Acid reflux is a hazard, to say the very least. Those suffering from acid reflux know firsthand what an inconvenience it is to enjoy a good meal only to have it followed by the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. It seems the body reacts in a harsh manner as a result of food consumption and many sufferers feel like they simply can’t win. You must eat to live but it feels as if eating is killing you. What acid reflux sufferers should know is that it’s not the fact THAT you eat that is causing your body great harm; it’s WHAT you’re eating that’s doing it.

A little about what’s happening to your body when you experience acid reflux just to offer background information. When you are suffering from acid reflux, the body is allowing acids and enzymes from your stomach that are used to aid in food digestion to escape the stomach and make way into the esophagus causing a burning in the chest and throat. The ring of muscle at the entrance of the stomach, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) normally closes immediately after food passes through to protect the esophagus from stomach acids. If the LES doesn’t close or it opens unexpectedly, the acids will likely escape resulting in acid reflux.

The great thing to know is that food is not your enemy. Well, not most foods. There are those foods that when ingested are more likely to bring on an acid reflux reaction and these foods should be avoided at all cost. Please do not, by any means stop eating altogether because your acid reflux is seemingly unbearable or you’re having difficulty swallowing due to dyspagia, which is a narrowing of the esophagus as a result of acid reflux. Not eating may mean no acid reflux but it also means that you may run the risk of many other illnesses. Keep in mind that eating is a great thing, especially when done often at small portions. Simply find the foods that work best for you. To include good foods, we must first eliminate bad foods. Here are a few suggestions:

Avoid foods that are obviously high in acid. Fruits such as tomato and lemons and high acid fruit juices including orange juice, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice and lemonade should be avoided at all cost. Opt instead to drink lots of water and aloe vera juice. These liquids aid in digestion while stabilizing stomach acids. Also be weary of beer, coffee and soda, these drinks have high acidic levels. Try drinking vegetable juices if its flavor you’re looking for.

Avoid meats like marbled sirloin, chicken nuggets, buffalo wings and ground beef. These meats may be harder for your digestive system to break down and the hyperactivity of the digestive system can result in reflux.

This may be a tough one but grains like macaroni and cheese and spaghetti with sauce may not be the best for you; stand clear.

Shift your sweet tooth from brownies, chocolate, doughnuts and butter cookies and opt instead for non-acidic fruits. Not only will you notice an improvement in your reflux you may also notice a difference in your waistline.

For more information about acid reflux foods to avoid visit refluxremedy.com.

Acid reflux is a very common condition with thousands of sufferers. Acid reflux occurs when the barrier between the stomach and esophagus that is meant to protect the esophagus from stomach acids malfunctions causing the acids and enzymes of the stomach to escape into the esophagus causing a burning sensation. The barrier, also known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), normally holds the top of the stomach closed acting as a protective shield. A stomach abnormality, called hiatal hernia, is what occurs when the LES moves above the diaphragm which separates the stomach from the chest. The diaphragm is there to help keep the acid in the stomach if there isn’t any proper protection in place, the esophagus and the stomach eventually suffers.

A few symptoms that you may like to know for acid reflux include, but are not limited to:

• Heartburn: This is the most common (and often the most uncomfortable) symptom of acid reflux. Heartburn generally manifest as a burning sensation in the chest cavity. The burn in the chest has, however, been known to travel down into the abdomen and even up into the esophagus area (the throat). If the heartburn is experienced as a stabbing or abrupt sensation as opposed to its usually gradual nature it can often be mistaken as a heart attack.
• Regurgitation: This is the expulsion of food and drinks from the mouth by way of the esophagus. This is done involuntary when it is a symptom of acid reflux. This act of regurgitating is generally preceded by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth that is shortly followed by strong salivation then the expulsion ensues.
• Dysphagia: Dysphagia is a narrowing of the esophagus. When the esophagus narrows it can create a feeling that the throat is closing. This can make is difficult to swallow foods and drinks. Difficulty swallowing food and drinks can cause other health related issues if it isn’t urgently tended to.

Sufferers of acid reflux may grow to know that there are many natural cures for the condition. The trick is to find the cure that works best for you. Don’t be afraid of a little trial and error to discover the curing method that suits you best. A few natural cures include:

• Drinking lots of water: Be sure to drink water before, during and after meals. Water aids in diluting the acids in your stomach which in turn minimizes reflux symptoms.
• Try eating smaller meals more often: Eating smaller meals allows for your stomach to breakdown and process each meal without being forced to overwork to break down large meal consumption.
• Try drinking aloe vera juice: Amongst several other healing properties, aloe also has the ability to the acids in your stomach which will significantly reduce the risk of acids escaping the stomach making way into the esophagus.
• Keep a food log and find the foods that are right for you: Trigger foods vary from person to person. Be sure to find the foods that cause less acid reflux irritation.

Follow these natural cures to see if you the results are satisfying. If you’d like more natural cures please feel free to visit refluxremedy.com.

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!

Acute indigestion is one thing, that’s short term and unpleasant as it is, it isn’t a real big deal. However chronic indigestion is like acute indigestion, accept it lasts much longer and if allowed can consume your whole life.

Also called dyspepsia, chronic indigestion leaves you feeling full, gassy and nauseated . . . not a good place to be.

There are only a few things associated with causing chronic indigestion, so it shouldn’t be difficult to stop it, reverse it and cure it if need be.

Inflammation is a natural immune response that can be triggered by many things. When your throat of stomach is inflamed for long periods of time you will need to reassess everything you do. Is it something you eat on a regular basis, something you smoke or drink, maybe an adverse reaction to a prescriptive drug?

One of the most common causes of inflammation and chronic indigestion is acid reflux, but then again, perhaps the cause of your chronic indigestion is also causing your acid reflux and heart burn symptoms.

Too often people confuse cause for effects . . . remember treating the symptoms of your chronic indigestion isn’t the same as curing your chronic indigestion. Symptoms of chronic indigestion are the effect of whatever is causing your chronic indigestion.

Peptic ulcers are often blamed for causing chronic indigestion, however once again you have to wonder, is your chronic indigestion possibly causing your peptic ulcers? In which case whatever is causing your chronic pain and indigestion is also the cause of your peptic ulcers.

Taking medication, especially pain killers will kill your digestive health.

One more myth I have to bust here is that spicy foods cause chronic indigestion . . . it’s just untrue.

Spicy food doesn’t cause chronic indigestion- eating meals based on the Western pattern diet does.

The Western diet is full of animal protein and fats in large quantities. The ticket to curing your chronic indigestion is to eat smaller portions more often, rather than 2 or 3 large meals a day.

It will take less stomach acid to digest your food. Plus eating more diverse foods will offer a more diverse nutritional profile, feeding your organs more natural sources of enzymes, vitamins and their co-factors.

Animal protein and fats stay in the stomach longer to break down. They also create extra waste your body has to deal with. Eating too much sugar, fat and animal protein will slow down your metabolism and these foods demand your pancreas make the enzymes to break them down. All this places stress on your digestive system.

Chronic indigestion is a result of chronically eating wrong . . . change the way you eat and claim your health back again.

You were born to heal,

Todd M. Faass

Health Advocate