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!

Esophageal reflux, also known as GERD, is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The symptoms of esophageal reflux vary, but the most common symptoms include heartburn, indigestion, regurgitation, or dysphagia (trouble swallowing). The heartburn is sometimes confused with a heart attack because the pain is located in the epigastic and chest area. However, unlike a heart attack, heartburn feels more like a gradual burn and irritating feeling, while a heart attack is more of a crushing, smothering feeling. The indigestion that comes with esophageal reflux typically comes after a meal, especially a large or heavy one, and leaves an unpleasant feeling inside the esophagus and abdomen. Regurgitation, or the expulsion of food from the mouth, is also common. However, this should not be associated with vomiting. Whereas vomiting is a forceful expulsion of food, the regurgitation from esophageal reflux may be tiny bits of food or hardened bits of white smelly material that can be quickly swallowed back in, leaving a bitter aftertaste. The dysphagia that comes with esophageal reflux is due to stomach acid irritating the esophagus. Sometimes, dysphagia is also a serious sign of complications of esophageal reflux that must be handled immediately.

Other symptoms seen with esophageal reflux include nausea, vomiting, odynophagia (pain with swallowing), and water brash. Water brash is the sour taste in the back of the mouth after a burp or a bout of heartburn that causes increased salivation and acid refluxing into the oropharynx. The sour taste comes from the stomach acid brought upwards. The nausea and vomiting come from irritation of the upper gastrointestinal tract from stomach acid. If the acid reflux is severe enough, it can Some less obvious symptoms tied to esophageal reflux include chronic cough, continual throat clearing, hoarseness, asthma (from acid damaging the lining of the bronchial airways), and erosion of dental enamel. All of these symptoms are secondary to damage from stomach acid. If these symptoms are present, immediate medical attention is warranted.

More serious but rarer symptoms that can be caused by esophageal reflux include cancer-mimicking symptoms such as lack of hunger, wasting away, dysphagia, and dark tarry stools. Usually these symptoms occur after years of untreated esophageal reflux. These symptoms indicate that the esophageal reflux has damaged the upper gastrointestinal tract enough to cause cancer. The continual cycle of stomach acid damaging the esophageal linings and the cells healing themselves can trigger dysplasia in cells later in life and eventually cause cancer.

These symptoms can be treated initially without medical management. Simple lifestyle changes such as sleeping with the upper half of the bed elevated, eating smaller meals, avoiding acidic and heavy foods, and losing weight can provide relief of these symptoms. In addition, cessation of smoking also helps relieve these symptoms. If such lifestyle changes do not help much, medications may be needed to help manage esophageal reflux. Luckily, there are many medications on the market now that can be used to treat esophageal reflux. Some can be obtained over the counter while others require a physician’s prescription. For more information on the causes and cures for esophageal reflux be sure to visit Reflux Remedy at refluxremedy.com today!

Over 60 million Americans suffer from esophageal reflux disease according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Sufferers of esophageal reflux disease, also referred to as acid reflux, describe the feeling as an extreme tightness, a burning sensation, or an explosion in the chest. Esophageal reflux disease is a result of a backup of acids from the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) into the esophagus, a 25 centimeter long passageway between the throat and the stomach. Because the esophagus is not equipped with the acid-resistant lining of the stomach, massive heartburn is felt upon acid reflux or backflow. The symptoms, causes, and treatment of esophageal reflux disease are detailed.

Symptoms

The physiological symptoms of esophageal reflux disease are described as follows:

• Heartburn that exceeds two days
• Stomachache
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Persistent coughing, wheezing, or choking
• Hoarseness
• Regurgitation of food or bitter liquid when lying down or bending

Causes/Factor
The main cause of esophageal reflux disease is a weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a valve between the esophagus and stomach that opens as food and liquid travel into the stomach. One factor that causes the LES to weaken is the excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages. Other factors linked to esophageal reflux disease include the following:

• Pregnancy, wherein a woman’s body experiences hormonal changes and abdominal pressure
• Obesity
• Lying down after meals
• Alcoholism
• Smoking

For more information on esophageal reflux disease and cures be sure to check out Reflux Remedy at refluxremedy.com today!

Esophagitis refers to any kind of swelling, inflammation or irritation of the esophagus, regardless of the source. An episode of esophagitis can have symptoms that include difficult or painful swallowing, heartburn or a sore throat.

A number of different causes can be behind an episode of esophagitis, including:

• Gastroesophageal reflux, or GERD
• Eosinophilic esophagitis, an autoimmune disorder
• Excessive use of alcohol
• Smoking
• Chest surgery, including treatments for lung cancer
• Some medications
• Frequent vomiting, as is found in conditions like bulimia
• Candida infections

If esophagitis is left untreated, it could lead to ulceration of the esophagus or even cancer. If the source of the esophagitis is identified, often the treatment is as simple as removing the cause.

Treating Esophagitis

Acid reflux can be treated in a variety of methods, including taking over-the-counter antacids or prescription medications. Changing eating habits can also help ease the symptoms of acid reflux.

If esophagitis is caused by alcohol consumption or smoking, it may be time to discuss these habits with your doctor. Addictions can be difficult to treat, but they are never impossible. Your doctor can help you set up a program to treat your addictions and prevent further damage to your esophagus.

Certain medications, such as Fosamax and other osteoporosis medications, ibuprofen, aspirin and even vitamin C can be rough on your esophagus. Taking these medications with plenty of water and not laying down immediately after taking them can help ease the discomfort. If you are taking Fosamax, follow your doctor’s directions carefully, as they are quite specific to help prevent esophagitis.

If your esophagitis is caused by an infection, like candida, treating the infection will treat the esophagitis.

For serious conditions like esophagitis caused by cancer treatment, bulimia or eosinophilic esophagitis, have a frank discussion with your doctor and follow your treatment program carefully.

Natural Esophagitis Treatments

A number of natural remedies are available to help ease the pain and discomfort of esophagitis. It is important to note that these remedies will not heal or cure the conditions that may be causing your esophagitis. They are primarily useful for easing the symptoms until the underlying condition is successfully treated.

• Drinking a single glass of cold milk can provide relief from esophagitis symptoms.
• Steep ginger tea using loose tea or teabags found in the natural foods section of your local market. Add honey to the tea and allow it to cool. Drink it lukewarm or iced for the best results.
• Eating yogurt every day can help to treat many throat infections, and is especially helpful if your esophagitis is caused by a candida infection.

Changing some of your eating habits can also provide you with relief from esophagitis symptoms. Eating several small meals a day, instead of three large ones can help treat your esophagitis, especially if acid reflux is the culprit. Chew your food thoroughly and take smaller bites. If you are having an acute flare, stick with soft foods like puddings, applesauce and cold soups and avoid spicy foods.

For more information on esophagitis treatment of for information on preventative care be sure to contact Reflux Remedy at refluxremedy.com today!