Thursday, November 6, 2008

Acid Reflux: Alternative and Complementary medications.

By Frank Robson

While some leading medications work for everyone, they actually make the Acid Reflux worse after you stop taking them. In particular, when a patient takes the medications classed as Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI), they inhibit the production of acid. When these medications are discontinued, it is observed that the body responds and bounces back with more acid secretion. This is called "rebound hypersecretion," It is, thus, often advisable for people taking PPI's to avoid sudden stoppage of medication

There are some know herbs for heartburn remedies. A tea made from caraway seeds, coriander, chamomile, anise, fennel and angelica, may be taken after a meal to relieve symptoms. Teas made from peppermint and spearmint leaves are contraindicated in allopathy. Peppermint and caraway seed oils taken in capsule form for four weeks may also be beneficial.

Many experts depend on roots and herbs. In Ayurveda, the ancient Hindu art of medicine and prolonging life, ginger root is commonly used. Consuming up to 500 mgs per day may actually cause you to have fewer occurrences of acid reflux.

Symptoms may also be reduced be adding extra fiber to your diet. The acid from food is easily digested by fiber. The extra fiber has the added bonus of keeping you body regular. If you have a problem adding raw foods you have the option of taking your fiber in a pill form or as a water-soluble powder.

Stop smoking. Nicotine causes a relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, allowing fluids to swish around freely. Sometimes smoking and stress are related, and both need to be reduced, as both affect your digestion.

Citrus fruit, potatoes, Buffalo wings, ground beef, raw onions, chicken nuggets, cheese, ice cream, spaghetti, liquor and wine, coffee and tea and some salad dressings are all foods that you should avoid.

Licorice (sold in health food stores), Meadowsweet (an antacid and anti-inflammatory that helps protect the digestive tract), Papain (helps to make the digestion of food more efficient), Chamomile (aids in digestion) and marshmallow (combined with chamomile works as an anti-inflammatory) have all been used with success as natural alternatives.

Acid reflux can be treated alternatively by making some simple lifestyle changes such as maintaining a good diet and controlling your weight. Managing your stress will also be beneficial in handling this problem.

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