individual lies on their left side, gravity assists the digestive process by keeping the stomach contents lower than the esophageal entrance, thereby reducing the likelihood of acid reflux occurring. Conversely, positioning on the right side may cause the stomach to press more directly against the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing pressure and making reflux episodes more probable.
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