Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or commonly known as GERD, is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter. The sphincter is the ring that is between the stomach and esophagus. GERD can essentially be looked at as the return of the contents of the stomach to into the esophagus (Falk, 2014). When it comes to normal digestion, the lower esophageal sphincter is in place to allow food to pass into the stomach in order to be digested. It also closes to prevent food and acid from going back into the esophagus as well. If the sphincter is weak in any form or fashion or relaxes, it can and more than likely will allow the stomach’s contents to return and cause problems in the esophagus.
