What causes acid reflux?

By Brian Ferman

Have you experienced a burning sensation in your lower torso? Consequently it comes along equipped with a nasty or bitter flavor in the throat or perhaps mouth? Then you happen to be suffering from acid reflux disease. Acid reflux typically occurs immediately after eating or laying. The feeling could go on for several minutes or a number of hrs. Nevertheless you should not panic; gerd isn't linked to any heart disease.

Acid reflux is caused by abdomen acids. When ever you ingest, the meal that you swallow passes from the mouth area down to a pipe referred to as wind pipe or perhaps food pipe. In getting into the stomach, the food should move through within the lower part of the wind pipe, a tight muscle called the Lower esophageal sphincter (Lower esophageal sphincter). The Les helps prevent food from venturing backwards in to the esophagus. This article might discuss the diverse causes of acid reflux.

These are the different triggers of acid reflux disease:

* Beverages which include caffeine. The caffeine intake might relax the les (Les. Permitting the stomach area contents to reflux in to the esophagus.

* Chocolates. It has theobromine (it might be located in cocoa, herbal tea as well as coffee plants) which calms the esophageal sphincter muscle which enables the digestive system acid squeeze into the wind pipe.

* Greasy and Deep-fried Food. These meals slow down food digestion. It holds the food within your stomach area longer. As a result of this particular, the pressure in your stomach increases which leads in putting additional pressure on the currently weak Lower esophageal sphincter, permitting reflux items.

* Alcohol. It boosts the production of abdomen acid.

* Tobacco. Any time the chemicals from the tobacco smoke pass from the lung area into the bloodstream, it weakens the Lower esophageal sphincter (Lower esophageal sphincter).

* Big meals. A full digestive system could put extra strain on the LES (Lower esophageal sphincter), which might improve the opportunity that several of this particular food could reflux in to the wind pipe.

* Citrus Fruit as well as juices. These juices loosen up the LES (Les).

* Over eating prior to going to bed. Resting equipped with a full digestive system may cause stomach area contents to push harder up against the LES (Lower esophageal sphincter), growing the probabilities of refluxed meals.

* Putting on tight fitting apparel including super tight belt and slenderizing boxer shorts. Sporting these kinds of clothing will squeeze the stomach driving the food against the LES (Lower esophageal sphincter), and cause the food to regurgitate into the esophagus.

These types are the different causes of gerd as well as these causes might end up being avoided. We all don't have to expertise gerd. You could research the word wide web on exactly how to stop heartburn. Nevertheless, if gerd gets to be chronic subsequently it might be a symptom of a much more severe problem. It can be time to speak to your physician.

About the Author:

Brian is an expert in heartburn acid reflux and operates the extremely successful as well as favored website about symptoms of acid reflux. Go to their website right now to learn more on acid reflux symptoms and help on can tea cause heartburn.

Can Acid Reflux Really Cause a Sore Throat?

By Bob Cox

As if it's not bad enough having heartburn, people with acid reflux are also at risk for chronic sore throat. Although it may not be clear why at first, I think you'll find it makes perfect sense.

To begin with a definition, acid reflux means that acid from the stomach is backing up into the esophagus. The actual acid is HCl and as you might imagine is quite irritating to tissues that were meant to handle it such as the lining of the esophagus.

The most common symptom associated with acid reflux is a burning sensation in the chest. this is what most people mean when they say they have heartburn.

However if there's a lot of reflux, for example if somebody 80 really large meal and the stomach is very full, the acid can back up even farther. In that case people can have what amounts to an acid burn all along their esophagus and even into the back of the throat.

This is what acid reflux sore throat is all about. It's irritation in the back of the throat as result of acid from the stomach backing all the way up the esophagus. The acid can even leak into the windpipe causing lung and breathing problems.

Another indication a person might have acid reflux as a cause of their sore throat is if they also knows a metallic taste. That taste is characteristic of acid.

One surprising thing about this problem is that some people have a chronic sore throat but no heartburn or other G.I. problem to suggest reflux as to cause. Obviously that makes it more difficult to diagnose. Keep that in mind if you have a persistent sore throat that just doesn't get better.

About the Author:

You can learn more about this potentially serious complication of acid reflux at: Acid Reflux Sore Throat You can also find out about your treatment options at that site. You should definitely check out Treat Acid Reflux Now to learn more about this common health issue and what you can do about it.

Why You Get Acid Reflux and How to Stop It

By Mae Summerville

Food is normally trapped in the stomach by the lower esophageal valve after it has passed through to stop this problem. It is when the esophageal sphincter does not close after food has passed through that the stomach fluids try to escape upwards and that is why it is called acid reflux.Medical science prefers to call the condition: gastroesophageal reflux disorder. At the moment it is considered that a poor diet is the underlying reason for the acid reflux problem but not the main cause of the condition,overeating could also add to the problem and cause unnecessary stress on the stomach and its ability to process food.

It is never wise to eat large amounts at is puts a significant strain on the stomach muscles which in turn results in pressure within the gut itself.something has to give; this being the acid which returns or refluxes back up the esophagus bringing with it the very unpleasant heartburn. Since this valve protects your esophagus from your stomach acid, you need to take care this valve does not allow digested acidic food to pass back into the esophagus. This can be achieved by consuming smaller meals; the incidences of heartburn should reduce. To maintain health your digestive system needs to be healthy so requires looking after if you want to remain in good health as well.this is because the stomach is not only responsible for breaking down our food but also for preparing this food to be converted to specific nutrients that every person needs.

Using drugs and other acid reducing drugs readily available from drugstores will block the natural processes of your stomach on a temporary basis,the problem is these short term remedies can create other problems as they interfere with the natural functioning of the digestive system. It may take a while but the best solution is to make adjustments to your drinking and eating habits which may have caused the acid reflux condition,this should be done for a period of a few months to strengthen your stomach's normal processes. If you can reduce the heartburn occurrences, in time you may well be able to slowly start eating those dishes that have needed to be cut out.

Lifestyle changes extend beyond those of just eating habits as other contributing factors to acid reflux can be:

*Smoking *Food allergies *Prescription medication *Too much alcohol *Lying down after a meal

All this comes down to a lifestyle change which ultimately only you can control,the number of heartburn episodes that occur should diminish. So by watching what you eat and taking care of your health, you stand a better chance of avoiding and clearing acid reflux disorder,this is a decision which only you can make but it should not take Einstein to know what the choice should be!

About the Author:

Kelly Williams is an author and wedding planner. She has several websites that offer cheap wedding chair covers and wedding decorations.

How to Treat Acid Reflux in Baby

By Richal Peyton

If you're suspecting acid reflux in baby, be aware that the condition doesn't just occur in older children and adults. Any suspicion of stomach related problems in your baby should be screened and diagnosed by a healthcare specialist. Babies suffering from acid reflux will show just about the same symptoms as adult sufferers. However, it can be more challenging to treat babies since they don't tend to follow certain methods all the time and may need more assistance. Take the steps in this article to effectively treat your baby.

Step 1: Watch Out For Symptoms

Coughing, spitting, bloody stool and vomiting are the common symptoms of acid reflux in baby. You may also notice that your baby is irritable and feeding poorly. A lot of babies actually experience these symptoms in the first 3 months.

There are some cases however, where babies will show more severe symptoms of acid reflux that can last from 12 to 18 months. Few babies have acid reflux due to other complications. These include breathing problems, poor growth, blood loss and irritability due to pain. While these complications can also be symptoms of acid reflux, they can be caused by other disorders.

Step 2: Have Your Baby Screened And Diagnosed

What usually happens is that your doctor will analyze your baby's symptoms and do a physical exam before giving you the result. If your doctor thinks your child may have a more severe condition, then he or she may recommend other diagnostic tests. These include lab tests, esophageal pH monitoring, upper GI series, and upper endoscopy.

Step 3: Follow Recommended Treatment

You may be given various forms of treatment. You may be advised to continue breastfeeding to reduce symptoms of acid reflux in baby. You may also be asked to feed your baby smaller amounts and more frequently, as overfeeding tends to worsen the condition. You may also try thickening the baby formula and see if there is any improvement in the next 3 to 5 days, otherwise stop.

Step 4: Maintain Your Baby's Health

Most steps in treatment of acid reflux in babies are preventive measures. Because acid reflux mainly involves stomach acid and enzymes, the condition can always come back if you don't maintain your baby's overall health. Always try to relax your baby by feeding it in a quiet place, keeping pressure away from its abdomen, and not allowing it to do vigorous activities or sit in upright positions after feeding.

Also, it is best to feed your baby portions frequently. Also burp your baby during and after feeding. This way, you can free the air accumulating in your baby's stomach and therefore reduce discomfort. Ditch the old baby bottle for a new one if the hole in its nipple is too large. Make sure that the hole is just the right size so that milk will not flow too fast. It shouldn't also be so small that your baby will become frustrated and swallow more air. Finally, let your baby sleep with some elevation under its back (about 30 degrees).

With these preventive measures, you may be able to treat your baby's condition without medical treatment. Just make sure that your doctor is informed about the methods you're doing at home so he or she can monitor any improvement in your child and advise when treatment should stop.

About the Author:

Is your infant exhibiting signs of acid reflux in baby? Find out how to treat it with a natural cure for acid reflux.

The Alkaline Food To Eat With Acid Reflux

By Richal Peyton

Without realizing it, most of us tend to eat more acid-forming food and much less alkalizing food. Dairy products, meats, are just some of the food we tend to eat more. As you may notice, even most children do not like vegetables. However, it's never too late to start gaining optimum health. Being on an alkaline diet is highly beneficial, and even more for those of us suffering from acid reflux. This article will talk about what alkaline is, what alkaline food to eat with acid reflux and why it works in treating the condition.

What Does Alkaline Mean?

Any food rich in alkaline has a pH level of over 7.0. On the other hand, anything that is acidic has a pH level of below 7.0. Foods vary in nutritional value, but also vary by pH level. There are many foods that are alkaline as well as acidic. Depending on your specific needs, you may need more alkaline foods in your diet, but generally, everyone needs more alkaline foods for better health.

Why Do We Need More Alkaline Foods?

We sometimes need something to counteract the excess acids since over-acidity in the body can cause a myriad of health conditions. For those of us who suffer from acid reflux, we are even in a worse situation because we're often already predisposed to having more acid in the stomach than needed.

Although there are certain positions or activities may trigger acid reflux, but it is mainly what we eat that makes symptoms worse. Since acid reflux mainly involves acid traveling from the stomach to the esophagus, we need to keep acid levels down by eating less acidic or non-acid-forming foods.

Is There An Alkaline Diet?

You can find alkaline diet recommendations online. An alkaline diet basically means having meal plans that mainly incorporate alkaline food. Often times, alkaline diets will require you to eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, vegetable roots, nuts and legumes. Of course, everyone has different tastes in different dishes, so you may benefit from researching on recipes that cater more to your liking. You may also visit a dietician or nutritionist to discuss your preferences in a special diet.

What Are The Alkaline Foods I Can Use?

Alkaline food to eat for acid reflux would include a wide range of fruits and vegetables that are alkaline. You may have grapes, bananas, blackberries, apples, strawberries, melons, cauliflower, celery, beets, radishes, eggplants, and spinach in your special diet. As you can see, a lot of these alkaline fruits are delicious and fun to snack on. There is also a myriad of vegetables you can eat as a side dish.

This diet is not just limited to fruits and vegetables. Alkaline properties can also be found in other foods high in protein. Foods that contain alkalizing protein include fermented tofu, almonds, chestnuts, whey protein powder and tempeh.

You don't have to stay with the diet forever. The alkaline diet is fairly simple to follow once you're used to using alkaline ingredients while cooking.

About the Author:

What is the right food to eat with acid reflux and what is the right food to avoid with acid reflux? Read more.

Natural Cure For Heartburn Problems

By William Lagadyn

Heartburn is the most common symptom of gastric diseases. People usually experience heartburn at least once in a week. A rare heartburn in common, but there are people who experience heartburn frequently. Heartburn is the common symptom of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Other symptoms include but are not limited to chest pain and sour taste of mouth.

Heartburn experience may sound very much common but continuous experience is dangerous. It is better to consult the doctor and take necessary precautions. Heartburn is not only the symptom for poor indigestion but also for diseases like cancer and ulcer. Hence it is necessary to prevent heartburn than cure it.

However there are some natural remedies or cure available for heartburn problems which are been carried on from generation to generations and still staying at par than other effective remedy. The most important thing is what you intake and how much you intake as indigestion is considered to be the cause of heartburn.

A proper scheduled diet always helps to keep the digestion effective without any Sid effects. Foods are drinks usually trigger heartburn problems. Citrus fruits; Chocolate; Peppermint; Spearmint; Tomatoes; Raw onions are few examples of food stuffs which create heartburn.

Fennel Tea is the one of the natural cure for heartburn. Fennel seeds are easily available in the market or can also be ordered online. Fennel seeds are dropped in boiling water, which is the most popular remedy carried on from centuries to centuries. Smoking is not only injurious to health but also a great cause for heartburn. Nicotine is an ingredient in cigarettes that weakens the lower esophageal sphincter, a band of muscle at the end of the esophagus that closes off the esophagus and prevents the acidic stomach contents from entering the esophagus.

Peppermint is a natural way to digest the food, traditionally used natural cure for heartburn, gas and indigestion. Usually after having huge meals the stomach starts pumping our leaving all of them beyond. But, menthol relaxes the valve between the stomach and the esophagus, allowing trapped gas to escape upward as a welcome, pressure-relieving burp

There is no specific cure for heartburn. Still it can be reduced if one can carry on a peaceful mind and complete rest without any tensions. Apart from these regular workouts, yoga can help to reduce gastric and heart burn problems. The juice from the aloe Vera plant is another natural home remedy that is used to soothe an irritated esophagus. Patients suffering from heartburn should check the ingredients while taking herbs to prevent allergies through any of the ingredient.

About the Author:

Are you ready to make your life pain-free and drug-free? Then, visit the website http://www.cureyourheartburn.com to find an effective drug-free solution for heartburn, acid-reflux and digestive problems.

Acid Reflux Treatments Explained

By Jennifer King

When you get help from your doctor for your Gastro esophageal reflux disease ( GERD ) issue, they usually examine you, and in some cases, will do some further testing. When your doctor determines that Gastro esophageal reflux disease is the reason for your symptoms, the advice regularly given is to make some changes to what you eat and the way you sleep. You will always be given a prescription as well. Most doctors favorite prescription is a proton pump inhibitor that retards stomach acid production while allowing your esophagus and other tissues to get better. However, not all GERD sufferers want to take any drugs, and for many, they never seem to work. If you don't want these cures, you have the option of looking into some Gastro esophageal reflux disease homeopathy treatments to ease your suffering.

prescription drugs can work, but a lot of people worry about possible side effects, and most people don't want to take a prescription drugs that will only be a short-lived remedy before they're right back on the same prescription drug again. The difference between prescription medicine and a natural cures is that medicine is given based on the symptoms, and natural remedies are given to attack the problem from the cause The thought is that by healing the acid reflux from the cause the symptoms will disappear.

You may be seeing your health practitioner for your acid reflux, and that is a great idea. You should also consider a natural remedy for your acid reflux. There are many natural remedies attainable for your acid reflux that you can buy. These remedies treat your GERD from the root cause. They don't just neutralize your stomach acid like prescription medicines will, as this could lead to more digestive trouble later. Your stomach needs acid for many reasons, and just neutralizing it just to give relief from your GERD is not the solution.

There are times when Gastro esophageal reflux disease is aggravated by slow digestion. This means speeding things up to the normal speed at which your digestive system should usually work at. It's possible do a few things to aid in digestion, and you may discover they are all that you need. You may discover that just taking digestive enzymes relieves your GERD. This can be either by eating raw foods or taking a digestive enzyme tablet with your meals. You can try eating smaller meals, and not eating within a few hours of bed time. Doing these couple of things will help the supplements work better and will keep your stomach moving.

You could be suffering from other complications that might be a result of leaking acid that GERD natural treatments may also address. These could be ailments like a sore throat, excess gas, indigestion, and painful bloating. These problems are all treatable, and normally targeting the digestive system can eliminate them. A good naturopath knows what to do and how to do it, and will look at your current health and state of being as well as your past medical problems when selecting your treatment.

Remember that acid reflux natural treatments are not just about supplements and herbs. These remedies address the reasons of your Gastro esophageal reflux disease so then the symptoms disappear. Any prescription drug you get from your health practitioner will just cure your symptoms with the goal that the symptoms will disappear after your prescription medicine stops. If the reason for your Gastro esophageal reflux disease is still there afterwards then the symptoms will return. Many people end up on these prescription antacids for years, when addressing the reason of their Gastro esophageal reflux disease would have cured them at the first attempt. The longer the cause is left the harder it becomes to cure you.

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For more information on the causes of acid reflux visit Natural Cures For Acid Reflux You can get a unique content version of this article from the Uber Article Directory.

Natural And Alternative Ways To Deal With Acid Reflux

By Frank Robson

Some medication may help your acid reflux, but there are some that can actually make the problem worse if you stop taking them. There is a type of medication called PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitors) which inhibits the acid production.

But if you stop taking PPIs, your body responds by bouncing back and producing even more acid, a process known as rebound hypersecretion. Because of this, even if you are considering alternative methods of treating your acid reflux, it's not a good idea to suddenly stop taking PPIs.

There are several herbs that are often used as heartburn remedies. Tea made from caraway seeds, chamomile, coriander, fennel, anise, and angelica can offer relief after a meal. Spearmint and peppermint teas are also known to help. You can also get capsules containing caraway seed and peppermint oils, which some people also get good results from.

There are specialists who rely on roots and herbs. Ginger root is one herb that's used in Ayurveda, and taking it regularly can help reduce acid reflux.

Adequate fiber consumption reduces symptoms of acid reflux. Fiber easily digests the acid from the foods. Fiber also keeps you unconstipated. Fiber pills or water-soluble powders are available for those who do not enjoy raw foods.

Another major contributor to acid reflux is nicotine, so stopping smoking can help. Nicotine relaxes the esophageal sphincter, allowing fluids to "swish around" freely. Stress can also be related to smoking, which also affects your digestion.

Avoid eating citrus fruits, raw onions, ground beef, potatoes, spaghetti, alcohol, spicy foods, ice cream, cheese, coffee and tea.

Some of the other alternative treatments that people have success with include licorice, meadowsweet, some digestive enzymes such as papain, and chamomile. Even marshmallow, which together with chamomile can work as an anti-inflammatory, has helped some people with their acid reflux.

In the end, a good diet, positive changes in your lifestyle, weight control and lowering your stress level will all help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.

About the Author:

Is acid reflux keeping you up at night? Are you sick of watching what you eat at restaurants? Find out more about a simple acid reflux cure that can help rid you of your stomach problems for good. Visit http://www.refluxrenegade.com/ for more info

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.

About the Author:

Is your heartburn triggered by any of these causes of acid reflux? Learn more about what can cause reflux as well as what you can do to stop it at the Reflux Renegade website. Visit http://www.refluxrenegade.com for more helpful tips & advice.

How to Heal Your Acid Reflux

By Charlie Reese

Do Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux Really Work?

Many people are skeptical of natural remedies for acid reflux, thinking that there is no way they could work as effectively as the more conventional treatment methods that are available. This is actually a myth, and in fact, some of the natural remedies for acid reflux that are available have proven to be better than more conventional methods.

Ideas

There are some great ideas that you can choose to go with when it comes to natural remedies for acid reflux.

There are many advantages that you will receive by choosing to use natural remedies for acid reflux, including that you will not have to deal with the unfavorable and unwanted side effects that you would with other options.

A few of the best natural remedies for acid reflux include chamomile, meadowsweet, slippery elm, cancer bush, fennel, catnip, angelica root, ginger root, and aloe. Chamomile helps by relieving irritation in the esophagus, and is thought to have calming and relaxing properties. It also has the ability to reduce the amount of stomach acid and promote normal digestion.

Next to chamomile, slippery elm is the most popular of all natural remedies for acid reflux. It is such a specific remedy for helping acid reflux and similar conditions that it is really too bad doctors and hospitals do not prescribe it more.

One of the most favorable qualities of slippery elm is how quickly it works, and acid reflux sufferers can feel relief almost immediately. It is also a very safe herb so you do not have to worry as much about overuse.

Tips

There are a few things that you should keep in mind if you plan to use any natural or home remedies for your acid reflux. More than anything you need to realize that just because these herbs are helping relieve the pain you will still need to take other steps including making changes in your lifestyle in order to find a long term solution.

It is important that you eat a healthy, well balanced diet and get plenty of exercise if you want to have permanent relief of your acid reflux, and also stay away from foods that will aggravate your condition, such as tomatoes, mashed potatoes, French fries, ground beef, sour cream, cottage cheese, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, ice cream, and eggs. Also keep in mind that although herbal remedies are generally safe they are still a form of medicine and so you need to use common sense when starting on any of them.

About the Author:

Charlie Reese enjoys talking about acid reflux because its something that he has had to deal with for many years. Charlie admits that acid is uncomfortable to have in your stomach.

Surgical Treatment Options For Acid Reflux Disease

By Frank Robson

Like most other diseases, Acid Reflux disease also has some surgical solutions when all else fails.

This surgery is normally conducted only after other treatments have proven themselves to be ineffective, such as the use of prescription medicines. Surgery is also commonly performed on patients that are experiencing high levels of pain and discomfort or who bleed severely.

The standard surgical procedure that is done for Acid Reflux sufferers is called the Nissen fundoplication.

Originally, the Nissen fundoplication was a very lengthy and serious procedure that resulted in a post surgery stay at the hospital of at least one week, not to mention a ten inch scar.

In the early days of this surgery, patients often developed worsening symptoms of acid reflux and had difficulty swallowing.

Laparoscopic surgery has made great progress technologically in the past twenty-five years. Patients are now chosen for surgery in a more efficient manner, using a pathological diagnostic test. Most problems that doctors originally had to deal with when performing this surgery have been resolved.

The surgery can be compared to what you might do to prevent the contents of a room from being washed away by a typhoon or flash flood.

The Lower Esophageal Sphincter is like a door between the esophagus and the stomach. It is this sphincter muscle that is made stronger by surgery. Surrounding the sphincter with permanently attached stomach tissue provides the necessary support that the muscle needs to function properly.

Next, the hiatal hernia, or the stomach portion protruding upwards from below the diaphragm is pushed back down into place. The Hiatal hernia sac is pulled below the diaphragm and firmly attached and stitched there.. The strengthening of the Esophageal sphincter, and fixing of any possible hiatal hernia serves to reduce the overall abdominal pressure. All this essentially provides a great defense against possible backflows of gastric juice-laden food mixtures.

The esophageal passage must sometimes be cared for because of ulceration and scarring. Surgery of this sort boasts a success rate of 95% and keeps the patient from needing to take other medications to alleviate the once terrible pain of acid reflux.

About the Author:

Looking for the most effective acid reflux cure? You'll find lots of helpful information on the Reflux Renegade website. Visit http://www.refluxrenegade.com for plenty of helpful tips and information.

Is Prescription Medication For Acid Reflux The Answer?

For many acid reflux sufferers a visit to the doctors results in a prescription medication for acid reflux to treat the symptoms, however little is usually offered in the way of preventing or treating the underlying cause of why acid reflux developed in the first place.

Acid reflux medication can be very effective in dealing with symptoms however, it is usually only prescribed in short course of 4 –8 weeks. Unless the cause of the acid reflux is addressed it’s likely that there will be many more trips to the doctor in the future for a repeat prescription. Is this something you want to have to do over and over again as you go through life?

There are many people who have an aversion to taking any type of medication. Some won’t bother with a painkiller when they have a headache, and would rather let it go away on its own. Others fear what medications can do to their bodies in the long run and rarely think it is a good idea to take anything. For others, cost is an issue – repeat prescriptions can start to get rather costly. If the thought of being reliant on medication to control your acid reflux concerns you then you’ll have to find an alternative way of dealing with the issue.

If you really want to avoid taking prescription medication for acid reflux, making some simple lifestyle changes can successfully address the underlying cause of your condition. You may find it beneficial to take medication to get your reflux under control initially, especially if there is damage to the delicate esophagus lining, but implementing lifestyle changes at the same time means that you’re targeting the cause immediately.

If you are overweight, you should try to lose the excess weight. The extra weight can weigh heavily on your stomach and esophagus, especially when lying down. This can place excess pressure on the muscle at the top of the stomach (lower esophageal sphincter) that holds your stomach contents in, leaving it weakened and unable to close properly.

Plus, if you’re a smoker, you should aim to stop or at the very least cut down significantly as smoking also acts to weaken the lower esophageal sphincter muscle.

Diet also plays an important role when controlling acid reflux symptoms naturally. There are a number of common trigger foods that can bring on symptoms in most acid reflux sufferers including:

Alcohol
Chocolate
Fatty or fried foods
Spicy or rich foods
Fatty red meats
Tomatoes and tomato based sauces
Onion and garlic

When and how much you eat can also have an impact on your acid reflux symptoms and can be just as important as what you eat. Rather than having 3 large meals a day aim for 5 – 6 smaller meals and don’t rush your food. By eating smaller meals more frequently and chewing food thoroughly, you reduce the risk of developing acid reflux symptoms.

Eating your evening meal earlier can also help you avoid acid reflux or heartburn symptoms when you get into bed at night. Try to eat at least 3 hours before you go to bed to allow your food time to digest and leave your stomach.

Sleeping with the upper part of your torso elevated allows gravity to do its job and keep acid in your stomach where it belongs. Try this by either propping up your bed head with some bricks (making sure it’s sturdy) or through pillows – either purpose bought acid reflux pillows or by stacking ordinary pillows. Sleeping on your left-hand side can also help to reduce the risk of nighttime acid reflux.

These simple lifestyle steps can help you keep acid reflux at bay, however it’s important never to stop taking prescription medication for acid reflux without first consulting your physician.

Author Resource: Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker's brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter here http://www.naturally-stop-acid-reflux.com/?source=is which is overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you combat Acid Reflux and GERD.

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Understanding Acid Reflux Difficulty Swallowing

Sometimes, acid reflux is something that is a nuisance, but can be controlled with medications, changes in diet and sleep habits, or possibly by using homeopathic methods. However, when reflux has been left unchecked for some time, or when it is severe, bigger problems can occur. Sinus problems can be a complication, and some sufferers may find that they are prone to respiratory problems because of acid damage within the lungs. Even more troublesome for many is that they have, as a result of acid reflux, difficulty swallowing.

Acid that escapes the stomach and works its way up the esophagus can be very damaging to many of the tissues that it encounters. It can burn and damage the esophagus. The lungs and voice box might not fair too well, and some damage in the throat can scar over. When this scarring occurs, it may not be reversible by just treating your acid reflux. The muscles and tissues must flex for swallowing, and when scarred, they can no longer do that.

If you think you’re having difficulty swallowing as a result of acid reflux, you should make sure you see your doctor. As you can imagine, this is a serious situation that means you need medical evaluation and treatment. Difficulty swallowing can be indications of other more serious conditions and these may need to be ruled out before treatment can begin.

To determine why you’re having difficulty swallowing an endoscopy is usually carried out. This is where a tube with a small camera is inserted into your throat to see what is causing the obstruction in your throat or esophagus. That helps a doctor gauge the damage and also to see what they might have to do to fix it. Many things can happen next. In some cases, they may believe the issue will clear up on its own, and there are times the esophagus can be stretched with a special tool to loosen any tight scar tissue.

When the obstruction is severe, you may face surgery. While treatment is on-going, you may be told to eat only soft foods, to crush your mediations, and to get as many calories as you can in liquid form.

Thankfully, acid reflux difficulty swallowing is actually a very rare occurrence. When reflux is bad enough to cause such damage, it is very painful otherwise, and most seek treatment and get it under control before it becomes a problem. When you think about all of the things that the acid can do to your body, you can see why it is wise to seek help and take preventative measures. The problem of reflux can be considered just an inconvenience and not that serious in nature, but that is exactly what it can become if left untreated.

When the obstruction is severe, you may face surgery. While treatment is on-going, you may be told to eat only soft foods, to crush your mediations, and to get as many calories as you can in liquid form.

Author Resource: Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker's brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter here http://www.naturally-stop-acid-reflux.com/?source=is which is overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you combat Acid Reflux and GERD.

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Interested In A Ginger Acid Reflux Remedy?

As a sufferer of acid reflux, you may be taking pills, and you may have been taking them for a very long time. This can start to become expensive. You might even wonder what the long-term effects of taking medication might be. Acid reflux is wide spread, and there are many who simply don’t want to take another pill, and want to try natural remedies to see if they can find another way to keep symptoms under control. Many believe that a ginger acid reflux remedy is all they need to feel better each and every day.

Ginger is a natural product that you probably already have in your home, and you are probably familiar with it. You can get ginger in its whole root form or as ground ginger. Ginger is very popular in Chinese and Asian cuisine, and therefore the root is in demand. It’s a very versatile plant root and if it helps you with acid reflux, that is one more great use it can have.

You may already have had some experience with using ginger as a digestive remedy. Though not as common today, many moms used to give flat ginger ale to their children when they had an upset stomach. The ginger in the drink would calm and sooth the stomach. It was important that it was flat, because the carbonation would have the opposite affect. Many moms swore by that remedy, and many still do. Also, ginger has long been used as an effective anti-nausea treatment and pregnant women find it helpful to combat morning sickness. So if you suffer with nausea as a symptom of acid reflux ginger can help with that too.

You may find that if you add a ginger acid reflux treatment to your day, you won’t have to take your pills any longer. Some recommend that if you have at least 500 mgs of ginger with a meal you will see a reduction in your reflux symptoms or you might find relief right away. Ginger also helps with indigestion and gas, which might be the root of your reflux problem.

If you want to try something other than a ginger supplement you can make your own ginger tea. You can buy this is the store, but when you make it on your own, you can be sure it is as pure and fresh. Simply buy ginger root (you can find it in the produce section at the store), peel about half and inch, slice finely and add to hot water and steep. Once you are done, you have a lovely tea you can have before each meal to help with your indigestion and reflux problems. If the taste is not that palatable for you add a small amount of natural honey. Try Manuka honey as this has good antibacterial properties.

Another benefit of a ginger acid reflux remedy is that ginger can help your stomach work more efficiently. During digestion the walls of the stomach move, and ginger acts as a stimulant for this process. It doesn’t mean your stomach will cramp from the motions, it just means the gentle movement needed will be enhanced. This results in faster digestion, and less problems with acid, gas, and your food will not be sitting there making you feel bloated and uncomfortable. Ginger is one natural remedy that you can try without too much worry, and you should be able to tell rather quickly if this is something that is going to work for you.

Author Resource: Grab your free copy of Kathryn Whittaker's brand new Acid Reflux & GERD Newsletter here http://www.naturally-stop-acid-reflux.com/?source=is which is overflowing with easy to implement methods to help you combat Acid Reflux and GERD.

Article From High Profile Articles