Q Lower Oesophageal Sphincter?
Competency of LES (Lower Oesophageal Sphincter) is important. The pressure of this sphincter is controlled by many factors, one of which is hormonal. LES decreases during pregnancy, in women on oral contraceptive and late stage of menstrual cycle. Other factors may include overweight, hiatus hernia, tight clothing, H. pylori bacteria, aid excessive use of drugs like aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Certain foods like fatty meals, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, spicy food, citrus juices lower the sphincter pressure (also hormone mediated).