Desk work, characterized by prolonged sitting and constant psychological stress, is considered one of the most common causes of heartburn among office employees compared to other professions.
اضافة اعلان
According to Dr. Olga Tarasova, an associate professor at Pirogov Medical University, the reason is physiological. Sitting in a slouched position for long periods in front of a computer screen increases intra-abdominal pressure, which triggers this uncomfortable condition.
She says: "The main mechanism that protects the esophagus from aggressive stomach contents is the lower esophageal sphincter. Its tension and proper function are the foundation of our comfort after eating. However, sitting for long periods in a wrong, slouched position in front of a computer screen increases intra-abdominal pressure, so imagine the stomach as a balloon.
If we press on it from the outside (which is what happens when the abdominal cavity is compressed), the pressure inside it increases. Normally, the lower esophageal sphincter should withstand this pressure, but with continuous overloading, its muscles weaken and lose their endurance.
This leads to what is known as 'stress-induced acid reflux'—the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. This happens not because of food, but due to a sudden or chronic increase in abdominal pressure."
This effect increases proportionally with the duration of sitting; the longer you sit, the greater the pressure on the body. If excess weight is added to this (especially abdominal obesity, which often accompanies desk work), the risk of reflux increases significantly.
She says: "Understanding this mechanism helps in prevention and treatment without the need for expensive medications. Of course, lifestyle changes are necessary—quitting smoking and alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating small meals. However, for office workers, this is not enough. In addition to that, they must maintain a good posture, take regular breaks, and avoid eating in a rush."
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