Posts Tagged ‘acid reflux’
There are a few options available when finding an acid reflux treatment, including making use of medications that are readily available without a prescription and natural remedies. Herbal remedies are also definitely worth trying. You can try natural acid reflux treatments as they have become a lot more popular and proven to work and provide relief.
Making Changes and Acid Reflux Treatment Choices
Acid reflux treatment will vary from person to person, so you cannot expect to find a one size fits all treatment. Symptoms are different for every person and acid reflux varies in degrees of severity. A person’s condition can influence their choice of acid reflux treatment and making changes to one’s lifestyle is a common treatment option that every person suffering from acid reflux must use.
For your acid reflux treatment to be effective, it is necessary to make a commitment that you are ready to make changes to your lifestyle that includes altering your diet. Avoid foods that trigger an attack of acid reflux and include weight reducing foods. You need to avoid alcohol, fatty foods, caffeine, overeating and give up smoking.
Acid reflux symptoms affect most people at night when they are trying to sleep. However, there is suitable acid reflux treatment available to help you overcome this problem and by raising your body about eight inches and sleeping in this position can prevent reflux. You can consider a heartburn pillow as an alternative and suitable solution.
Prescription medications often form part of a patient’s acid reflux treatment regimen and if they are suffering from severe cases of acid reflux then medications may prove to be the best option. Antacids are useful in the treatment of acid reflux and will reduce the acid levels in the stomach, helping to prevent the problem.
Natural Acid Reflux Treatments
You can get suitable relief from the symptoms with a few simple natural acid reflux remedies. If you can find a few good home remedies you will be surprised how effective these can be and of course they will be safe and are very inexpensive as well.
There are actions you can take to gain control in your life and relieve and prevent heartburn and reflux pain. A stop acid reflux now review will provide you with other people’s natural solutions to the same problem you are experiencing. So making those necessary lifestyle changes and knowing what your causes and symptoms are will allow you to finally cure acid reflux.
Acid reflux is a common health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. It is regurgitation of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. Reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which remains tightly closed and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the lower esophageal sphincter becomes faulty acid reflux will result. This is called GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.
Is it possible to cure your acid reflux? If it is due to true LES incompetence, then there is no cure. In LES incompetence, you need maintenance acid suppressant treatment such as omeprazole, or if very severe or you develop secondary problems then surgical treatment such as fundoplication will relieve your symptoms.
However, the effeciency of the LES can be affected by several factors. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on GERD before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. Sometimes all you need is a change of lifestyle.
A contributory cause of acid reflux is obesity. This is especially so in the apple type distribution of weight. The extra weight increases bulk in the upper abdomen and makes it difficult for the esophagus to discharge food effectively into the stomach. In addition hiatus hernia is more common in obese individuals. A hiatus hernia can weaken the LES. An important aspect of acid reflux treatment is losing weight.
Acid reflux can be caused by wearing tight fitting clothes especially if it is two sizes too small. The increased pressure on the stomach may force acid back up into the esophagus. Wear loose clothes and your reflux symptoms may go away.
Large volume of food in the stomach will put pressure on the LES and can cause acid reflux. It has happened to us all at some time or other. Gastric clearance time is also increased by large volume allowing more opportunity for reflux. Eating smaller portions more frequently will counter this problem.
Certain foods can affect GERD. Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis is an inflammation caused by cow’s milk intolerance. Removing cow’s milk protein from your diet will control this. Other foods such as fats, coffee, alcohol, tea and some spices can affect the lower esophageal sphincter.
The lower esophageal sphincter can be affected by some drugs and result in acid reflux. These drugs include broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease.
GERD symptoms are affected by female hormones. In a Scandinavian Study, women on hormones had increased risk of GERD. These drugs include the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The peristaltic waves in the esophagus can be slowed down by sedatives and tranquillisers and can affect clearance of food from the esophagus.
If you have GERD and you are on medication, opt for liquid medication. Tetracycline and certain other drugs are corrosive to the esophageal lining. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can get stuck in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water after medication to wash it down. Avoid taking medication while lying down. GERD patients should always take medication sitting up or standing and avoid lying down immediately after.
Nicotine in corrosive to the esophageal lining and also relaxes the LES. Acid Reflux symptoms improve when you give up smoking.
Certain exercises have been shown to increase the risk of acid reflux. This is the case in competitive weightlifting and cycling. GERD symptoms can develop in joggers.
If you have acid reflux symptoms, look at all the potential risk factors and eliminate them. If by doing so, your symptoms disappear, you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.