30Nov
The medical term for acid reflux is gastroesophageal reflux disease, abbreviated GERD. This is a fairly common health condition across the world. Can you cure acid reflux? Once someone has this disease, it is likely that they will continue to face it to a greater or lesser degree throughout their lives.
The stomach contains an acidic fluid that plays a key role in the digestion process. In acid reflux patients, the stomach fluid moves upwards into the esophagus. This can cause damage to the lining of the esophagus, leading to inflammation and other problems.
In acid reflux patients, the regurgitated fluid may contain bile and pepsin, apart from stomach acid. Stomach acid is quite corrosive to tissues and can damage the esophagus. Pepsin is an enzyme normally present in the stomach that assists in starting the digestive process. Although bile is produced in the liver, it may be released into the stomach and subsequently regurgitated in acid reflux episodes.
How can you cure acid reflux? Or at least bring it down to manageable levels? Here are several steps you can take.
- Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is unable to stay closed and contain the acid within the stomach. This problem is worsened if you eat large meals, because then the stomach tends to expand and put pressure on the LES. Therefore, one way to improve acid reflux is to eat smaller meals. You can eat more frequently, to compensate.
- On similar lines, try to avoid lying down for three hours or so after a meal. When you lie down after eating, it is easier for the stomach acid to flow upwards. By maintaining an erect posture, you reduce the chances of this happening. Try to eat dinner at least three hours before bedtime.
- It will also help if you raise your head a bit while sleeping. When you do this, gravity will assist in keeping the contents of the stomach from backing up into the esophagus.
- Certain foods stimulate the creation of acids and can therefore be harmful to those with acid reflux. Such foods may include citrus fruits, alcohol, onions, carbonated beverages, tea, coffee, pepper, fried foods, spices and chocolate, among others. Foods that exacerbate acid reflux can vary from one person to another. You should experiment with the help of your doctor to find out which foods are suitable for you.
- Keep a record of heartburn episodes. Note when you have heartburn. Also keep a record of everything you eat. This will help you isolate foods that trigger acid reflux. Also write down what you did to relieve the symptoms and the effect it had. Keep these records everyday for two weeks and show it to your healthcare professional. He or she can then guide you to better manage the problem.
- Obesity has been linked to acid reflux. Excess body fat may put pressure on the stomach and tend to push its contents into the esophagus. Consult your doctor for the optimal weight range for your body and take the necessary steps to stay within that range.
- Cigarette smoking may cause acid reflux. Smoking tends to lower the amount of bicarbonate content of saliva. Since these bicarbonates work to neutralize acid, smoking can worsen acid reflux.
- Learning how to relax can help you not just with acid reflux, but with a whole host of other heath problems as well. Stress can lead to habits and behaviors that are detrimental to heartburn patients.
While these measures will not necessarily cure acid reflux, they should help contain the problem.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
The information contained in or made available through This Site cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in the medical field. We do not recommend any treatment, drug, food or supplement. You should regularly consult a doctor in all matters relating to physical or mental health, particularly concerning any symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention.
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