July 7, 2011
Stress And Acid Reflux
As of right now, researchers are unsure of the exact link between stress and acid reflux. However, there is truth to the statement that stress can cause acid reflux. While the exact relationship between stress and acid reflux is unknown, there are several different factors that can cause a relationship between the two. Those individuals who tend to stress will typically consume comfort foods. These comfort foods are usually foods that are not particularly healthy choices. In many cases, comfort food includes greasy and fried foods. Foods that are greasy will usually cause acid reflux.
For some people, smoking cigarettes is a way to relieve stress. Smoking is very well known to cause acid reflux in individuals. When an individual is stressed, it takes longer for their stomach to digest the food that they have consumed throughout the day. When food takes a while to digest in the stomach, it remains in the stomach much longer than usual. When that food is not properly digested, acid reflux may occur.
It has been proven that stress can alter the habits of an individual. This individual may end up eating more, smoking more, and not taking proper care of themselves. The individual may also end up consuming alcohol which can also cause acid reflux in some people. The fact that stress alters the habit of someone is another way that stress related to acid reflux in an indirect way. In a way, much of the research that has been done to prove the relationship between acid reflux and stress shows that it is not the stress that is directly related to the acid reflux. Instead, it is more so the types of things people do while stressed that tend to cause the acid reflux.
A person who may be suffering from acid reflux caused indirectly by stress should take time to consider what it is in their life that is causing the stress. There are so many different reasons why someone may feel stressed. Whether it is work, school, relationships, or other situations, the individual will need to find productive ways to help reduce the stress in order to also reduce the acid reflux. There are several methods to relieving stress that do not involve smoking or overeating unhealthy foods.
While it is best to avoid stress altogether, that is not always possible. There is always some sort of stressful situations that can and will arise throughout life. One beneficial way to relieve that unwanted stress is through exercise. Exercising for just one hour a day is not only a great way to relieve the stress, it is also good for the health of an individual. Meditation has also been practiced and used as a means of reducing stress by many different people. By reducing the stress with various healthier methods, the individual is much less likely to suffer from acid reflux because they will no longer be using unhealthy methods to cope with their stress. For more information on stress relief and acid reflux feel free to download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com today!
Filed under Acid Reflux by admin
Acid reflux, which is also known as heartburn, occurs when the stomach acids come back up into the esophagus, creating feelings of burning or pain. In general, occasional acid reflux is normal and usually the result of eating something such as spicy foods. For some individuals, acid reflux becomes persistent and is diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.
Unfortunately, individuals who suffer from acid reflux at night experience not only the normal pain associated with heartburn, but also potentially damaging effects from the acid. Losing sleep is a common occurrence, but it is not the only symptom of night time GERD.
At night the body is relaxed, which also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. When the LES relaxes, acid reflux is more likely to occur. Unfortunately, during sleep the symptoms of acid reflux are not noticed immediately and the esophagus is more damaged as acid sits longer. The body will not swallow like it does naturally during daytime symptoms.
Another potential hazard of nighttime acid reflux is choking. Since the acid is in the esophagus instead of the stomach, it is possible to breathe the acid into the lungs. The result is both immediate choking and damage to the lungs.
Fortunately, it is possible to minimize or stop night time acid reflux through all-natural and simple methods.
Start with adjusting meals. Instead of eating a large meal at dinner, eat your largest meal at lunch and make a light dinner. Less food in the stomach results in lower acid production at night. Timing is the other consideration for night time meals. Eat dinner no later than three hours before bed. If you eat earlier than three hours before bed and want a snack, eat the snack no later than three hours before bed instead. Allowing three hours before bed provides time for the food to move past the stomach and the acid levels are lower, resulting in less acid reflux at night.
Another consideration is the way you sleep. Individuals who suffer from GERD or nighttime acid reflux should sleep on an incline rather than sleeping flat. For example, put bricks or blocks under the head of the bed or purchase a wedge-shaped, sturdy pillow that lifts the head up. Sleeping on an incline uses gravity to keep the stomach acid in the stomach.
Anyone who suffers from acid reflux should avoid foods that trigger the symptoms. While exact foods vary by individual, common foods that cause acid reflux include spicy foods, citrus fruits, coffee, alcohol, onions and some meats.
Wear loose-fitting night wear. While sleeping, tight clothes put pressure on the stomach and cause acid reflux when the muscles relax. Wearing something loose will minimize the pressure on the stomach, resulting in less dramatic symptoms.
Anyone who smokes should quit. Beyond the negative health effects, smoking also increases heartburn. The nicotine in cigarettes increases stomach acid production and relaxes the LES.
Combining these methods will significantly lower night time acid reflux and allow the body to heal from previous damage. For further information about methods of preventing or stopping acid reflux at night, download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com today.
Filed under Acid Reflux by admin
July 6, 2011
Acid Reflux Burping
Acid reflux often causes the urge to burp. But when the person burps with acid reflux, gas erupts with a flow of acid in the stomach. The reason for this reaction is that the sphincter separating the stomach and the esophagus relaxes when it is not supposed to and that allows the contents of the stomach that back up into the esophagus creates a burning sensation. This condition is commonly known as burping with acid reflux, and can be very uncomfortable.
Acid reflux can be caused by foods or drinks. Even medication a person is taking can cause bouts of acid reflux. Burping with acid reflux can happen after a person exercises, and some people get it only at night. The causes and symptoms may differ with each person, but it is important to pinpoint the triggers for the problem.
Acid Reflux Treatment
People who suffer from acid reflux describe the pain as extremely debilitating. When the acid in the stomach flows back into the esophagus it causes heartburn. This constant feeling of burning in the chest is what is referred to as acid reflux or GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease). Though some people may experience heartburn every now or then, a person with acid reflux experiences the symptoms several times a week and often may require medical attention.
Natural Cures for Acid Reflux Burping
Doctors often prescribe prescription medication for severe acid reflex, but there are some natural remedies that will provide relief from the burning and burping that accompanies acid reflux.
A person’s diet is often the cause of acid reflux burping, so monitoring the foods that are eaten is the first step in determining the root cause of the problem. Noting the foods that result in acid reflux will help in eliminating acid reflux triggers. Since acid reflux burping often occurs at night, make sure that the last meal eaten is not spicy or containing trigger foods. Eating the last meal of the day at least three hours before retiring will mean that the stomach is empty so there are no acids in the stomach that will trigger episodes of acid reflux burping.
Eating several smaller meals during the day means that there will not be as much food in the stomach so it will be less likely that acid will build up in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Another way to prevent the buildup of stomach acid in the LES is to sleep with the head raised above the rest of the body. This will help keep acid out of the esophagus. Losing weight and reducing fat in the diet also helps.
A good probiotic will help relieve the symptoms of acid reflux, and works especially well in infants and young children. Many pediatricians will recommend prescription medications when infants suffer from acid reflux, but giving the child a probiotic made especially for children will work as effectively without the harmful side effects.
For more information on controlling acid reflux burping, download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com and learn how to eliminate acid reflux burping for good.
Filed under Acid Reflux by admin
July 5, 2011
Acid Reflux and Sore Throat
Millions of adults and children suffer from sore throat caused by acid reflux. Acid reflux, also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is caused by certain foods and drink that tend to stimulate excess stomach acids. Most sufferers reach for over-the-counter or prescription medications that offer temporary relief that only mask the symptoms rather than cure the condition. There are natural, holistic cures that offer permanent relief from acid reflux disease that we will discuss in this article.
What is acid reflux?
The digestive system is a complex combination of processes that is used every day to break down food to be used by the body for nourishment. Food and drink enters the mouth, passes through the esophagus to the stomach where food is broken down to nourish the body with the help of stomach acids and pepsin.
How does acid reflux cause sore throat?
Some spicy or acidic foods can cause excess gas in the stomach to the point that the esophageal sphincter, the valve that keeps food from traveling back up the esophagus, is opened and stomach acid is allowed back into the esophagus. These acids may reach the throat causing a sour taste and a sore throat. There is also a burning sensation in the chest area that has been mistaken for a heart attack.
Natural remedies for acid reflux
Certain foods should be avoided to reduce the occurrence or eliminate acid reflux. Spicy foods, fried foods, fatty foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits and their juices, caffeine, garlic, onions, peppermint, chocolate and alcoholic beverages are known to cause acid reflux. Even vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts can trigger acid reflux.
Drinking the right amount of water daily keeps the body hydrated and aids the digestive system. Adequate water intake maintains stomach acids at the proper level. The correct amount of water is half of the body weight in ounces. For instance, if a person weighs 200 pounds then the correct amount of water to drink is 100 ounces per day.
Avoid late evening or night eating so that food is digested before going to bed. Use gravity by elevating the head so that stomach acids will not enter the esophagus. When food portions are reduced the stomach is allowed to empty quicker and the amount of stomach acids is kept at normal levels.
Milk helps reduce the symptoms of acid reflux as do apple cider vinegar. Ginger has been found to reduce acid reflux.
Relief for sore throat
Sore throat is a common symptom of acid reflux. Gargling with warm salt water 3 to 4 times a day is one of the most common natural cures for sore throat pain. Decaffeinated tea with honey works well to alleviate a sore throat. Sucking candy or taking natural lozenges can also relieve a sore throat.
There are many natural ways to beat acid reflux and sore throat that are better than expensive medications or surgery. These suggestions and others found in the ?Reflux Remedy Report? can take you to a life free from acid reflux. Feel free to download this report at refluxremedy.com today.
Filed under Acid Reflux by admin