GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is a chronic condition that causes extreme pain and discomfort. Also referred to as acid reflux, this painful condition occurs when stomach acid or bile flows back into the esophagus, resulting in an irritating and burning sensation. With severe cases, it can actually interfere with your everyday activities, including eating and sleeping.

Causes of Acid Reflux:
The esophageal sphincter, responsible for allowing food and liquids to travel downward into the stomach, can become weak or excessively relaxed over time. In infants, this muscle may not be fully developed when they are born. A weakened, underdeveloped, or abnormally relaxed esophageal sphincter is the primary cause of acid reflux.

Risk Factors:
The following conditions can put your more at risk for suffering from acid reflux: obesity, hiatal hernia, smoking, asthma, diabetes, and pregnancy.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux:
Common symptoms include heartburn that can be felt throughout the chest and sometimes even up into the throat. It often leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Chest pain may accompany the burning. There may be a feeling of a lump in the throat along with soreness, a dry cough, and trouble swallowing. Regurgitation is another common symptom.

Acid Reflux Medicines:
There are several different types of medicines used to treat acid reflux. Each type targets the acid in a different location, thereby causing differing chemical reactions.

Proton pump inhibitors are among the most popular and effective medications for treating reflux. They work by reducing the production of gastric acid. Some of the most common proton pump inhibitors are Aciphex, Dexilant, Kapidex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, Protonix, and Zegerid. Extended use of proton pump inhibitors posed an increased risk of bone fractures.

The second group of reflux medication is called H2-receptor antagonists. They suppress stomach acid secretions by blocking Histamine2, a naturally occurring chemical that signals the stomach to produce acid. Parietal cells, found in the lining of the stomach, are responsible for making acid. Common H2-receptor antagonists include Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac. Possible side effects include fatigue, headaches, diarrhea, constipation, and a rash.

H2-receptor antagonists block the stimuli that results in acid production while proton pump inhibitors block acid secretion in the stomach by shutting down proton pumps. Proton pump inhibitors require more time to take effect but tend to last longer whereas H2-receptor antagonists have an instant effect but typically work up to 12 hours.

Antacids are a common over-the-counter remedy used to neutralize stomach acid by increasing the pH level of the stomach. If taken too frequently, they could lead to a sharp increase in calcium output in the urine, leading to kidney stones. Additionally, they may reduce the absorption and potency of other medicines. Popular antacids include Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Tums.

Natural Remedies:
Insert a wedge under your mattress to help keep the stomach acid down. You can also try sleeping elevated on several pillows. Try eating an apple every night after supper to reduce symptoms.

Aim to eat more low fat and high fiber foods, including as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Limit your intake of dairy products and try to avoid extremely spicy food. Eat slowly, carefully and thoroughly chewing each and every bite. Be sure to give your stomach plenty of time to empty before bedtime.

To find out more about the causes and cures for acid reflux disease, be sure to visit Reflux Remedy at refluxremedy.com today.

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, can be painful, troublesome and embarrassing. Some of the symptoms include the distinctive burning sensation in the chest, coughing and belching. You might be treating the problem by chewing antacids by the fistful or taking prescribed medications, which can get expensive. Did you know that you can actually reduce acid reflux with the food you choose?

Acid reflux is caused when the muscle at the top of the stomach doesn’t work properly and stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. The acid then eats away at the lining of the esophagus, causing the burning sensation. Over time, the reflux can cause severe damage to the esophagus and can even lead to esophageal cancer.

While some foods, such as tomatoes, chocolate and caffeinated beverages can make acid reflux and heartburn substantially worse, other foods can actually reduce reflux and help ease the symptoms.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal can help ease the discomfort of acid reflux and makes a great breakfast or even a snack. One of the benefits of oatmeal is that it can actually help absorb the excess acid. Instead of popping an antacid, try eating a bowl of oatmeal instead.

Salad

Salad is good for you on a number of levels, but it’s especially good if you have acid reflux. The fiber in the salad can help your digestive system work better, reducing reflux symptoms. Be sure to avoid tomatoes or onions, and don’t add cheese. A small amount of an acidic dressing is okay, but don’t go overboard. Keep dressing to one tablespoonful or less.

Chicken

To add protein to your diet, chicken is a great choice. You can eat it baked, grilled or broiled, but don’t fry it. You should also remove the skin, as it is high in fat, which can increase acid reflux symptoms. Adding grilled chicken to a salad makes a great dinner for someone who is having trouble with acid reflux.

Fish and other seafood

Fish is another excellent protein to add to your diet to help reduce reflux. Although it can be higher in fat, it’s high in the type of fat your body needs — omega-3 fatty acids. Try to stick with wild-caught, rather than farm raised. Like chicken, broil, grill or bake your fish and don’t add creamy sauces to it. Other seafood, like shrimp, lobster and shellfish are also good.

Parsley

Although parsley makes a lovely garnish, it’s also recognized as an herb that can help with stomach irritation. Add fresh parsley to your soups, salads and other foods and be sure to eat it!

Couscous

Complex carbohydrates are great foods to help with acid reflux. They can help absorb the acid and they are high in fiber. Add these to your meals to prevent post-meal reflux and indigestions.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the all-time best foods to eat to help with indigestion. Although it can also be taken as a capsule, adding it to foods in its whole form is extremely helpful. Seasoning your fish with ginger before grilling it and serving it with a side of couscous or bulgur wheat makes a filling meal that will help ease acid reflux.

For more information on the foods that help to reduce acid reflux, be sure to visit Reflux Remedy at refluxremedy.com today!

Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common condition that affects millions of people. The disease is characterized by a feeling of burning within the chest and throat. In this condition, stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, primarily within the lower esophageal sphincter.

While the backup of stomach acid is the primary cause, there are certain conditions which place individuals at an increased risk of developing acid reflux. These risk factors including being overweight, having diabetes, smoking, pregnancy, and having a hiatal hernia. While the symptoms of acid reflux can be difficult to manage, there are several all-natural treatments that can be implemented into a person’s lifestyle, which will aid in the treatment and management of acid reflux.

Healthy Weight Management

Since one of the contributing factors for acid reflux is being overweight, maintaining weight within a healthy range is a lifestyle change that can help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can cause pressure around the stomach area and result in the release of acid into the lower esophageal sphincter. Devising a weight loss plan to gradually lose weight will help a person manage and reduce their acid reflux symptoms.

Dietary Changes

Since certain foods will only worsen acid reflux, making the correct dietary changes will result in effective control of acid reflux. Foods that have a high fat content or that have been fried should be avoided in people who have acid reflux. Certain drinks, such as those containing alcohol or caffeine should be consumed in moderation or avoided completely in people who have acid reflux.

Foods or juices that are acidic should also be avoided if possible. This includes tomatoes, lemons, orange juice, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice. The high acid content in these items will result in worsened acid reflux symptoms. Other foods to avoid or consumed in moderation include chocolate, onions, peppermint, garlic and ice cream.

Type of Clothing

For people who suffer from chronic acid reflux, wearing clothing that is loose may help provide relief from symptoms. Wearing clothing that is tight, especially around the abdomen, puts an extreme amount of pressure on the stomach which can result in a backup of acid into the esophagus.

Home Remedies

Home remedies that feature all-natural ingredients can also be effective in reducing the symptoms associated with acid reflux. Glutamine is an amino acid that is commonly found in a variety of foods such as chicken, beef, eggs and fish. Since glutamine helps to reduce inflammation, it may be helpful in reducing the symptoms of acid reflux. Other all-natural remedies for acid reflux include aloe vera juice, apple cider vinegar, licorice and chamomile tea.

When considering all-natural remedies for the treatment of acid reflux, there are many options available. While it may be a trial-and-error process when first beginning a more holistic treatment approach, it is possible to find a treatment plan that will be effective for each individual. For more information on acid reflux and how to find additional all-natural treatments, please download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxrememdy.com today!

Many who suffer from acid reflux spend days and nights trying ways to cure the digestive disorder. Acid reflux occurs when the stomach acids and enzymes escape the stomach and end up in the esophagus where a burning of the chest ensues. Sufferers of acid reflux often complain of a vast range of discomfort ranging from mild to debilitating.

A few symptoms of acid reflux can include but are not limited to:

• Regurgitating food from the esophagus into the mouth: This is one of the most uncomfortable symptoms as it often renders acid reflux sufferers afraid to eat out in public or amongst company. Many sufferers associate this symptom with a ticking time bomb affect. After ingesting food it seems as if any minute the food will make its way back up causing for an uncomfortable physical and social situation.
• Heartburn: Heartburn is generally experienced as a burning sensation in the chest. There have even been those instances when heartburn can be mistaken for a heart attack. This heartburn can travel down into the stomach causing a discomfort in the entire chest and lower abdomen.
• Stabbing pain: There is no one way that the pain from acid reflux registers in the body. While many have described the pain as an increasing burning sensation there are those cases when the pain stabs and is abrupt and instant.
• Trouble swallowing: Eating and drinking can become an inconvenience while suffering with acid reflux. Often times there may seem to be something blocking the flow of food and drinks into the body. It seems that when eating and drinking that there is a block in the throat simulating a lump that is stopping access.
• Teeth and gum erosion: Erosion of the teeth and gums can be more common if the acid reflux is ongoing or long term. The acid that escapes the stomach is hazardous and toxic enough to break down the structuring of the teeth and gums.

There are several treatment options for acid reflux. The key is to find the remedy that works for you. The most common way to find the perfect acid reflux remedy for your need is through trial and error. Here are a few suggestions that may be of help:

• Drink lots of water: Water is known to neutralize the acids in your stomach. Drink water before and after meals to reduce the amount of acid used for digestion.
• Eat small meals several times a day: The key is to avoid a hyperactive digestion. Small meals mean less work for the digestive system. Larger meals at once can kick the stomach into an unnecessary overdrive that can often result in acid reflux.
• Avoid trigger foods: Try keeping a food log. Take note of the foods that tend to cause acid reflux after consumption. Stand clear of these foods at all cost. Eat foods that are healthy and have less hazardous affects.
• Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera juice can decrease esophagus irritation while neutralizing stomach acids. There are several health benefits to drinking aloe vera juice so try implementing this into your daily diet.

These are just a few of several acid reflux treatments. For more information visit refluxremedy.com today!