Saturday, October 20, 2012

Acid Reflux - Causes, Treatments and Natural Remedies to Cure GERD and Heartburn

GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a common human digestive complaints which occurs when something gastric backs up into the esophagus. When you eat, your digestive system starts when food travels from your mouth into the esophagus toward a ring of muscles known as lower esophageal sphincter abbreviated as LES which is liable for permitting food to pass into your stomach and then closes again. Since the LES is weak, it cannot work as it should be thereby lacking the ability to close at the right moment.. The result is called heartburn which happens nearly to everyone at least one point in their lives.


What Causes GERD


1. Impaired Stomach Function


Peple suffering from GERD have abnormal nerves or muscle functions in the abdomen which cause slow absorption of food and stomach acid. Because of this, delay in the emptying of stomach contents happens which result to increase pressure in the stomach thereby resulting to regurgitation of acid.


2. Medications May Cause Acid reflux


There are several medicines and over the counter prescriptions can increase the risk of acid reflux and even worsen the symptoms. Some examples are iron pills, potassium, antibiotics, calcium channel blockers, dopamine and others.


3. Asthma May Cause GERD


The relation between GERD and asthma is not fully understood; though more than half of gerd sufferers also have asthma. Asthma is a medical condition that normally affects the respiratory system and is normally manifested in the form of wheezing.


4. Certain types of foods


Foods and beverages that you intake are main things that produce acid reflux. Namely fatty foods, acidic and spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato products, soda, coffee, tea and alcohols. These kinds of foods and beverages either weakens or relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). If the LES is not competent to act accurately, there is increase in the chance of acid backing up.


5. Your Kind of Lifestyle


Lifestyle choices like cigarettes and tobacco, drinking alcohols, being under stress and certain clothes can lead reflux of acid in your stomach. Vices like drinking and smoking should be limited or better yet stopped. Wearing tight clothing around the waist area increase pressure in the stomach area. Being under stress has also been known as a contributing factor to acid reflux.


6. Eating Habits


Its not only what you eat, but how you eat, bad eating habits can also cause it to happen. Some behaviors include bending over, eating close to bedtime, lying down immediately after eating and heavy dinner.. Keeping your stomach comfortable, instead of full is the key. In addition, instead of eating three heavy meals its better to eat lighter at frequent times.


Treatment for Acid reflux


1. Avoid Foods that Trigger


Consuming foods that are beneficial is the most sensible way when it comes to treating this disorder since these are the number one culprits. As they say, prevention is better than cure so do not let it happen in the first place. If possible avoid red meat of all kind especially pork,just stick with lean beef, turkey and chicken.Eat more fruits and vegetables.


2. Lifestyle Modifications


There are simple changes that sufferers could do in their lifestyle to help them cope with the distress brought about acid indigestion lifestyle are contributing factors to this condition. It does not matter what the gravity of your disorder is, the first step in managing it is to analyze the sort of life you live. This is the fastest and low cost method of curing acid reflux, you just have to have the determination to let it happen.


Take This Steps Now!


One of the changes doctors generally advise if they diagnose a patient with GERD is to "quit smoking". It slows the production of saliva which is not good because saliva assists in digestion. It also weakens the digestive valves and damages the esophageal area. The same thing applies when it comes alcoholic beverages.


Exercise regularly. A balanced approach to exercise is imperative excluding avoid vigorous types as its not suitable for GERD patients. Try brisk walking, light jogging and aerobics.


Try to relax and engage in activities you enjoy.Relax and have fun.


When you are under stress, digestion of food slows down which, could heighten the risk of reflux episode. Learn to relax and have fun. You will discover it pleasant not only for your disease, but also for your whole well-being as well.


If you are obese, start losing some pounds. Extra fats in the abdominals lead to increase pressure thereby resulting to reflux.


3. Medicines for GERD


Antacids, H2 blockers (for example, Pepcid), and proton pump inhibitors (like Prilosec) are the most common ones. These medicines can heal the lining of the esophagus, relieve the symptoms and prevent complications.


4. Home Remedies


There are home cures that work and are actually effective. A good start is taking one teaspoon of honey right before you go to bed as it has natural compound to mend the esophagus wall bring almost instant relief. Aloe vera in the form of juice extract or capsule which is known to have the capability to heal the esophagus lining is another natural solution. Chewing a gum after eating is another trick as it helps in the production of saliva, which helps in digestion.Some more drug-free remedies include papaya enzymes, chewing almonds and a teaspoon of baking soda mix with water. Your diet is also extremely crucial for curing your reflux. During the course of your natural treatment, you should only eat soft foods.

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