Kill Acid Reflux

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Acid Reflux in Pregnancy

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Acid reflux is a common condition in the West and there is a suggestion that it is increasing. Obesity is increasing in the West and since obesity can cause or worsen acid reflux, the increase in acid reflux is likely to be related to a combination of our diet, lifestyle and obesity. There is, however, a group that develops acid reflux as a part of life's natural process. Pregnant women develop GERD symptoms as a result of pregnancy.

It is estimated that as much as 80% of pregnant women have GERD symptoms and the symptoms vary from mild to very severe. It is rarely serious in this group and, of course, it is limited to the length of the pregnancy.

Nausea and vomiting is common in the first trimester and is mainly due to the rising level of the female hormone, estrogen and progesterone circulating in the blood stream. Acid reflux symptoms are more common in the third trimester.

In the third trimester, the uterus is large and has pushed up into the upper abdomen distorting the configuration of the organs in the abdomen. The stomach is pushed up against the diaphragm. This can affect the competence of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) and cause acid reflux. It can also force part of the stomach up through the diaphragmatic hiatus. This is a hiatus hernia. A hiatus hernia can result in acid reflux.

In addition weight gain during pregnancy (especially in the apple shape) will settle around the waist. This weight will press on the abdomen and increase the intra-abdominal pressure. This pressure on the LES may force food up into the esophagus.

During pregnancy estrogen and progesterone levels need to be high to maintain the pregnancy. These two female hormones are produced by the ovaries until the placenta takes over. These hormones relax smooth muscles of the uterus and are necessary to allow the uterus to stretch to accommodate the developing pregnancy.

Unfortunately this muscle relaxation is not confined to the uterus. The muscles of the GI tract are affected. In the large bowel reduced strength of peristaltic contraction leads to slow transit time and likely constipation. In the esophagus it reduces the tone of the LES allowing reflux and slows down peristalsis along the esophagus. The food swallowed is cleared slower and the LES is lax. A double whammy.

Patients who have had GERD symptoms before falling pregnant tend to have severe GERD in pregnancy. Sometimes in pregnancy GERD can be so severe that hospitalisation is necessary. Also vomiting can be so severe that weight loss follows. In pregnancy regular weight gain is expected. Weight loss suggests a referral to a gastro-enterologist especially if the weight is below the pre-pregnancy benchmark.

Severe GERD can lead to mal-nutrition. This can be harmful to the mother and may put the foetus at risk at a time of vital development and growth.

Ginger is a good safe treatment of GERD in pregnancy and you only need a small amount. It can stimulate saliva production. Saliva is a natural antacid. Ginger helps relieve nausea and vomiting and it is a carminative (relieve gas). Lifestyle change is important. If still smoking and drinking alcohol, then it is time to stop. Elevating the head of the bed is beneficial and lying on the left side is best because in this position the stomach is lower than the esophagus.

Avoid or reduce your intake of fats, coffee, tea, chocolate, certain citrus fruits, certain spices, tomatoes and garlic. When exercising, avoid bouncing up and down and exercises that involve bending forwards. Stick to exercises that keep you upright. Stretching exercises and power or brisk walking are unlikely to aggravate GERD symptoms.

Antacids are safe in pregnancy because they do not cross the placenta into the baby's circulation. However, antacids containing sodium (sodium bicarbonate) can cause fluid retention. Aluminium containing antacids can make constipation of pregnancy worse. Magnesium can slow down labour. These drugs are in Category A. The categories were laid down by the FDA in 1979 and are related to safety profile and potential harm to the foetus. Category A is safe in pregnancy.

The H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are in Category B except omeprazole which is in Category C. These drugs cross the placenta but trials results are not adequate to consider them safe during pregnancy. So far no trial has shown any harm to the foetus.

Dr. Phil Hariram is a retired General Practitioner who has spent 27 years treating acid reflux. http://www.acidrefluxguru.com

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Monday, March 24, 2008

The Link Between Acid Reflux and Smoking

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If you smoke, or use any form of tobacco, improving your posture while you eat isn?t going to do much for your condition. Why? Smoking/nicotine is a direct contributing factor to acid reflux and to chronic heartburn caused by gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). Therefore, engaging in any tobacco use ? cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff and chewing tobacco ? can not only become a literal pain in the chest, for GERD sufferers it can even disrupt sleep and interfere with your lifestyle.

The following are six ways in which smoking directly affects acid reflux:

1. Decrease in saliva production - Cigarette smoking inhibits saliva production, and eats up most of the bicarbonates within the saliva produce. Bicarbonates help neutralize stomach acid, and saliva works to coat the oesophagus to lessen the effects of acid that refluxes up from the stomach. Saliva also helps to wash acid in the oesophagus back to the stomach.

2. Increase in acidity ? Nicotine encourages the production of stomach acid.

3. Bile salt movement ? Smoking appears to encourage the movement of bile salts to the stomach from the intestines. Stomach acids are even more harmful when bile salts are present.

4. Direct injury to the oesophagus ? Smoking can cause direct harm to the oesophagus by making it vulnerable to acid reflux injury.

5. Impair LES functioning ? Nicotine can lower the pressure in the lower esophageal (LES) which can cause it to become weak and relaxed. LES is the valve that resides between the oesophagus and the stomach. The decrease in pressure can cause the LES to relax inappropriately, allowing stomach acids and enzymes to be thrust back into the oesophagus.

6. Decreased gastric motility ? It has been discovered in studies that people who smoke have reduced gastric motility while they are smoking. A decrease in gastric movement can lead to poor digestion due to the fact that it takes a longer for the stomach to empty.

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons why smoking can cause and make acid reflux worse. That being said, it shouldn?t come as a surprise to you that the best treatment a tobacco user can do to help their condition is quit.

Of course, quitting smoking isn?t as easy as we think or would like it to be. An addiction to nicotine is a hard habit to kick, especially if you?ve been smoking for many years, hang around others who smoke, and enjoy it. However, smoking, like any addiction, can be overcome. The only trick is, in order to quit smoking, you have to want to.

There are many different quitting strategies you can consider. Therefore, if you find quitting through your own methods is difficult, consult your doctor for other options. Also, many people who want to quit smoking find support groups to be very helpful.

Does quitting smoking really help your heartburn?

It is believed by many medical practitioners that for most acid reflux sufferers, quitting smoking will likely allow them to get better fast. However, some practitioners believe that quitting smoking will only provide modest relief.

Nevertheless, all medical practitioners agree that quitting smoking is a good idea regardless if it helps your acid reflux or not. After all, even if you see little change in your experiences with heartburn, quitting smoking greatly reduces your chances of developing serious diseases such as cancer, heart and lung disease.

In addition, don?t forget that smoking isn?t the only cause of acid reflux. Thus, if you are not seeing improvement after quitting, it?s time for you to take a careful look at your diet.

Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Acid Reflux. For further information on Acid Reflux please visit Acid Reflux or Acid Reflux Symptoms .

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Wednesday, March 5, 2008

10 Nuggets about Acid Reflux

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1. Acid reflux is common and is increasing in the developed world. A Gollop Poll in USA reported that 44% had symptoms on a monthly basis. GERD is higher in whites and the obese. There is also a higher prevalence in people aged 60-70 years. It is rare in Africans. It is also lower in Eastern countries. In India it is 7.5%, Malaysia 3% and China 0.8%. It is suggested that this incidence will increase as these countries introduce Western diet higher in fats.

2. Lifestyle change is an important aspect of treatment of acid reflux. Some patients show marked improvement after losing only a small amount of weight.

Obesity increases abdominal pressure and affects the lower esophageal sphincter(LES). Large meals distend the stomach and adds pressure on the LES. Certain foods affect the sphincter. Avoid or consume, in moderation, foods such as fats, coffee and alcohol.

3. Antacids neutralise acids in the stomach. This reaction raises the pH and is likely to relieve heartburn or other symptoms of reflux. Trials, however, show that antacids will not heal esophagitis.

The antacids commonly used are magnesium hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate and aluminium hydroxide.

4. Acid Suppressant drugs should be used if lifestyle changes and antacids are ineffective. The first group introduced is the H2-receptor antagonists such as ranitidine. Side effects from this group of drugs are rare.

The newer proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole and lansaprazole are more effective than H2-receptor antagonists. They are safe and long term use has shown no ill effects. They are so effective that most GERD patients that were unresponsive to ranitidine were effectively treated with omeprazole.

5. A complication of GERD is bleeding from esophigitis. This can lead to anaemia especially in children. Stricture is a distressing complication. It can cause pain and difficulty on swallowing. Barrett's esophagus, experts think, develops after damage to the mucosal lining by acid reflux.

6. Most infants will reflux, and conservative measures such as thickened feeds help. Reflux generally subsides before the end of the first year. In the past Barrett's esophagus was thought to be confined to adults but with the introduction of smaller fibreoptic endoscopes, more biopsies are done and Barrett's esophagus is often diagnosed in children.

7. Surgery for acid reflux is very uncommon since the advent of effective acid suppressant medical treatment. Today stricures are not common and there are only a rare few that do not respond to omeprazole as acid reflux treatment.

The commonest procedure is Nissen Fundoplication. Today laparoscopic fundoplication is popular.

8. Smoking makes acid reflux symptoms worse, especially in children. Nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter allowing acidic stomach contents to reflux up into the esophagus. In addition deposited nicotine in the back of the throat when swallowed, is corrosive to the esophageal lining. Stop smoking if you have acid reflux.

9. Raising the head of the bed is an effective acid reflux treatment. It is useful for nocturnal acid reflux symptoms and reduces sensitisation that results in problems during the day. Tests have shown that adding additional pillows is ineffective.

10. Exercise is a healthy option for everyone and generally will not trigger acid reflux. A study, however, in 2000 showed that competetive weightlifters were more likely to have acid reflux. Competetive cyclists and long distance runners were also studied and the results indicated a higher incidence of GERD. Jogging can increase GERD. If this is the case, then an alternative exercise regime is recommended.

Do not ignore your symptoms. Lifestyle changes may be all that is necessary to control symptoms of GERD but if, in addition to over the counter medications, your symptoms persist see your family doctor. If you have GERD, complications can be severe and the symptoms very distressing.

Dr. Phil Hariram is a retired General Practitioner. He has treated Acid Reflux for 27 years. Find out more about Acid Reflux at http://www.acidrefluxguru.com

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Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Acid Reflux Heartburn Symptoms May be a Sign of a More Serious Condition

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You just lay down and here it comes, acid reflux is flowing up your esophagus to your throat. It burns and you start to choke and cough. You get up and resign yourself to another night of sleeping in the recliner. Your old nemesis acid reflux heartburn has come again to make your life miserable. You should have invested in the companies that make antacids years ago, because you have spent so much money on their products. You assume it is just ordinary heartburn, but is your diagnosis correct? You have not been to the doctor in a couple of years. Why pay for him to tell you to take Pepsid AC or Maalox, right? Problem is your symptoms may be part of a more serious problem.

Take a couple of minutes and complete this survey:

1. Has your acid reflux heartburn continued to bother you despite changes in what you eat and drink?

2. Do you wake up in the morning with sore throat more than 3 days a week?

3. Do you have to sleep in a recliner or in an upright position to keep acid reflux from flowing up your esophagus?

4. Does your heartburn wake you up several times each night?

5. Do you take over the counter antacids each night before going to bed? If you have answered yes to 3 or more of these questions you may be suffering from more than simple heartburn. You may have GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease and in some severe cases, something called Erosive GERD.

Acid is eating away at the lining of your esophagus and doing permanent damage. Ignoring this problem will not make it go away and everyday that goes by means more damage to your esophagus. Now what do you do? Well depending on how you did on our survey you need to call your doctor and ask for a referral to a specialist that treats severe cases of acid reflux disease. These specialists are up on the latest treatment options. The next thing to do is begin researching your condition on the Internet. There are thousands of websites that provide information on acid reflux heartburn diseases. Do not put it off or the damage may be permanent.

Why live in misery? It is up to you; take control of your symptoms and disease now.

Acid Reflux Heartburn Cures, http://www.heartburnscures.com

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Thursday, January 17, 2008

Acid Reflux and the Risk of Ulcers

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You probably spend more time thinking about your stomach -- what to feed it, when to feed it, how to keep it from sticking out so much -- than any other organ. A minor problem with another part of your body might go unnoticed, but when there?s something wrong with your stomach, you know it immediately.

Consequently, ailments like acid reflux and ulcers get a lot of attention. They?re sort of ?Everyman? diseases, striking old and young, rich and poor, many times regardless of lifestyle (though some lifestyle choices can make them worse). Since both acid reflux and ulcers are caused by acid, it?s natural to think one will inevitably lead to the other. But that?s not necessarily the case.

You see, acid reflux is the result of acid from the stomach rising up into the esophagus. This can happen because the stomach is over-full and the acid is forced upward, or because there?s been some damage to the sphincter that separates the stomach from the esophagus. Contrary to popular belief, acid reflux does NOT happen because the stomach has produced too much acid. The amount of acid is irrelevant. It?s the fact that the acid is bubbling up into the esophagus, where it doesn?t belong, that?s the problem.

Ulcers, on the other hand, are usually caused by infection from a bacterium called H. pylori. It?s commonly believed that ulcers are the product of stress, but that?s a myth. Stress can make the symptoms worse, or make the sufferer more aware of the symptoms, but stress does not cause the ulcer out of nowhere. You could be the most stressed-out person in the world and you?d never get an ulcer if it weren?t for that H. pylori bacterium or some other specific ulcer-causing substance.

So while ulcers and acid reflux both involve stomach acid, their causes -- and thus their treatments -- are very different. Having acid reflux will not cause you to get an ulcer, too. If you have both, treating the ulcer infection will take care of that problem, but it will do nothing for the acid reflux. That?ll require its own separate treatment.

As with so many health problems, both ulcers and acid reflux can often be prevented through healthy diet and exercise. For acid reflux, it?s important to avoid over-eating and eating fatty foods. Don?t lie down right after a big meal, so eat meals early in the evening to give your food a chance to digest before bedtime. Remember that chocolate and peppermint (among other foods) can trigger reflux, as can alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. Losing excess weight and exercising regularly can also do wonders for preventing reflux.

Most of those precautions work for ulcers, too. In addition, aspirin and ibuprofen can cause ulcers, so taking those drugs as sparingly as possible may help prevent them. And get this: People with type O blood are 35 percent more likely to get ulcers than people with other types. So if you?re an O, you would do well to take extra precautions.

Ultimately, there is little connection between ulcers and acid reflux other than the fact that they both have to do with stomach acid. Luckily, a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of getting either ailment, and there are adequate treatments available in case your precautions fail. For the most part, if you take care of your stomach, your stomach will take care of you.

Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Acid Reflux. For further information on Acid Reflux please visit Acid Reflux or Acid Reflux Symptoms

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Monday, January 7, 2008

Do You Have an Acid Reflux Symptom

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Acid reflux and heartburn are words used to express the same symptom - a burning sensation in your chest by your heart or right up the chest middle. This acid reflux symptom can also be experience much higher along the esophagus or throat. Over time, stomach acid can continue to dissolve esophagus tissue and this can lead to a bleeding ulcer with severe pain.

Another acid reflux symptom can be bad breath or consistent dry coughing.

Still, when esophageal tissue is eaten away, scar tissue can form which can narrow the esophagus making it difficult to swallow.

Poor eating habits

Heartburn or acid reflux doesn?t happen when you eat a healthy diet. And when I say a healthy diet, I don?t mean a diet that you need to deprive yourself of the food you like.

Most of us developed our eating habits from our parents. As we grew, we watched how they ate, when they ate, and what they ate. And we did the same thing.

Most people that I know, family members and friends - don?t have good eating habits. They eating too much at one sitting, the mix their food improperly, the drink too much water or drink the wrong type of liquid when they eat, they don?t assist they digestion with digestive enzymes and the list goes on.

So, when you have a heavy meal where you ate more then you should have make sure you, don?t bend over, lift anything heavy, or lie down.

More acid reflux symptoms

Most people experience an acid reflux symptom after their last meal. This burning sensation can be real severe and you may think you are having a heart attack, but make sure you are not having a attack. But this sensation will past and in the early stages of this symptom there is no real damage to the esophageal tissue.

A symptom that is not to common is throat laryngitis where your throat becomes hoarse in the morning; you have a dry cough, or have to repeatedly clear your throat. Some times you may have problems swallowing and feel like food is trapped in the esophagus or in the upper chest. This can also lead to a feeling that you are choking or that your throat feels tight.

Another acid reflux symptom is coughing and wheezing like an asthmatic. Or you could have nausea, which is persistent and causes you to vomit regularly.

It is easy to overlook acid reflux in children and infants. Acid reflux symptoms that children might have are regular coughing, vomiting, or other respiratory issues. Usually children grow out of this condition, but of course, keep a close watch and take them to a doctor, if the symptoms are frequent.

Some foods to avoid to keep your acid reflux in check are sodas, fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, peppermint and chocolate, and acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits.

Do you have an acid reflux symptom or symptoms? You might have chest burning sensations, coughing, hoarseness, wheezing, clearing your throat regularly, vomiting once in a while, or severe pain in the chest. Whatever the symptom you might have, if it stays with you around two weeks, then you need to see your doctor. In some cases where these symptoms are severe, then see a doctor right away.

Rudy Silva is a Nutritionist and writer. To discover more information and tips about acid reflux symptoms and remedies go to this site: www.acid-reflux-relief.for--you.com

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Thursday, December 20, 2007

Inner Contentment - Can Acid Reflux Come From Bulimia?

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Bulimia (bulimia nervosa) is a psychological eating disorder whereby the subject will eat large quantities of food and then purge what they've eaten from their bodies. This desire to be rid of the food they've just eaten stems from a persons self-image of themselves being either overweight or simply not thin enough. First recognized as a serious medical condition in 1979 bulimia continues to plague many people (mostly young women) all over the world. In severe cases bulimia can prove to be fatal.

So how are bulimia and acid reflux related?

Well when a bulimic wants to purge the food from their stomach they resort to either vomiting or using powerful laxatives. The vomiting reflex is far more common as it provides them with an immediate way to get rid of the food. This then allows them to binge again shortly afterwards and then continue the purging process several times in a row.

The Potential For Damage

What most bulimics never stop to consider is the damage they're doing to their body. When a person vomits food is not the only thing forced through the esophagus - stomach acid is also present. Some bulimics can binge and purge several times per day which means that their esophagus is exposed to strong stomach acid over and over again. This continued exposure to stomach acid can leave the esophagus raw and worn down. This can then lead to one of the more serious diseases caused by acid reflux such as Barrets Esophagus.

How Bulimia Can Cause Heartburn

Another issue is that if you continually force the body to produce extra stomach acid during these binge/purge phases then this can form a "pattern" for the body. Your body can "learn" to expect certain situations to occur and if you get it into the habit then it will produce more stomach acid than it actually needs on an ongoing basis. This will then lead to acid reflux which, of course, will just make a bulimics life far worse. Vomiting will then become extremely painful.

Other Complications

Acid reflux is not the only problem that can arise from bulimia. If the body is starved of proper nutrients then organs can start to slow down and malnutrition can set in. This leads the bulimic into a further psychological downward spiral whereby the bingeing/purging process can actually increase in frequency and severity. Severe bulimia can result in death but this is often very hard to explain to anybody with an eating disorder.

Is There Hope?

Bulimia can be treated but it's a two-part process. Firstly medication will need to be prescribed to prevent vomiting and promote a healthy and constant appetite in the sufferer. Far more serious are the emotional issues that cause bulimia in the first place. Any person with an eating disorder should also receive psychological therapy as part of their healing process. Trained counsellors can get to the root of the problem if you'll let them. Bulimics who don't take part in the psychological healing process often run the risk of simply getting into the same old habits all over again.

If you can categorize yourself as a bulimic then it's time to stop and take a quick review of your life. Do you really want to cause harm to your body? Why would you deliberately go about causing yourself potentially permanent pain? With the right help you can have a second chance at life and really enjoy your life too.

Jill Seimer shares healthy lifestyle tips at RefluxLife.com She recently published natural healing for heartburn with her own experiences on natural cures for acid reflux.

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Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Naturally Affects Of Acid Reflux

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Sunday, November 25, 2007

Acid Drug Reflux

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You know you have acid reflux, and you know you get it after your meals. But what about the other times when you suffer that burning sensation? The times when acid reflux attacks you and you haven't even eaten yet? Perhaps you might have noticed that an attack occurs only after you've taken a painkiller? If so, then you might be having what is known as acid drug reflux.

Acid reflux happens when the acids from digesting foods comes back into the lower esophagus area. This occurs when the LES or lower esophageal sphincter muscle gets weakened or functions improperly. The burning sensation is due to the fact that the esophageal lining is unable to withstand the rising acidic levels. This is acid reflux.

It's not as uncommon as you would believe, and most people are at risk from acid drug reflux. You wouldn't have even noticed anything amiss in the beginning, perhaps a slight twinge or two, but nothing that didn't go away soon thereafter. But then you noticed that it started getting worse, and worse. Every time you had a headache, or muscle ache you would also get acid reflux right along with it.

Still you continue to shrug it off, after all it's normal right? Millions of people suffer from it daily, therefore it's nothing to complain about. That's where you would be wrong. With stomach disorders, or any other disorder for that matter, it is always good to get a medical opinion as soon as possible to rule out that it isn't actually something worse.

Acid drug reflux however, occurs when your stomach lining becomes damaged due to a consumption of certain types of drugs, over a period of time. And in today's stress filled anxiety ridden workday, where you're always 'on', and don't have the luxury to switch off even for a few minutes, it is very easy to resort to taking a little pill to stave off impending disaster.

Mainly the culprit for acid drug reflux can be found in aspirin, or any other drug containing aspirin. Wham! There just went your source of staying power for the day. The one thing you could count on, to keep the little gremlins in your head, away. The good news though is that there are painkillers out there that don't depend on aspirin in any form to support them.

Unfortunately there is another cause for acid drug reflux, and that pill isn't taken for the pleasure of it but out of necessity. NSAIDs, or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, are generally prescribed to people suffering form arthritis, and unfortunately leave them vulnerable to the effects of acid drug reflux. One type of NSAID that most of us will recognize is Ibuprofen, therefore ruling out any Ibuprofen drugs as well. It's only a few points to ponder, but the next time you reach so readily for those aspirin or Ibuprofen based painkillers, remember what you're doing to your body and think twice, because after all, you only live once.

It's only a few points to ponder, but the next time you reach so readily for those aspirin or Ibuprofen based painkillers, remember what you're doing to your body and think twice, because after all, you only live once.

Publisher of the web site on heartburn, what causes heartburn, how to prevent heartburn. Publisher of The Heartburn Cure Book: http://www.ultimateheartburntips.com Author for The Best Hawaii Travel Site: http://www.besthawaiitravel.net

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Thursday, November 1, 2007

Acid Reflux and Weight Gain

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Acid reflux is a common disorder that affects more than 7 percent of the American population. The disease generates symptoms such as heartburn, throat inflammation and pain, difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing. The symptoms of acid reflux have a pronounced recurrent character and they generally persist in time. Symptoms such as heartburn and chest discomfort tend to intensify at night or after meals.

Acid reflux involves regurgitation of the stomach's content inside the upper levels of the esophageal tract. The disorder is usually caused by acquired or genetically inherited physiological dysfunctions such as high pressure inside the abdomen or inappropriate activity of the lower esophageal sphincter (ring-shaped muscular valve that connects the esophagus to the stomach). Although inappropriate diet and unhealthy lifestyle greatly contribute to the occurrence of acid reflux, the disorder generally occurs on the premises of physiological abnormalities.

Obesity is a common risk factor of acid reflux disease. Due to increased abdominal pressure, overweight people are commonly confronted with acid reflux. However, recent studies have revealed the fact that even the slightest gain in weight can facilitate the occurrence of acid reflux. Medical scientists claim that people who experience difficulties in maintaining a constant weight are very likely to suffer from acid reflux.

Until recently, the connection between acid reflux and body weight was vague and in the absence of conclusive evidence, medical scientists could only speculate upon this matter. However, latest studies in the field have confirmed the existent theories regarding the involvement of weight gain in causing acid reflux disease.

In order to reveal clear links between acid reflux and body weight, researchers have calculated the incidence of the disease in women, judging by the BMI (body mass index) of the subjects. More than 10.000 women that participated to the study had to complete a questionnaire which asked if they have been confronted with acid reflux in the past. The women that participated to the study were also asked about the intensity, the frequency and the duration of their symptoms. Around 20 percent of the participants stated that they have suffered from acid reflux in the past. A smaller number of participants were still confronted with the disease at the date of the study. More than 50 percent of the participants claimed to have experienced moderate or intense symptoms of acid reflux disease.

The study revealed very interesting facts, as the incidence and the seriousness of the disease increased gradually according to body weight ratios. The women who had a BMI under 20 were 30 percent less likely to be affected by acid reflux disease than those who had a BMI above 20. Thus, the risk of acid reflux has proved to increase proportionally with BMI. Although medical scientists have disregarded aspects such as the age factor, the study clearly suggests the implication of weight gain in causing acid reflux disease.

If you want to find great information about many acid reflux subjects like acid reflux symptoms, acid reflux treatment or many more please visit us at                       http://www.acid-reflux-info-guide.com

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Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Acid Reflux Recovery Diet And Recipes

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The key to acid reflux recovery is to eat only mild, easy to digest food until the esophagus has healed.  The trick is to make the food fun and delicious.  I have listed some of my favorite recipes that helped me recover.  I hope they help you too.  Bon Appetite!

Curing oneself of the condition called acid reflux can be accomplished by using natural, healthy methods.  I suffered from this condition for years, taking harmful, expensive PPI drugs (proton inhibitors), which only masked the symptoms.  These drugs, not only had myriad side effects, but became ineffective over time.   I was forced to find another answer.  I wanted to cure myself without the use of drugs.  My doctor was no help.  He didn?t have a clue about natural healing and nutrition.  After a great deal of research I discover that with the proper use of herbs, health store items, meditation, exercise and diet, one can heal themselves of acid reflux.

The first thing that I learned is that acid reflux, sometimes called gerd (gastro esophageal reflux disease), is not a disease at all.  Contrary to what the medical community would have us believe, it is simply a condition, brought on by poor eating habits.  Besides eating the wrong foods, not chewing food properly is probably the root cause of this ailment.  

The Acid reflux condition would not exist without a damaged esophagus and a weakened LES (lower esophageal sphincter).  If the condition is to be eliminated, healing the esophagus must be the first order of business.

During this reflux recovery period, eating anything which could irritate or damage the esophagus, must be avoided.  Things like poorly chewed chips, crackers, cereal or any hard foods with sharp edges are culinary culprits - they cause little lacerations to develop in the esophagus.  Until the lacerations have had a chance to heal, spicy foods, such as acidic tomato products, hot peppers, raw garlic and raw onions should also be eliminated from the diet.  They just further irritate the condition.  Smoking and drinking alcohol relax the LES, allowing stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus, thus impeding the healing process.

The key to acid reflux recovery is to eat only mild, easy to digest food until the esophagus has healed.  Eat early, giving yourself at least three hours of sitting or walking time before lying down.  Eat slowly and chew your food completely.  Last, but not least, try to eat in a relaxed, pleasant and stress free environment.

I have listed a few of my favorite recipes that I enjoyed during my own recovery period.  They can be made quickly and easily.  Try doubling these recipes so that you can reheat them later in the week?..less time in the kitchen.  Remember that cooking from scratch, instead of relying on convenience foods, is a better approach to good health, in general.  It?s also nice to know what you?re really eating.

For breakfast, I believe that fresh fruit is the best way to go. I especially like melon and papaya.  For lunch I eat more fruit like apples, bananas and, perhaps some almonds, or walnuts.   It?s better to eat many little healthy meals during the day.  I try to buy only organic fruits, however, sometimes when I am rushed, I purchase ?ready to go? containers of mixed fruit at the grocery store.  Try to stay away from pineapple, as I find  it hard to digest.

How about starters in the evening?  Serving vegetables raw is the ultimate healthy way to present them. 

Try creating a beautiful platter of crudité (crew di tay) better known as elegant rabbit food.  Serve it with a savory tofu dip.  Use cauliflower, broccoli, English cucumbers, radishes, green & yellow zucchinis, Belgium endive, carrot sticks, whole small mushrooms, or whatever appeals to you. Cut the vegetables in bite size pieces for dipping. The Belgium endive is a natural edible scoop for dipping.  Just cut off the ends and peel off the leaves.

Make the tofu dip by putting one package of soft or silken tofu in a food processor or blender, adding garlic powder, cumin, paprika and chopped chives or parsley for flavor and color.  Season with salt & pepper to taste.  Add a little fresh squeezed lemon juice if the mixture is too thick.  Process until smooth and creamy.  If you are in a rush, ready made dips and raw vegetable platters are available in the produce sections of most supermarkets, but make a concerted effort to eat only organic, if possible.

I hope that you enjoy the following dishes.  Even though I have cured myself of acid reflux, I still serve these recipes on a regular basis.  I prefer food slightly under cooked.  Feel free to adjust the cooking times and seasonings according to your own taste.

Bon appetite!

Sautéed White Fish On A Bed Of Mashed Potatoes

This recipe is for one serving.  Increase the ingredients for additional servings as needed.

One 4oz filet of white fish (orange roughly, sole, turbot, flounder, etc)

One med. Potato

Steamed green vegetable such as broccoli, spinach, peas or asparagus

Parsley or chives for garnish

¼ tbsp unsalted butter, olive oil or Pam

We will start with the potatoes because they take the longest to cook and they tend to retain their heat the longest.  The fish and vegetable  take only minutes to cook.  )

Peel and cube potato.  Place in cold water to cover.  Bring to the boil, and then simmer until fork tender.  Drain, leaving just enough cooking liquid for mashing or whipping.  You may also use the vegetable broth (recipe below) instead.  Add salt to taste.  Hold in a warm place.

Season fish with salt and pepper to taste.   Place non-stick sauté pan over med high heat.  Add butter, oil or spray with Pam.  When not quite smoking, add fish.  Cook two minutes, turn and cook other side for two minutes, or until the filet is light brown and cooked through.  If the filet is very thin, one minute on each side may be enough.   (You can broil or bake the fish if desired)

Serve fish on top of mashed potatoes, surrounded by the steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.

 Vegetable Broth

This broth is very alkaline and rich in minerals.  It can be served as a simple soup, or used as a stock (as above) for cooking.  Cook and save the potatoes and beets to use as a vegetable side dish or to add to soup.

2 cups red skinned potato peelings

3 cups celery stalk

2 cups celery tops

2 cups beet tops

1 small zucchini or yellow squash

2 cups carrots

One small onion

Sprig of parsley

2 ½ quarts distilled water

Chop all vegetables into very fine pieces.  Place in water and bring to the boil.  Simmer for 20 minutes.  Strain & refrigerate for future use.

Note:  By cooking pearled barley in the finished broth with the addition of chopped vegetables, one can prepare a healthy soup for a first course.

 Pasta Primavera

 

Primavera means ?spring? in Italian.  This pasta dish offers a great opportunity to use all the wonderful fresh spring vegetables at your disposal.  However, you can make this dish anytime of the year by using whatever fresh vegetables you can find at your food market.  I have chosen a mixture of vegetables that I happen to love, for this recipe.  You can use these or replace them with your favorites.  During the reflux healing period, try to stay away from tomatoes, raw onions and raw garlic.  I have included garlic in this recipe (*see note regarding roasted garlic).  If you can tolerate a little garlic, then make sure to cook it well at a low temperature, without browning it.  If you want to be a bit daring, you can add the optional cup of heavy cream.  You may substitute parsley for the basil and the penne regatta for fettuccini, or another pasta.  The whole family can enjoy this classic pasta dish.

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 cup sliced carrots

1 cup baby peas

1 cup sliced asparagus spears

1 cup snow peas or sugar snaps

2 cloves garlic finely chopped or roasted

1 lb. penne regatta

1 tsp. salt

3 tbsp extra virgin, first cold pressed olive oil

½ cup shredded basil

½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

½ cup heavy cream (optional)

Place a steamer basket in a pot with a small amount of water and bring to the boil.  Place vegetables in basket, cover and steam until tender (about 4 minutes).  Rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking and preserve the color, and drain.

To a large pot of boiling water, add salt and the penne regatta.  Cook uncovered according to the instructions on box, preferably al dente.

Meanwhile in a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil.  Add the garlic and cook at a low flame for a couple of minutes (do not brown).  Add the steamed vegetables and optional heavy cream and  raise the heat to medium.  Cook just enough to heat. 

Drain the pasta and add to the sauté pan and mix well. 

Sprinkle with Parmigianino Reggiano, and shredded basil.  Heat the dish thoroughly and serve.  If the dish needs more salt, use extra cheese instead, at the table.  Serve this dish with a heart of romaine salad with lemon chive dressing (recipe below)

Note:  It takes more than two cloves of roasted garlic, for this recipe.  On a sheet of aluminum foil place two heads of garlic and cut the stem end off with a knife.  Drizzle a little olive oil over them and  wrap tightly.  Bake in a 400 degree oven for one hour.  When cool enough to handle, squeeze out the roasted garlic, into a bowl, discarding the shells.  Mash well with a fork.

Another use for roasted garlic is my version of pesto sauce.  I use walnuts instead of pine nuts, which I find indigestible, with the roasted garlic and basil.  Use whatever proportion you like and drizzle first pressed, extra virgin olive oil into the blender.  If your sauce is too thin, adjust with more walnuts, basil and garlic.  If it is too thick, use more olive oil.  This is all a matter of taste.   Serve with your favorite pasta.  I prefer linguini or fettuccini.

 

Lemon chive salad dressing

 

This is a simple, yet classic vinaigrette for green salads.  Use heart of Romaine, Boston or Bipp lettuce.  Make this dressing and hour or so before serving, in order that the chive flavor is fully incorporated.  Remember to toss well before serving.  The advantage here is using lemon juice, instead of vinegar.  I find that lemon juice becomes alkaline after being ingested. 

1 lemon juiced

Sea salt (pinch)

3 tbsp. extra fine sugar

6 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

6 tbsp. minced chives (you can?t have too many)

Freshly ground black pepper

Combine lemon juice, salt and sugar in a mixing bowl.  Whisk until the sugar and salt are dissolved.  Continue whisking in the olive oil, chives and several grinds of pepper.  Keep whisking until dressing is emulsified.

(Note:  You can make this dressing for two by reducing the lemon juice to two tbsp. and the other ingredients by 1/3.)  Keep left over dressing in a jar in fridge for future use.  It will keep for about a week.

Savory Lentils with Texmati Brown Rice

1 lb of organic lentils (2 ½ cups), rinsed

8 cups water or stock

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, chopped

2 carrots, sliced

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 bay leaf

2 sprigs of thyme, or ½ tsp dried

Organic Texmati brown rice (follow instructions on package)

To a large pot bring water and lentils to a boil.  Add other ingredients.  Reduce to the simmer, partially covered.  Cook until tender (about 20 to 30 minutes), stirring occasionally and adding more liquid as needed..  Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.  Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.  Serve over organic Texmati brown rice.  Garnish with chopped parsley.  Serve with a light green salad, dressed with the lemon chive dressing above.

 Baked Chicken Breasts on Mushroom Caps

with steamed broccoli and new potatoes

6 chicken breasts (either bone in or halves with skin on)

1 tsp dried thyme

Olive oil

6 large Portobello mushrooms (or enough smaller mushrooms to cover the bottom of the baking pan)

1 tbsp minced garlic

Salt & pepper to taste

2 cups dry white wine or dry vermouth

¼ cup fresh chopped parsley

Place rack in center of oven and preheat to 400 degrees.

Into a lightly oiled baking pan, large enough to hold chicken breasts, arrange mushrooms gill side down.  Sprinkle with minced garlic, salt & pepper.  Pour wine over mushrooms.  Place chicken breasts skin side up over mushrooms and brush with olive oil.

Bake uncovered about 20 minutes, until the breasts are golden brown.  If the wine has evaporated during the cooking process, add a little more (for those of you who can?t tolerate alcohol, keep in mind that it burns off during the cooking process, leaving only the flavor).

 Baste the breasts with the pan juices and turn over.  Cook until breasts are completely done and springy to the finger, about 15 minutes more. 

With a slotted spoon, place the chicken and mushrooms on a platter, mushrooms on the bottom and breasts on top, skin side up.  Skim off excess fat and spoon juices over the chicken.  Sprinkle with parsley.

Serve with steamed broccoli and boiled new potatoes.  (Substitute brown rice for potatoes, if desired)

 

Stir fried shrimp and vegetables

Served over millet, brown rice or quinoa

 

3 tbsp Canola oil

1lb. raw medium peeled shrimp

2 cups broccoli florets

2 cups sliced mushrooms

4 scallions, trimmed and chopped

2 tbsp Garlic, minced

2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

1 cup cold vegetable broth (see recipe above), mixed with 2tbspsFind Article, cornstarch

1 package of organic millet

Into a hot wok or sauté pan pour oil until just smoking

Charles Stewart Richey has written an extensive report entitled "NATURAL ACID REFLUX REMEDIES". Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux, Gerd and heartburn

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Monday, October 8, 2007

Acid Reflux: What You Really Need To Know.

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The formation of gases and acidic substances in the stomach and its backing up into the esophagus causes severe pain or burning sensation in the stomach and chest area that is clinically known as Acid Reflux or Gastroespohageal Reflux Disease. Because of the feeling of burning sensation in the center of the chest this disease is also popularly known as Heartburn disease.

? The Causes of "Acid Reflux" or Heartburn Disease

The main causes of Acid-Reflux or the Heartburn disease is the formation and backing up of gases and acids from the stomach to the esophagus. The patient experiences severe pain or burning feeling in his stomach and chest area as the acidic stomach gases come in contact with the damages or lesions on the inside of his esophagus. When someone drinks orange or tomato juice or any kind of similar fruit juice, the acid in the juice comes in direct contact with the lesions or sores in the esophagus causing severe pain and burning feeling in the stomach. Sometimes when people burp they experience pain or heartburn because of the esophageal damage. Our stomach contains enzymes and hydrochloric acid which help in the digestive process. The acidic contents of our stomach exert some force against our Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) valve. If the valve is damaged or swollen then the valve is overpowered by this pressure. When the pressure manages to overcome the LES valve, the acidic gases or fumes from our stomach readily starts to release into the esophagus. In our esophagus the acidic fumes make contact with the lesions or sores and the result is severe pain or feeling of a burning sensation in the chest area.

? The Symptoms:

This is a disease with some very common symptoms. The most common symptom of acid reflux disease is heartburn. The other symptoms of this disease are as follows:

1) Feeling of burning sensation or pressure sensation in the chest area that may even radiate upward toward the back and neck.

2) Regular chest pain that occurs at the time of bending over or lying down especially soon after taking food.

3) Feeling of hot, acidic, or sour tasting fluid at the back of the throat or in the mouth.

4) A feeling of coming back of food into the mouth from the stomach or sticking of food in the chest or throat.

? The Effects:

Generally it causes severe pain and burning sensation in stomach and chest area. In some cases the sufferers experience a pressure sensation along with burning sensation in their chest area. This pressure sensation can even radiate into the arm, back or neck area. This pressure is sometime relieved when we burp. The acid reflux may even cause extra mucus for which one might experience a constant cough or sore throat. The vocal cords can also be affected by the acid reflux disease. To prevent the occurance of AR disease we have to avoid certain foods such as Fried foods, Fatty foods, Spicy foods, etc.

Tyson J Stevenson creates useful articles & reviews on a wide variety of everyday subjects. Expect to see his name often. View further samples of his work at News2Reviews or at Acid Reflux Natural Cure

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Friday, September 28, 2007

Acid Reflux Part 3 - Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)

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While Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) is cited in some journals as a part of GERD, it presents its own set of symptoms and potential health problems. LPR affects the larynx, pharynx, bronchi, trachea, and possibly even one's lungs.

LPR occurs when the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opens and allows reflux to enter the throat. Since the components of the affected area (see the list above) are constructed of softer tissue that the esophagus, the potential for damage is greater from stomach acid and digestive enzymes. And if the reflux is "aspirated," or breathed into the lungs, the risk is increased for one to develop aspiration pneumonia. Other pulmonary problems whish may manifest are coughing, wheezing, asthma (especially adult onset), and interstitial fibrosis (the tissue in the lungs becomes inflamed and/or scarred). Excess acid reaching one's mouth can also lead to the decay of the tooth enamel, gingivitis, halitosis, and waterbrash.

Further complications can include odynophagia and dysphagia. And pharynx symptoms can include laryngitis, hoarseness, soreness, the sensation of a lump in one's throat (globus), and earache due to fluids entering one's Eustachian tubes between the throat and the ear.

Overall symptoms may include the above plus:

- Dysphonia
- Frequent throat clearing
- Post nasal drip
- Spasm of the larynx
- Blockage of the breathing passage
- Swallowed food coming back up
- Difficulty singing, especially the loss of vocal range.

Diagnosis of LPR can be more difficult, due in part to the fact that less than 15% of those affected have the "heartburn" associated with typical GERD symptoms. Your physician or health care provider may do a laryngoscopy to diagnose and evaluate the condition. Please consult him/her as quickly as possible if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms.

Other testing may include:

- pH testing - two sensors are placed (one on each end of the esophagus) to determine if the reflux is reaching one's upper esophagus and to assess the pH content of the reflux.

- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, if one complains of dysphagia or odynophagia

Lifestyle changes:

These are the same as those mentioned in Part 2 of this three-part series.

Medical treatments:

- Antacids - Prescription medications to reduce acid production in the stomach
- the Nissen Fundoplication mentioned in Part 2.

As with treatment of GERD one's physician may recommend one, or a combination, of the treatments cited, depending on the severity of your case. And it is recommended that one seek medical care as quickly as possible, should one experience any of the symptoms described in these articles.

Please remember that Acid Reflux can lead to very serious health issues, including some forms of cancer, if left untreated. So see your physician as often as needed to alleviate this potentially devastating disease.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Acid Reflux

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Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Acid Reflux - Gastroesophageal Reflux (GERD)

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Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to remain closed. There are several theories on why this happens. It is most commonly believed that the tissue structure of the LES is compromised by one or more of these factors:

- Overeating
- Eating foods which contain high acid content
- Delayed digestion of stomach content
- Diminished salivation
- Relaxation of the LES (transient)
- Decreased LES resting status
- Ineffective esophageal clearance
- The inability of the esophagus to resist injury and repair itself

GERD episodes occur frequently during the day, quite often following the consumption of too much food or foods high in fat content. However there are also many reported cases of this happening at night, while one is in a horizontal sleeping position.

In the course of this research, I discovered that most physicians recommend that patients avoid alcohol, caffeine and chocolate, as these items seem to be the biggest "offenders" in one's battle against this affliction. It should also be noted that smoking, tight clothing, drugs, hormones, obesity, pregnancy, and even body position have been cited as triggering factors in the onset of this disease.

GERD is often accompanied by a hiatal hernia. This is a protrusion of part of the stomach through the esophageal hiatus, an opening in the diaphragm, which leads into the chest. When this type of hernia is present it may contribute to transient LES relaxation and delay clearance, due to impaired esophageal evacuation. This means that hiatal hernias may allow prolonged acid exposure after reflux occurs, thus creating GERD symptoms and esophageal damage.

Common symptoms of GERD involving the LES are:

- Heartburn - burning in the chest behind the sternum
- Regurgitation - not to be confused with vomiting, which employs the gastrointestinal and abdominal muscles to force stomach contents up the esophagus, this is a bitter or acid taste in the mouth caused by the gastric contents reaching it during reflux
- Dysfunctional swallowing (Dysphagia) - this is the sensation of food "hanging up", "getting stuck" or "slowing down" between the pharynx and the stomach
- Pain when swallowing (Odynophagia) - a sharp pain beneath the sternum that occurs when swallowing. This pain is caused by erosive esophagitis (when the lining of one's esophagus has been "eaten" by stomach acid and gastric enzymes)
- Chest Pain - when caused by reflux, this may be sharp or dull and may radiate into the neck, arms, or back. This is very often mistaken as a heart attack. Don't take any chances. Seek immediate medical attention in the event that this occurs so that your physician or health care provider may rule out heart problems and help you treat the cause.

Common tests used to diagnose and evaluate GERD are:

- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and possibly a biopsy of the esophagus
- pH testing of the LES - a sensor is put into place for 24 hours to determine whether or not the reflux is occurring, and to assess the level of the acid being refluxed.

Depending on your physician's evaluation, GERD may be controlled in the early stages with diet and an over-the-counter antacid. It is not recommended that one employ this method of treatment without first consulting one's physician. More severe diagnoses may require more in-depth treatment, possibly including surgery.

Your physician may recommend one, or a combination, of the following:

Lifestyle changes: - Elevate the head of one's bed 4 to 6 inches (5 to 8 centimeters)
- Antacids to neutralize excess stomach acid
- Avoid overeating
- Avoid alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine
- No food two to three hours before going to bed
- Lose weight
- Avoid fatty and/or greasy foods
- Drink eight 8 ounce glasses (about two liters) of water daily

Medical treatments:

- Prescription medications to reduce acid production in the stomach
- Endoscopic suturing - this is a minimally invasive procedure and can create a barrier to minimize reflux in those with mild to moderate GERD. It cannot be done, however, if one has a large hiatal hernia.
- Surgery on the LES - The most common is the Nissen fundoplication. But, there is a less invasive form of surgery using laparoscopy. Your physician will determine which better suits the necessity.

Please remember that left untreated, GERD can lead to many more serious complications, so don't ignore that frequent "heartburn". Get checked out now!
Your Independent guide to Acid Reflux

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Friday, September 7, 2007

Acid Reflux Symptoms and Treatment

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Acid reflux (also known as GERD or heartburn) is a common condition -- Over 60 million Americans experience it at least once a month.

For some, acid reflux is a temporary phenomenon experienced only when eating too much, or eating particular types of food e.g. spicy foods. But for many others, acid reflux can be a painful and persistent condition.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter (that normally closes after swallowing to prevent stomach contents from escaping) malfunctions and allows stomach acid to travel up the oesophagus. When this occurs, a painful sensation is felt.

What are the Symptoms of Acid Reflux?

The symptoms of acid reflux are a painful burning sensation in the upper chest and/or regurgitation of acid into the mouth. Some patients will even develop nausea although this is less common. Although often called heartburn, the pain should not be mistaken for that associated with a true heart attack or cardiac arrest which would be accompanied by tightness of and pounding in the chest, weakness and feeling faint.

What are the Treatments for Acid Reflux?

Fortunately there are many treatments available for acid reflux.

Antacids are usually the first port of call for many acid reflux sufferers. For short term and infrequent attacks of acid reflux, these provide much needed temporary relief. However, as a long term solution they are not suitable and alternatives should be sought.

Any sufferer of regular acid reflux should keep a diary of everything they eat and drink. Over time, patterns can be established and many people report elimination or reduction of acid reflux symptoms after changing their diet accordingly to eliminate problematic food or drink.

If dietary changes have little or no effect, there are various families of drugs that are available over the counter and on prescription.

PPIs, or proton pump inhibitors, are often prescribed and successful drugs. These work by inhibiting production of the stomach acid that causes acid reflux. They have relatively limited side effects. H2 blockers are a different family of drugs that have the same effect but work in a different way. For the vast majority of long term acid reflux sufferers, PPIs and H2 blockers are a successful drug therapy. Some people, however, fail to respond to treatment with PPIs and H2 blockers and their only option are more radical drugs known as promotility agents. Unfortunately, these can have very severe side effects and are therefore rarely prescribed.

Lastly, for those who fail to respond to drug treatment, or simply want an alternative to the daily inconvenience of taking drugs, surgery is an option. New techniques are constantly being developed, some of which include procedures such as Enteryx Procedure, Stretta Procedure, Nissen Fundoplication and Endocinch. Your doctor will be able to give you more advice on these surgery options.

About the author:
For more information and in-depth analysis of the treatment of acid reflux, visit Acid Reflux Treatment.


acid reflux diseaseandy casasantaWhat is acid reflux disease?

Acid reflux disease can and often is mistaken for heartburn. But the heartburn symptoms of acid reflux disease usually occur 2 or more days a week for at least 3 months and can damage your esophagus. At the top of your stomach is a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which normally opens and closes allowing food to enter. It also prevents the acid in your stomach from backing up into your esophagus. The trouble begins when the LES opens at inappropriate times, allowing acid from the stomach to get into the esophagus, where it doesn't belong. Acid reflux disease can also lead to more serious medical conditions that may require hospitalization. Acid reflux in the throat can cause sore throat. If acid reaches the mouth, it can dissolve the enamel of the teeth. Millions of people have the disease and suffer from its most common symptom - frequent and persistent heartburn. Acid reflux disease can be treated and controlled.


How do you get Acid Reflux?

Factors contributing to acid reflux include fatty foods, cigarettes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, obesity, pregnancy and delayed stomach emptying. Obesity and pregnancy increase pressures within the abdomen (body trunk), pushing the stomach contents back into the esophagus. Some patients have stomachs that empty their contents into the intestines very slowly.



How serious is Acid Reflux?

The lining of the esophagus may become ulcerated and can result in narrowing, making swallowing of food and, sometimes, liquids, painful and difficult. In people with esophagitis, there may also be an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus.


How long does Acid Reflux last?

Acid reflux can last several months or longer if not treated.

How is Acid Reflux treated?
Antacids are medicines that are commonly used to treat acid-related symptoms, like heartburn or indigestion, and work by neutralizing acid in the stomach. However, they are not usually recommended to treat the frequent heartburn suffered by people with GERD.


Mr Andy Casasanta. Has devoted a portion of his life to health and well being for himself and others. All the subjects of his articles has effected his life in one way or another. Which has inspired him to create a tremendous health and pharmacy website. In this site you will find up to 40 health articles and growing, a 7000 reciprocal link exchange page and Generic medications. Savings of up to 80% on all popular drugs. Viagra, Lipitor, meridia, and hundreds more all for pennies on the dollar. Please visit

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