The symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn can be distressing for many people and may include bloating, burning pain, breathing problems, difficulty sleeping and coughing. Given the problems that heart-burn and acid reflux related issues can cause, many people find they are not able to lead the active lives they desire and begin to look for relief. While there are pharmaceuticals and drugs available over-the-counter to treat these conditions, relief from retail solutions is usually only temporary in nature. Proton pump inhibitors and antacids typically wear off, leaving the individual still suffering. Fortunately, there are a number of drug-free, natural treatments as well as lifestyle changes that can bring about long-term relief from heartburn and acid reflux.

One of the first steps that should be taken is to stop using acid reducers and antacids. Over-the-counter products often create what is known as a feedback loop within the digestive tract that actually creates even more acid in the stomach as well as more pain. The more medicine you consume to battle acid reflux, the more medicine your body needs.

It is also important to make sure that you elevate the upper part of the body while you are sleeping. Try raising the head of your bed or use a wedge pillow if you find that you experience burning sensations or reflux while you are lying down. Another good way to help in relieving acid reflux is to make sure that you eat smaller meals on a more frequent basis. Take the time to slowly chew your food so that it becomes mixed well with saliva. This is important because saliva assists in breaking down your food, meaning less acid will be required to break down the food once it reaches your stomach. You might also consider adjusting your diet as well. Bad dietary habits and eating the wrong types of food can be major contributors in creating acid reflux and heartburn. Make it a point to include foods in your diet that are known to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.

There are also natural, healthy substances you can take that can assist with the pain related to heartburn and acid reflux. These substances include honey. Try taking just a teaspoon of honey directly by mouth. This is quite soothing and can provide almost immediate relief from the symptoms associated with acid indigestion. Make sure to use unrefined honey. In addition, there are also many herbs that are known to provide relief from heartburn. Licorice is one of these substances, known for providing a soothing sensation to the digestive tract. Another herb that may assist in naturally relieving acid reflux is basic. Simply chewing on a basil leaf can often bring about relief from heartburn pain.

There is no reason to subject your body to over-the-counter medications or to suffer from the pain of acid reflux when there are many natural and holistic methods for curing heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux. Find out more when you download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com now.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, affects millions of Americans every year, with most of them experiencing the painful symptoms at least once a month. Determining if you have acid reflux is relatively simple once you learn to recognize the symptoms of acid reflux in men.

Heartburn
The painful discomfort that moves from the stomach to the middle of the abdomen and chest can also affect the throat. While it doesn?t affect your heart, the acid indigestion that causes the pain can make you feel as if your heart is on fire.

Regurgitation
If you have ever belched and found that some stomach acid moved back up into your throat or mouth, you have experienced this uncomfortable symptom. The taste can be sour or bitter, and it may contain some of your stomach contents.

Dyspepsia
General stomach pain or discomfort is referred to as dyspepsia. Burping, bloating, overly full stomach, nausea that occurs eating and upper abdominal pain are some of the symptoms.

Dysphagia
Acid reflux will gradually damage the interior of your esophagus. As this occurs, swallowing will become more difficult and can even become painful. If you have a sore throat that won?t go away, it may actually be a damaged esophagus from acid reflux.

Nausea after eating
If you find that your stomach is upset after you eat more than 20% of the time, you should make an appointment with your doctor to determine if you have acid reflux or a more serious condition.

Serious Symptoms
There are some symptoms that can indicate serious problems and should not be ignored. These include weight loss, blood seen in vomit, stools that are tarry or maroon in color, painful swallowing, wheezing, hoarseness, chronic sore throat, nausea that lasts for several days and hiccups that never stop.

Signs that it’s a Heart Attack instead of Indigestion
If you experience any of the following symptoms you should call 9-1-1 immediately as you may have having a heart attack.

• pain that is in the neck, jaw or shoulder
• shortness of breath, even if there is no chest pain
• dizziness, nausea, lightheaded feeling
• sweating at the same time the chest is hurting

Understanding Acid Reflux
Acid reflux symptoms are most likely to strike during certain circumstances. Eating a large or heavy meal can bring them on, as can bending over or trying to lift something heavy. Lying on your back can also bring the pain on. Many people find that the symptoms are more severe at night for this reason.

Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can make the reflux worse and should be avoided. These include citrus fruits and acidic vegetables, chocolate, spicy foods, garlic, onions, tomatoes, peppermint and caffeine. Avoiding these foods may help you avoid the misery of acid reflux.

For more information on acid reflux symptoms and cures be sure to download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxrememdy.com today!

The painful symptoms of heartburn can make it hard to concentrate on anything other than the pain. Burning in the chest, pain that intensifies when you lie down and coughing are all symptoms of this condition. Triggered by drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, consuming food that is too spicy or fatty and eating certain foods can trigger the painful symptoms. Traditional medications aren’t without their own risks, but there are herbal remedies that can help alleviate the condition. Add some of these herbs to your arsenal so you can be prepared the next time heartburn sets your chest on fire.

As stomach acids move into the esophagus heartburn will occur. While medications are effective at putting out the fire after it starts, there are better treatments.

Aloe vera is great for more than external burns. Consuming it can also help ease the burning sensation in the esophagus. Taking 1 cup of aloe vera juice about twenty minutes before a meal can help ease the pain. Be sure that the juice consumed is designed specifically for internal use as aloe gel should not be consumed.

Slippery elm is another good option for easing the pain. A primary ingredient in herbal throat lozenges, it can be found in health stores. Pregnant or nursing women should not use this herb as its potential effects on the unborn child are currently unknown.

Marshmallow root tea can be made by steeping one tablespoon of the dried root in 8 oz of boiling water. Allow the root to steep for at least 10 minutes before straining the tea for consumption. Marshmallow is not safe for pregnant or nursing women and can prevent proper absorption of other medications.

Ginger root will absorb the stomach acid while also create a calm feeling. The calming effect helps it battle heartburn that results from stress and worry. Available in either capsule or tea, it’s also easy to take. It will also help ease nausea should that be a problem. Chamomile also helps ease stress and the calcium in it will help counteract the stomach acid.

Meadowsweet has a reputation for being the most effective herbal remedy for heartburn. It possesses anti-inflammatory qualities, will counteract stomach acids and can stimulate digestive activity.

Dill contains high levels of anethole, an essential oil. It can aid in digestion, reduces muscle spasms and can help make the digestive system healthier. Dill can also be used to treat the hiccups and colic. Unlike some of the other choices, dill is safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. An added bonus for mothers is that it will actually increase the levels of breast milk.

Herbal treatments will alleviate your heartburn pain safely and effectively. Some herbs also offer added benefits such as helping to soothe nerves or curing hiccups. While prescription medications and over-the-counter products may have serious side-effects, herbs do not typically pose any problems. Because some of these herbs can only be found online or in health food stores, it’s advisable to stock up on them before gastric reflux rears its ugly head again.

Download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com for more information on remedies for acid reflux today!

Chronic heartburn, or acid reflux disease, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter opens spontaneously, or does not close properly after eating or drinking, and stomach contents rise into the esophagus. Stomach acids rise along with the contents of your stomach which causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat. If you have heartburn that occurs more than twice a week or lasts for a period longer than two weeks, your doctor may diagnose you with persistent acid reflux disease.

Indigestion, or heartburn or acid reflux, causes a burning pain in the lower chest, right under and/or behind the sternum and in the middle of your abdomen. Sufferers may also find that they have a burning sensation in the back of their throat or have bouts of frequent belching. Symptoms are frequently worse at night when lying on your back because they head is in line with, or lower than, the stomach.

It?s unclear why some people suffer from acid reflux while others do not, however, there are several contributing factors that are known: obesity, pregnancy, smoking, eating just prior to bed and/or a lack of exercise. There are also foods that are known to trigger indigestion: acidic foods, spicy foods, tomato and tomato based foods, citrus fruits, chocolate, fried foods, garlic, onions, mint flavoring and any drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

Acid reflux disease can be controlled at home, many times without medication. By making a few lifestyle changes, you can prevent, or at least inhibit, your indigestion.

• Quit smoking
• Avoid foods and beverages that you know you are sensitive to
• If you are overweight, lose weight
• If you are sedentary, start exercising
• Eat smaller meals more frequently rather than larger meals less often
• Don’t wear clothes that fit tight around your waste or your abdomen
• Avoid eating at least three hours prior to bed
• Raise the head of your bed or prop yourself with pillows when you sleep

While indigestion, in itself, is not necessarily a serious condition, it can lead to serious conditions if ignored or left untreated. Complications that can occur with unresolved acid reflux include: ulcers, bleeding in the stomach lining, scarring of the esophagus, esophageal cancer. Acid reflux may also complicate conditions such as asthma and pulmonary fibrosis.

If you suspect your indigestion is more than just the occasional heartburn, the first step is to begin keeping a lifestyle journal. Write down the things you eat and drink, the times you consume them, when you sleep and when (or if) you smoke or consume alcohol. Also write down any time that you experience heartburn. After 2 to 4 weeks, go back over your journal and look for any patterns that you can see. By avoiding the foods, drinks and activities that cause your heartburn and changing your lifestyle, you may be able to rid yourself of acid reflux all together.

For more information on acid reflux and natural remedies, please download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com today!