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Postprandial gastroesophageal reflux could be caused, in part, by transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations, but a specific source of the refluxate has not been identified. Eating causes intragastric pH to rise because of the buffering effect of food; the postprandial refluxate, however, is very acidic. Researchers in Scotland reported that an “acid pocket” — a small area of unbuffered acid in the gastric cardia — was evident during postprandial periods (Gastroenterology 2001; 121:775). Now, in an industry-supported study, the same research group has defined the location of the acid pocket in healthy controls and has compared the acid pockets in healthy controls to those in patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Fasting…