July 6, 2011
Natural Antacid
Heartburn is caused by enzymes and acids from the stomach that flow up into the esophagus. This can happen due to a weak lower esophageal muscle, among other causes. The best way to treat it is with antacid products that neutralize the acid and reduce discomfort. If heartburn symptoms are left untreated, more serious health concerns such as ulcers, inflammation, and precancerous conditions may develop.
Many people who suffer from heartburn choose over-the-counter or prescription medications to control their symptoms, however, most cases of heartburn can be easily treated with natural antacid foods and other natural supplements. Many prescription medications carry risks of side effects, so using natural methods whenever possible is crucial. It is important to discuss your heartburn symptoms with your doctor to ensure that you are not experiencing discomfort due to a more serious acid reflux condition. For those with periodic bouts of moderate heartburn, easy relief is possible by using a variety of natural options.
The most promising natural antacid supplements include:
- calcium carbonate
- chelated potassium
- chelated magnesium
- baking soda
All of these treatments work rapidly and produce no side effects. They work by combining with the stomach acid to create an alkalizing effect. Many people have found long-term relief of heartburn by taking all of these supplements together between meals.
Some herbs have shown potential in the treatment of heartburn symptoms. Ginger has been successfully used to treat a number of digestive issues throughout history. Drinking a ginger ale with a meal can help improve digestion and reduce the concentration of stomach acid. Make sure the ginger ale contains natural ginger. Fresh ginger and ginger extract are effective as well.
Increasing the amount of fiber in the diet, both soluble and insoluble, has been helpful for many people suffering from heartburn symptoms. High-fiber foods include whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and beans. Fiber supplements are also a good option for those who find it difficult to consume enough fiber naturally.
Certain fresh vegetable and fruit juices are very powerful in reducing stomach acid. Fresh cabbage, celery, and potato juice are best. Avoid acidic juices such as anything containing tomato or citrus. Apple cider vinegar is also a helpful supplement. Dilute one tablespoon in a glass of water and ingest with a meal or snack. Aloe Vera juice has been proven to relieve many stomach problems by coating the lining of the esophagus and stomach while neutralizing acid.
Bananas are known to have natural antacid properties due to their high potassium content. Try eating a banana a day to keep your symptoms under control. People who are taking potassium supplements should consult their physician before eating large amounts of bananas. Apples, avocados, and grapes are also helpful in alleviating discomfort and improving digestion.
Yogurt is another great antacid food, especially for those that experience discomfort while sleeping. Eat a few ounces of yogurt about an hour before bed. The yogurt’s live probiotic cultures strengthen the digestive system and help break down food more completely.
Milk and ice cream have natural antacid properties. A glass of milk or small bowl of ice cream about an hour before bed has improved symptoms for many people. Dairy products can cool the esophagus and soothe the stomach. Be careful about what flavor of ice cream you choose. Plain flavors like vanilla are best. Avoid chocolate and mint-based flavors. Individuals with lactose intolerance should avoid dairy as it can cause further discomfort.
Anybody suffering from heartburn should avoid acidic foods and juices such as mint, citrus, peppers, and tomatoes. Consume caffeine only sparingly, and avoid cola drinks and coffee whenever possible. Natural antacid foods and supplements can help the majority of heartburn patients relieve their discomfort for the long term. Other natural ways to reduce heartburn include sleeping at a slight incline, drinking a glass of water at bedtime to dilute stomach acid, and not eating or exercising at least two hours before sleep.
It is important to consult an experienced health care professional before deciding on a course of treatment for moderate heartburn. If you are already taking prescription medications to control your symptoms, never use any natural remedy in conjunction with or as a replacement for your prescription without approval from your doctor.
For more helpful information on natural antacids download the Reflux Remedy Report at refluxremedy.com today!
Filed under Natural Heartburn Cures by admin
April 26, 2011
Acid Reflux Medication
Acid reflux is a condition that plagues thousands of people every day. This condition is a result of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) neglecting to close as soon as food passes through it or the LES opens too often. The LES can be best described as a ring of muscle that is at the entrance of the stomach. When there is a malfunction and the LES opens without merit it allows for the acids and enzymes of the stomach to escape the stomach and travel upward to the esophagus where it can cause a burning sensation. If this isn’t a rare occurrence but instead happens about two times a week you are likely suffering from acid reflux disease also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
A few common symptoms that may be associated with acid reflux disease include:
- Heartburn: This is the most common symptom of acid reflux. Heartburn is generally experienced in the chest but there have been cases where sufferers have reported burning in the abdomen and throat cavities. Heartburn is usually experienced as a pain that starts lightly and developments into a more pronounced sting. There are instances, however when the heartburn stabs often giving the affect that one is suffering from a heart attack.
- Trouble swallowing (dyshpagia): Dysphagia occurs when there is a narrowing of the esophagus. When this happens there can be great difficulty swallowing food and drinks. The difficulty associated with eating and drinking often causes sufferers to neglect eating and drinking which can cause an onset of several other illnesses.
- Regurgitation is another symptom of acid reflux: A sufferer is warned that regurgitation may commence when there is a sour or bitter taste in the mouth as a result of acid reflux. This bitter taste is often followed by the regurgitating of foods and liquids that were recently consumed.
These acid reflux symptoms drive most sufferers to seek out immediate reflux relief. There is no one medication or relief method that works for everybody. Sufferers are encouraged to find the medication that works best for them. Some forms of medication that can assist in treating acid reflux may be found below.
- Start by drinking more water. Water works wonders not only for acid reflux but also for overall health. Be sure to consume lots of water daily, especially before, during and after eating. Increasing water intake helps to dilute stomach acids which in-turn eliminates the risk of reflux.
- Look into taking reflux antacids. There are several different over the counter acid reflux antacids on the market. Try Maalox, Alka-Seltzer and Imodium to just name a few. Before considering trying the over the counter drugs you may want to exact all natural remedies beforehand.
- Try baking soda. Baking soda is a natural antacid that has been known to be just as effective as unnatural over the counter drugs. Drop a spoonful of baking soda into a glass of water and drink it down while it fizzles. Works wonders.
- Drink aloe vera juice. Aloe vea juice, much like water has several health benefits when consumed in healthy portions. Try this out as a means to stabilize your stomach acids while soothing your esophagus.
If you’re looking for more medications for acid reflux do not hesitate to visit refluxremedy.com.
Filed under Acid Medication by admin
April 8, 2011
Acid Reflux Home Remedy
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!
Filed under Acid Reflux Remedy by admin