Acid Reflux - Some Tips in Relieving Its Symptoms

        

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At least 4 out of every 10 Americans suffer from heartburn at least once every month. Are you one of them?

Heartburn is usually felt as a burning pain originating from the chest and traveling upward through the throat. At times, the burning sensation finds its way up through the mouth. When this happens, an acid or bitter taste is left as a reminder of the condition.

Many people tend to take this lightly. However, this should not be so. Frequent heartburn can be a symptom of a disorder known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (also commonly known as GERD or acid reflux).

GERD or acid reflux is a condition whereby the acid content of the stomach rises back up into the esophagus rather than continue on its normal digestive path. It usually develops when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES is damaged. The LES is the muscular ring which functions to prevent the regurgitation of stomach contents back into the esophagus.

To control the symptoms of acid reflux, many people rely on over the counter or non-prescription antacids (Phillip's Milk of Magnesia, Tums, Mylanta, Maalox, etc.). Others use prescription medications such as Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid and Prilosec.

These medications are all effective in controlling the symptoms but there are several controversies regarding their use in addressing the problem. Several studies indicate that treating acid reflux with these medications lowers the hydrochloric acid content of the stomach, which may prove more disastrous in the long run.

To effectively control acid reflux symptoms, it may be more beneficial to resort to more natural means. Here are several tips which you can use:

. Avoid taking in acidic beverages. Acidic beverages such as coffee, tea and juices are proven to increase the pain associated with heartburn. Alcohol and carbonated drinks should also be eliminated from the diet for the same reason.

. Milk can sometimes be another causal agent of heartburn. Studies show that there is a high incidence of milk allergy in infants with acid reflux. Further, it was also established that eliminating milk products in the infants' diets drastically improved their conditions.

. Stay away from foods or drinks flavored with spearmint, peppermint or other spices with strong aromatic oils. These are known to relax the LES and thus may also increase the probability of experiencing heartburn.

. Some say that avoiding or lowering the fat in the diet may improve the condition. However, there is still no conclusive evidence to support this claim.

. Avoid smoking. Smoking increases the likelihood of developing acid reflux since it tends to weaken the LES. Results of several scientific studies support this finding.

. Constant psychological stress also contributes to the weakening of the LES and hence, in the development of acid reflux.

. When you are lying down, the contents of the stomach may find it easier to travel back into the esophagus. So, it is advisable that you do not lie down immediately after a meal. Let 3 hours pass before doing so.

. Elevate the head of your bed. It will keep you from losing sleep due to heartburn.

. Get moving. Have a regular exercise routine or engage in interesting physical activities.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Acid Reflux