Acid reflux happens when the acids in your stomach rise up into your esophagus. This results into a burning sensation that causes pain and discomfort to the sufferer. The main cause of acid reflux is a weakened esophageal sphincter muscle, which is located at the opening of the stomach and is responsible for blocking the gastric juices from rising up the esophagus. There are many acid reflux causes which could affect this muscle, and learning about it will help you prevent its onset.
One of the most common acid reflux causes is your diet. Some foods and beverages are known to trigger acid reflux. This includes spicy foods, oily and fatty foods, sweets and dairy foods, some meats, citrus fruits, spices, alcoholic beverages and caffeine drinks. It’s a good idea to keep track of which foods cause acid reflux, so you will learn to avoid them in the future.
Hiatal hernia may also be one cause of acid reflux. This is a condition wherein the upper portion of the stomach moves into the chest area through the diaphragm, which impairs the esophageal sphincter muscle. Hiatal hernia is brought about by vomiting, severe coughing, or sudden physical exertion.
Pregnancy is another cause of acid reflux. When a woman is in her second to last trimester, the uterus exerts pressure on the stomach, which can push the contents of the stomach into the esophagus. Being overweight and wearing tight clothes is also another factor that can cause acid reflux.
Acid reflux may be a symptom to an underlying condition, such as peptic ulcers.
When left untreated, acid reflux could result into further complications such as esophagitis, which is characterized by soreness, irritation, and slow destruction of the esophagus lining. It can also result to sore throat and could hasten tooth decay, especially when the acids reach into the throat and mouth.
Chronic and persistent acid reflux could damage your larynx, and could also cause respiratory problems like cough, pneumonia, and asthma.
To prevent this from happening, one should immediately seek treatment once acid reflux is properly diagnosed. Also, changes in diet and lifestyle should be implemented. Learning about the different acid reflux causes will help you choose treatment suited to your condition.
Filed under Acid Reflux Cause by on Dec 1st, 2009. Comment. 
Acid reflux is something you want to avoid at all costs. It causes a burning sensation in the upper abdomen area, which could be painful and uncomfortable to the sufferer. But before you begin looking for treatment options, it’s a good start to look at your diet and see whether you can do something about it to avoid acid reflux. Simple changes in your acid reflux food plan could mean a whole lot in the long run.
There are certain foods and beverages known to cause acid reflux. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and grapefruits are among the food groups that you should avoid. Acidic vegetables like onions and tomatoes should be avoided as well. It also helps to remove fatty and oily foods from your acid reflux food plan. Forgo certain sweets, chocolate, dairy foods, and spicy foods too.
In terms of beverages, it helps to limit your alcohol and caffeine intake, as these drinks are known to trigger acid reflux.
But don’t worry, this doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to enjoy your favorite foods anymore. There are certain foods that have low potential to cause acid reflux, and could serve as an alternative to those that you should avoid.
For your serving of fruit, you can stick to apples and banana. Carrots, potato, cabbage, peas and green beans are also safe for consumption. It’s best to stick to lean meats, skinless chicken portions, egg whites, and fish for your protein. Meanwhile, for your dairy cravings, opt for low-fat or fat-free alternatives.
Stick to mineral water when on an acid reflux food plan and limit your desserts and sweets to fat-free alternatives, baked potato chips, jelly beans, and red licorice.
It’s also recommended to avoid eating large meals. Instead, go for light meals spread out during the day. After eating, and when you feel especially full, do not lie down immediately. Chewing properly before swallowing will also aid the digestion process, as enzymes in saliva help in the initial digestion.
These are some simple changes you can implement in your acid reflux food plan. Keeping a food journal that lists foods that trigger acid reflux and foods that are safe will help you stick to a diet that isn’t prone to acid reflux.
Filed under Acid Reflux Cause by on Dec 8th, 2009. Comment.
Nowadays, you can get acid reflux relief through many avenues. You can resort to prescription drugs or over the counter medication, alternative solutions that use herbs and natural methods that help prevent acid reflux.
There are many forms of medication that provide acid reflux relief today. You can get a PPI or proton pump inhibitor, which blocks or regulates the production of excess acids in the stomach. So far, the FDA has only approved one PPI for over the counter use, which is suitable for short-term treatment. If your needs exceed beyond short-term relief, you can ask a prescription PPI drug from your health care provider.
H2 antagonists or histamine antagonists are also acid blockers which can provide relief from acid reflux. Certain brands are available over the counter, so you can easily avail of one. Over the counter antacids may also be used, as they neutralize or counter the amount of acid in the stomach.
However, keep in mind that these may come with side effects that could cause complications with your health.
A safer option would be to take alternative medicine used to treat acid reflux. Certain herbs including fennel, ginger root, and wormwood are believed to be beneficial to the gastrointestinal system.
Lastly, simple changes in your diet and lifestyle could go a long way in providing acid reflux relief. Avoid eating oily and fatty foods, certain spices, citrus fruits and acidic vegetables, chocolate and certain sweets. Instead of drinking alcoholic beverages or caffeine drinks, stick to mineral water or apple juice. And because tobacco is believed to weaken the esophageal sphincter, the muscle responsible for keeping gastric juices constrained in the stomach, you should also avoid smoking.
To prevent acid reflux, do not eat huge meals and instead, spread frequent light meals throughout the day. Do not lie down or sleep immediately when on a full stomach. Chew food properly to aid the digestion process.
These are some things you can do to get acid reflux relief. Whether you opt for prescription or OTC medication, alternative healthcare, or natural methods, it’s always best to seek medical advice.
Filed under Symptoms and Treatments for Heartburn by on Dec 15th, 2009. Comment.
