Acid reflux is also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. GERD is an uncomfortable condition that requires careful management with strict attention to lifestyle and diet. If left unchecked, the stomach acids that cause GERD symptoms can damage the lining of the esophagus and stomach. It may eventually lead to esophageal cancer and other health problems.

GERD patients experience nearly constant heartburn and often regurgitate a small amount of acid into the throat. This can cause swallowing difficulties, persistent cough and hoarseness, and unpleasant breath. If any of these symptoms occur more than twice a week a physician should be consulted.

The exact cause of GERD is unidentified. Some contributing factors may include alcohol use, obesity, smoking, pregnancy, and the use of certain medications. There are several ways to begin treating GERD symptoms. Small lifestyle changes can mean a big improvement in the pain and discomfort of acid reflux.

Dietary modifications are usually the first line of defense for GERD patients. The ideal diet for acid reflux patients includes plenty of water and is low in processed foods, fried foods, and caffeine. Patients should stay away from acidic foods. Acidic foods include tomatoes, citrus, peppers, onions, dairy, processed meats and cheeses, and chocolate. Enjoy lean meats, garlic, yogurt, and berries in small amounts. Foods that are beneficial for GERD patients include lean fish and chicken, brown rice, whole grain breads, bananas, and apples.

Additional measures to relieve acid reflux include avoiding alcohol and smoking. Overweight patients should begin a moderate exercise program to shed pounds. Gravity can help many patients control their symptoms. Good posture facilitates proper digestive processes. Do not lie down directly after eating, and eat small meals to avoid strain on the stomach. If GERD symptoms occur at night, raise the head of the bead six to eight inches. Loose fitting clothing is also recommended.

Most GERD patients experience only mild symptoms that can be easily controlled with diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications. Although many people want to find a natural cure for GERD, medical supervision is advised. If dietary changes don?t produce the desired result, then medications can be the next line of defense. These include over-the-counter antacid products.

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Gastritis affects the digestive system significantly. Gastritis is something that affects thousands of people. When your stomach lining is inflamed, you are classified as having gastritis. Inflammation of the stomach lining may not seem significant to you if you don’t understand how crucial a healthy stomach lining is. Stomach lining is what helps you to digest the foods you eat. The lining is where the cells that produce gastric acid are located. If there is inflammation, the cells in the lining do not produce acid at the same rate. Inflammation causes the production of acid and enzymes to decreases, thus making the digestive process strained and difficult.

To fully digest food, the stomach needs to produce enough acid to break the food down into smaller particles. The breakdown of food allows the large and small intestine to extract and utilize the nutrients, proteins and minerals that are found in the food you eat. Without breaking down the food, the digestive process is interrupted. This can cause you to be unhealthy.

Causes

The cause of gastritis varies from person to person. Some people are more susceptible to developing gastritis than others. Causes may include: illegal drug abuse, taking non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, eating or drinking poison, infections, disorders, surgery, burns and injuries.

Symptoms

Some people experience symptoms of gastritis while others do not. To make sure that you don’t have gastritis, you need to consult with your doctor. Through blood and stool testing, you may be able to find out if you have it. Some symptoms of gastritis include: bleeding, ulcers, erosions, upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, blood in vomit, dark or bloody stool, loss of appetite and indigestion.

Each meal that you eat will be more painful if you don’t get treatment. Treatment for gastritis could be based on the symptoms that you are having and the type of gastritis that you have. Acute gastritis is severe and happens suddenly. Chronic gastritis is more constant. This can take place over an expansive period of time, even for your whole life in some cases. Erosive gastritis causes the least inflammation but possibly the most damage to the stomach lining. It allows stomach acid to erode the lining.

To Treat Gastritis You Should:

• Avoid taking non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. These drugs are found in several over the counter medications like Advil.
• Take Antacids. Since gastritis reduces the protective mucus between the lining and the acid, you may need an antacid to neutralize the acid. This can also reduce nausea and vomiting.
• Take Histamine 2 Blockers or Antagonist like Zantac and Pepsid.
• Take Proton Pump Inhibitors or PPIs.

Before you make a decision about a treatment plan, make sure to consult with your doctor to discuss the pros and cons of each type of medication. For more information on treatment for gastritis, review The Reflux Remedy Report to get all of your questions answered.

Acid reflux disorder is a condition that can occur when you have a lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that does not operate as it should. The LES is a crucial component of the digestive system. Food that is headed to your stomach when you eat has to pass the LES to enter the stomach for digestion. The LES serves as a muscular ring at the end of the esophagus, right next to the diaphragm and stomach opening. For food morsels to get to the stomach, the LES has to open. Usually, the LES closes after each portion of food goes to the stomach. If your LES is weak, it does not close tightly enough to prevent stomach acids from getting into your esophagus.

Stomach acid is the last thing you want near your esophagus. Stomach acid is used to digest foods. The digestive process may begin in your mouth, but it is in the stomach that most of the work takes place. Gastric acids help to break down foods into smaller particles so that the intestines can absorb and distribute the proteins and minerals that are essential for your body. The acidity of stomach acid is very high and it can only be tolerated in the stomach. The stomach wall and lining is equipped to handle the corrosive nature of stomach acid.

Once stomach acid gains access to your esophagus there can be a problem. The esophagus doesn’t have the same protective lining that the stomach has. When acid that comes from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, this is called acid reflux disorder. Acid reflux disorder can be a challenge for many people. By being more aware of acid reflux you will be able to identify the causes, signs and treatment options.

Causes: The cause of acid reflux may stem from other conditions: being pregnant, obese, having a hiatal hernia or diabetes can contribute to acid reflux disorder. These conditions change the dynamics of the body, especially the stomach. When pressure is added to the stomach, there is a shift of the stomach. When food is digested irregularly, this can trigger acid reflux. Food is a big factor. Eating foods just before bed, lifting heavy objects or eating fatty foods can put you at risk for acid reflux disorder.

Signs: Symptoms of acid reflux disorder include heartburn, nausea, regurgitating food, chest pain, dysphagia, burping and an awful bitter taste in the mouth. Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux disorder and can cause you to experience a burning feeling in your chest and throat. Signs in children may include respiratory problems that include a chronic cough, wheezing and asthma-like symptoms.

Treatment: Holistic remedies for acid reflux are highly suggested as a method of controlling symptoms. Drinking aloe juice, lots of water, and eating papaya will reduce the production of gastric acid in the stomach. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, eating less fattening meals and reducing alcohol intake are great techniques. Remember that effective treatment varies for each individual.

For more information on acid reflux disorder, review The Reflux Remedy Report to get all of your questions answered.

Sufferers from acid reflux disease will be the first to tell you that this condition is no piece of cake. Acid reflux can have a great effect on your social life, your work life and ultimately your livelihood. How inconvenient is it for food (an imperative source for life) to be seen as something to be feared. Many sufferers of acid reflux feel cursed at the very heart of the condition. Eating can cause pain and discomfort, but not eating can cause sufferers their lives. At first glance it appears to be a lose/lose situation. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be.

A little background on acid reflux: acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a disease that allows the acids and enzymes in your stomach which are used to break down foods to escape the stomach making way to the esophagus where it causes a burn known as heartburn. The acids making way to the esophagus is an indicator that the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a ring of muscle at the entrance of the stomach isn’t closing all the way or is opening too often allowing the acid to escape. If this happens two or more times a week you are likely suffering from acid reflux disease.

Though it is a great inconvenience, to say the very least, acid reflux doesn’t have to be the end of the world. In fact, you can be a sufferer of acid reflux disease yet still live a healthy and happy life.

First you want to start by eliminate those things that may be acid reflux triggers. A huge trigger for acid reflux as well as other diseases is stress. Try to eliminate the stresses in your life as much as you can. Also, you may want to monitor your eating habits. Try eating smaller meals several times a day as opposed to taking on large meals. Large meals send the body into overdrive as the acids in the stomach attempt to break these meals down for proper digestion. Drink less carbonated drinks and opt instead for water. Water does an awesome job at aiding with digestion while stabilizing stomach acids.

Once you eliminate your acid reflux triggers you should experience a noticeable improvement in the condition. If there are lingering symptoms here are a few home remedies you may want to consider trying:

• Baking Soda: Baking soda is a great natural antacid. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a glass of water. The water should begin to fizzle. Drink that water down as it fizzles for instant relief.
• Fennel seed: Take half a teaspoon of Fennel seeds and slowly chew the seeds after your meals. Fennel seeds contain Anethole which is known to suppress spasms of the stomach.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar is a good acid that helps to suppress the acid buildup in the stomach. Simply add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink the concoction while eating your dinner.

Looking for a few more home remedies? Visit refluxremedy.com today!