A band of muscle around the bottom of the esophagus where it meets the stomach. The LES opens after a person swallows to let food enter the stomach and then immediately closes to prevent regurgitation of the stomach contents, including gastric acid. It then maintains this pressure barrier until food is swallowed again. Also: LES

	Gastric Reflux Disease Related Topic "...GERD develops as a result of relaxations of the transient lower esophageal sphincter..." Heartburn / GERD / Acid Reflux The Condition "Heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is a digestive disorder that affects the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) - the muscle connecting the esophagus with the stomach..." Our Question about asthma "...Certain asthmatic drugs that dilate the airways may relax the LES and contribute to GERD..." Recommendation Tobacco Avoidance "Studies show that cigarette smoking relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)..." Hiatal Hernia Recommendation Increased Water Consumption "...This gives the stomach extra weight which may pull it downward and allow better closure of the lower esophageal sphincter..." Lactoferrin As A Treatment "...Lactoferrin is considered a multi-tasking protein, playing several biological rôles..."

Last updated: May 10, 2007