The Connection Of Acid Reflux And Atkins Diet

Many people recommend the Atkins diet to lose weight. As the trend for a low carbohydrate diet emerged, many of those who have acid reflux and Atkins diet noticed that their acid reflux was markedly reduce after a few days of staying on the diet. This discovery prompted the study of acid reflux and Atkins diet connection.

Acid reflux is the occurrence of stomach acid backing up into the esophagus due to many factors. Some factors may include the malfunction of the esophageal sphincter or the position of the individual right after a heavy meal. Other reasons for this condition may be due to may weak muscles or the kind of food you have eaten.

How The Atkins Diet Works

The Atkins diet functions by reducing the ingestion of carbohydrates in order to stabilize the blood sugar level. This will create a natural break down of fat stores and also protein stores for the body to create energy. This means that the diet prompts the natural usage of reserved fatty stores in the body since there are not enough carbohydrates to turn into energy in the diet. Many swear by the efficacy of the Atkins diet while some others are skeptical regarding the idea behind it. Some doctors argue that the body might not necessarily burn the fat and protein reserves and the person will be severely malnourished in the end.

The connection of acid reflux and the Atkins diet lies in the food that the individual does not take in during the diet. Although, animal fat and meat are staples in the Atkins diet, the reduced amount of refined carbohydrates may also have an effect on reducing the instances of acid reflux symptoms. Studies about acid reflux and Atkins diet have been yielded conflicting results because fats and meats can also trigger the symptoms of acid reflux. Not everybody in the study about acid reflux and Atkins diet has yielded promising result regarding the effect of the Atkins diet on acid reflux.

Due to the conflicting results, many doctors still hesitate on recommending Atkins diet for acid reflux. More studies and research needs to be done regarding acid reflux and Atkins diet combination. Medical practitioners still recommend proper posture while eating and after eating as well as regulating what you eat and the amount of food that you ingest to reduce occurrences of acid reflux. The acid reflux and Atkins diet combination might be beneficial for some individuals but for some it may have no effect whatsoever.

Dealing With Acid Reflux and Back Pain

So it isn’t enough that you have acid reflux, but you have back pain too. People who are suffering from one of these problems let alone both often feel helpless and feel as though there is nothing they can do to find relief from their pain. There are solutions for acid reflux and back pain, and you just have to learn about what they are.

Your Options

One of the best treatments for acid reflux and back pain is quite simple – vinegar. For one of the most natural and safe ways of treating your acid reflux and back pain you simply drink a tablespoon of vinegar each day, preferably in the morning, and this helps by basically counteracting the overproduction of acid in your stomach.

Apple cider vinegar can replace regular vinegar if you wish, and you should take about a tablespoon of it before each meal. You should ideally begin to notice results within a few weeks, some after only days. It is important that you continue to take the vinegar on a daily basis however, even after you feel an improvement, otherwise your pain will most likely return.

Another effective treatment idea for acid reflux and back pain is to combine antacids and pain medication. The antacids will work for the acid reflux by neutralizing acid in the stomach, while the pain medication will help to offer relief from the pain in your back. Because antacids are such a mild form of medicine they can easily and safely be taken in conjunction with other medication, such as back pain pills.

For the back pain in particular, there are multiple over the counter and prescription drugs that are available. Acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most commonly suggested, and typically begin to show results in as little as a few days.

Narcotic pain medications and muscle relaxants may also be used, but these should not ever be considered as a long term solution, and if used for a prolonged period of time they may actually end up making the condition worse.

Anyone looking to find relief from acid reflux and back pain should stay positive, knowing that there are effective solutions available. It is also important to not self treat, because only an experienced medical professional will be able to properly assess and diagnose your condition and deem which specific treatment would be most suitable. You also should stay in close contact with them afterwards, especially the time immediately after you begin treatment, so they can make sure that your condition is improving.

Acid Reflux Alternative Treatment: The Options

In almost all types of diseases, a number of treatment options are given out to patients. They are for people to choose from, and they all offer what suits the patient the best.

The acid reflux alternative treatment is really not a list in which you can choose something to ingest and make the heartburn go away. It is rather a procedure which you strictly do and follow everyday in order to achieve your goal. Although the acid reflux alternative treatment offers a long term goal, it has been proven to be supportive in the client's recuperation process.

Belching as an Acid Reflux Alternative Treatment

Belching is more commonly known as burping; the sound which we make when air passes upward from our stomach. The moment we chew and swallow our food, we also allow air to enter and build up in our stomach; this causes the "flap-like" valve to open and relax and allows food to back up in the esophagus. Before the air accumulates inside our stomach and lets the sphincter loose, we need to burp in order to push the excess air out of our stomach. This act effectively relieves us from heartburn. Another way of letting the air out of our stomach is by lying sideways or in a knee-chest position until the air escapes.

The Colon Cleansing Kit

One of the less popular acid reflux alternative treatment is colon cleansing, Unknown to many, this homeopathic way helps relieve a person from heartburn by removing accumulated waste inside our stomach. There is a need to have a "liquids-only" fasting, an intake of at least thirty grams of fiber per day, and frequent fiber drinks intake. By following these three, our stomach and colon are cleansed naturally and excess waste is being removed. However, this practice needs to be approved by a physician since prolonged usage of such technique could lead to dehydration.

Prim and Proper

The last acid reflux alternative treatment is proper posturing and proper chewing of food. When one gets very hungry, they tend to swallow the food instead of chewing it. When this happens, gas forms easily inside their stomachs causing the heartburn. You need to take time to eat and swallow in small portions; this would only allow a lesser portion of gas to enter the stomach. You need to apply mindfulness in eating; rather than inhaling it, savor and chew the food at a snail's pace.

While there are a lot of medicinal and herbal offers, why not try the alternative way? This may help you get pass through your problems in heartburn. A little effort and determination would certainly fix this burning pain.

Are Acid Reflux and Bad Breath Related?

Acid reflux and bad breath sometimes happen together and can cause you a lot of embarrassment. Imagine having heartburn after lunch and then having to give a presentation only to have the people nearest to you back away or tune out what you’re saying because of your bad breath.

Or imagine the embarrassment of acid reflux and bad breath during a date. There are many instances when acid reflux and bad breath can occur and none of them are ideal. There is a natural non-medicated way to achieve fresh breath. Medication for acid reflux is only a temporary fix and will not solve the problem in the long term.

Understanding the Problem

What do you think your acid juices taste like? If you have acid reflux you probably have a good idea. Every time your esophagus opens up and allows your stomach juices to enter your mouth you can taste that awful bitter liquid. Remember that taste and smell are connected; your sense of smell helps you to taste things. So if something tastes good it is likely to smell good, the opposite is true as well.

Once you have had an attack of acid reflux you are going to have bad breath. Add to this the conventional wisdom that what you eat influences how your breath smells and you can understand better why acid reflux and bad breath go together. Foods that cause bad breath can also cause acid reflux, eliminating or reducing these foods can help you improve an acid reflux and bad breath problem.

Small Changes

Antacids will help you with acid reflux and thus eliminate the problem of bad breath but do you really want to rely on medication all the time? Acid reflux and bad breath can be cured with small changes to your lifestyle rather than drastic ones. If you love spicy and garlic filled foods and eat them often it might be time to cut out these foods and only eat them in small portions occasionally.

Exercise is also a great thing to incorporate into your daily life. If you complain that you have no time to go to the gym then find ways of slipping it into your everyday life. Whether that’s using the stairs instead of the lift at work or walking your dog instead of hiring someone. Weight loss can help you solve the problem of heart burn so some extra exercise will no doubt help your acid reflux and bad breath problem.

Avoiding Acid Reflux and Diarrhea

Acid reflux in itself is unpleasant but acid reflux and diarrhea are two things that sometimes go together and make the experience even worse. Many people think that acid reflux and diarrhea always occur together when in fact this is not true. It is possible to eliminate both acid reflux and diarrhea by choosing the right treatment plan and changing your lifestyle. The treatment that you choose for acid reflux will largely determine whether you have diarrhea and acid reflux. You should also consider how to treat the root of acid reflux to eliminate the problem completely.

How to Avoid Diarrhea

Diarrhea is actually very serious, despite its common occurrence, it can be potentially life threatening. This is because constant diarrhea results in a loss of body fluids. Dehydration if not treated quickly can result in hospitalization or even worse. It is particularly worrying if the person afflicted is elderly. You should avoid a combination of acid reflux and diarrhea as the two together can cause a lot of discomfort.

You may have noticed that diarrhea usually occurs after you have taken an antacid to treat your acid reflux. This is because some over the counter antacids will cause diarrhea due to the inclusion of aluminum hydroxide in the list of ingredients. Buying a different antacid that has magnesium hydroxide will cause you to have the opposite problem that is constipation. You should buy an antacid that has both these ingredients to avoid the problem completely.

Solving Acid Reflux Problems

Occasional acid reflux or heartburn is not harmful or worrisome; as we age we are more likely to experience this. Cause for concern however is continued heartburn on a regular basis. This is indicative of an unhealthy diet that is difficult for your body to digest. Continued acid reflux can destroy or damage your esophagus and result in bleeding and problems swallowing.

Fatty food at every meal is not a good idea in many ways and is one of the causes of acid reflux. Cutting down on fatty foods will help the problem immensely. Heavy meals should also be avoided as this puts stress on your stomach, eat smaller meals to aid digestion and reduce acid reflux. Eating late at night is also something that you should avoid. If your acid reflux is triggered by certain foods, for example spicy foods, you should avoid these foods. Caffeine and smoking also cause acid reflux and you should avoid these habits to eliminate acid reflux and diarrhea.

How to Avoid Having an Acid Reflux Attack

Often confused with heartburn, acid reflux is a condition that occurs when acids from the stomach make their way back up and into the esophagus. Also known as GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disorder, this is a chronic condition that will become a lifelong problem once it begins, and which can result in serious damage to the body if left untreated.

Avoiding an Acid Reflux Attack

Although there is no surefire way to completely prevent or cure acid reflux, there are certain things that you can do to avoid having an acid reflux attack. One of the first and most important things you should do is make a list of the different foods that can aggravate your acid reflux and then avoid them as best you can in the future.

Citrus fruits and juices, chocolate, caffeine, tomato based foods, fatty and greasy foods, and spicy foods should all be avoided in order to prevent the onset of an acid reflux attack. Cola drinks, certain cold remedies and medications, weight control aids, and pain relievers can all also aggravate acid reflux.

Wearing loose clothing will also help you to avoid an acid reflux attack, as tight belts and clothing can press up against your stomach and force the acid in the stomach contents to make their way into the esophagus.

There is also the option of using enzyme therapy, which is quickly becoming a popular option among acid reflux sufferers around the world. It can be used to improve circulation in the body, help speed tissue repair, remove waste products from the body, build general resistance, and improve overall health.

All of these ideas will be effective in avoiding an acid reflux attack, but in most cases avoidance is not enough, and you will have to implement some form of medicine to help cope with your reflux.

A few of the most commonly used medications include Nexium Oral, Prevacid Oral, Zantac Oral, Aciphex Oral, Antacid Oral, Carafate Oral, Pepcid Oral, Prilosec Oral, Protonix Oral, Axid Oral, Reglan Oral, and Tagamet Oral.

Speak to your doctor to find which if any medication is going to be best for you and also how long you should take it for. Prescription drugs may offer relief but they should never be considered as a long term solution. Instead you should take the steps to avoid acid reflux attacks as best you can, as well as create a proper diet and exercise regime.

Acid Reflux Bacteria: Cancer Causing?

We never thought that a simple heartburn could result in many possible complications. Amongst these complications is the life threatening and debilitating illness, cancer. The mechanism for which it affects our gastrointestinal system could never be understood; but research shows that the bacteria flourishing both in the esophagus and the stomach could nonetheless lead to cancer.

There are two types of acid reflux bacteria that are proven harmful to our system. One is the cancer causing Helicobacter Pylori existing in the stomach walls and the other is a diverse bunch of organisms which thrives in the esophagus. Both organisms are related to stomach and esophageal cancers.

Barett’s Esophagus

Although it was not really proven that the bacteria residing in the esophagus can positively cause cancer, it was verified that it can otherwise contribute to the shifting of our normal esophageal cells. Instead of having a smooth cell lining, the esophagus is transformed into an abnormal and coarse wall. This process is usually seen in patients having reflux disease. Due to prolonged regurgitation, the lining of the esophagus is continually irritated leaving it into a condition called a Barett’s esophagus. Acid reflux bacteria then thrives into the esophageal lining contributing to further irritation and infection, thus leading to cancer.

Helicobacter Pylori

Helicobacter pylori is an acid reflux bacteria caused by prolonged regurgitation and prolonged irritation of the stomach wall. When people experience frequent heartburn, the stomach produces more acid leading to ulcerations in its walls. Having ulcers in the stomach walls cause such bacteria to thrive on it. Helicobacter Pylori is pathogenic in the sense that it invades the stomach’s normal flora, and is debilitating in the sense that it is proven to be the cause of gastric cancer.

Acid Reflux Bacteria and the Cancers Associated With It

Two complications of acid reflux disease are proven to be cancer-causing. One is cancer of the esophagus and the other is cancer of the stomach. Reflux may seem to be a simple problem since most people experience it from time to time; but we must remember that occasional reflux is different form frequent reflux. The latter suggests that it is important to consult the physician and have ourselves treated before any of the complications arise. Acid reflux bacteria can be easily treated with compliance to antibiotics; but cancer has no means of any cure. So before everything gets as worse as cancer, we might consider seeking the help of health professionals before everything gets too late.

Acid Reflux Caused by Gallbladder Stones: A Misconception

One of the symptoms of gallstones is an attack that is similar to acid reflux. These attacks are sudden and very painful and can often lead people to think that they have acid reflux caused by gallbladder stones. In fact there is no such thing as acid reflux caused by gallbladder stones.

However the similarity of the acid reflux and gallstone attacks will have you thinking that you have an extreme form of acid reflux. To make matters worse the causes and circumstances that gallstone attacks happen in can also lead to the conclusion that acid reflux is caused by gallbladder stones.

Symptoms

The symptoms that you will experience during a gallstone attack are intense pains in the upper part of your abdomen. This pain can last anywhere between a half hour and several hours. Pain is not limited to the upper abdomen and can sometimes be felt between the shoulder blades, near the right shoulder and sometimes near the pelvis. Pain is a symptom of acid reflux and so you might think that you are having very bad acid reflux caused by gallbladder stones.

These attacks usually occur late at night and may be accompanied by indigestion. Other symptoms that you may experience are gas, belching and an inability to digest fatty foods. In fact these attacks will usually happen after you have had a very fatty meal. These symptoms are similar to acid reflux symptoms and may again make you think that you have severe acid reflux. However acid reflux never lasts as long as gallstone attacks.

Some people have gallbladder stones with no symptoms at all. These are sometimes called silent stones and do not need to be treated. The existence of silent stones would seem to further prove that there is no such thing as acid reflux caused by gallbladder stones.

Treatment

Treatment of gallbladder stones is the way to get rid of gallstone attacks completely. There are several ways to treat gallbladder stones; first you can try the oral route whereby ursodeoxycholic acid is administered in an attempt to dissolve the gallstones. This treatment is not a 100% successful in completely eliminating the problem; once the medication is stopped gallstones have a possibility of forming again.

The other option is to have surgery that removes the gallbladder. This provides the patient with a 99% chance of gallbladder stones reoccurring. There are no real negative side effects to having your gallbladder removed.

Identifying And Avoiding Acid Reflux Causes

Whether you call it acid reflux, GARD, GERD, or just plain heartburn, knowing the causes of your acid reflux symptoms can help you avoid or alleviate them.

Foods That Cause Acid Reflux

The most common cause of acid reflux disease is found in the diet. Certain foods trigger acid production in most people. Examples of food and beverages that can cause acid reflux are:

>caffeinated beverages, like coffee, tea, and soft drinks containing caffeine;
>chocolate, which contains a compound that relaxes the esophageal muscle and permits acid to squirt back up into the esophagus;
>fried foods and foods with a high fat content, which slow down the digestive process;
>onions, garlic, and spicy foods, which can contribute to acid reflux; and
>citrus fruit juice, citrus fruit, and tomatoes, which are acidic.

By avoiding these trigger foods, most people can avoid many of the symptoms of acid reflux.

Behavior That Causes Acid Reflux

Just as certain foods can cause acid reflux, there are behaviors that either cause acid reflux or exacerbate the condition. Try to avoid the following activities:

>eating very large meals, which puts pressure on the lower esophageal muscle and increases the occurrence of acid backup;
>smoking cigarettes;
>eating too close to bedtime (acid reflux sufferers should stop eating at least three hours before going to bed); and
>wearing clothes that are too tight.

If you exhibit one or more of these activities, you might expect to have problems with acid reflux.

Physical Conditions that Cause Acid Reflux

Regardless of what triggers acid reflux to occur, the cause of acid reflux is the same: stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. The backup occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which holds acid in place, relaxes. The relaxation of the LES can be triggered by food, behavior, or other physical conditions. These conditions are:

>pregnancy, which can be a major cause of acid reflux; and
>hiatal hernia, which affects the operation of the diaphragm.

Treatment For Acid Reflux

Whatever the cause, acid reflux can be a serious disorder that requires medical attention. Delaying treatment can lead to permanent damage of the esophagus, so patients suffering from acid reflux should contact a doctor as soon as possible.

In addition to changing problem behaviors that may be causing acid reflux and cutting out the food and beverages that trigger the backup of acid into the esophagus, patients can often take a prescription medication or over-the-counter pill that will ease the symptoms of acid reflux. Most patients report immediate relief once they start a course of medication.

What Are Acid Reflux Allergies?

Some people develop acid reflux allergies due to a reaction that the stomach has to certain foods in the person's diet. Acid reflux allergies are triggered by the unfortunate reaction to something that you might have eaten. This does not necessarily mean, though, that acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease is caused by allergies to foods. Only a few people may actually have food allergies that can trigger acid reflux allergies.

Acid reflux is the condition where some stomach acids or stomach contents back up into the esophagus causing heartburn and other uncomfortable symptoms. Frequent occurrences of acid reflux can mean that there is something wrong with your esophageal sphincter or other tissues near this area. Some foods can trigger severe cases of heartburn or acid reflux resulting to the person taking medication to ease the discomfort and the pain.

Foods That Trigger Acid Reflux Allergies

We may have some notion that allergies usually manifest themselves through skin eruptions and hay fever symptoms. Actually, there are also some allergic reactions that can be triggered in the stomach which makes the stomach roil to an extent that gastroesophageal reflux disease manifests itself. Acid reflux allergies against certain foods may not be easy to diagnose because people may not expect the allergic reaction to occur in the stomach. Acid reflux allergies can actually be as easy to detect in simple blood testing against certain foods that can be triggers for an allergic reaction.

Cow's milk is one of the factors that can cause acid reflux allergies. Lactose intolerance can trigger heartburn symptoms on those who suffer from lactose intolerance. The reaction of the stomach and the body to cow's milk can easily trigger a host of reactions, one of which is acid reflux allergies, in a person. The stomach may react by inducing the vomit reflex which in turn can be easily controlled but can also cause the esophagus to be burned by the stomach acids or stomach contents.

Other foods that may cause acid reflux allergies or just plain old acid reflux in a person include fruits with a citrus base, chocolate, most dairy products and foods that are deep fried or too oily. Learning what foods can cause your acid reflux allergies will help you immensely in managing and dealing with this condition. Although, there is little difference between plain acid reflux and acid reflux allergies, other than the triggers, knowing what causes it is a step in the right direction.

The Best and the Only Way to Acid Reflux Cure

A number of websites have probably been opened and viewed from people all over the world; and their reason, the search for the cure of acid reflux. Many books and internet sources offer their own answers based on surveys and research. Some sources also offer answers from physicians and other health experts; but it keeps me wondering, do they all offer one same cure for acid reflux disease? Do they provide good answers to suffice the minds of the people looking up to them for a proper response?

The world is open to many possibilities and offers. You have to try each one until you get the best offer. Amongst the many offers in the world wide web, the most popular acid reflux cure are these: natural remedy, herbal remedy and pills. We will tackle all these in three separate issues.

Pills and Its Effects

What most doctors would suggest as an acid reflux cure would be medications. There are a number of medications available in the pharmacy; some are over the counter medications and some require a prescription. They vary from antacids to proton pump inhibitors which both stop or neutralize the acidity in the stomach. All these medications offer a relief from acidity, but not a cure for the disease. They only offer minimal irritation in the linings of your esophagus, but they do not stop the fluids inside your stomach from regurgitating. Apart from this, the pills, being drugs themselves, has side effects; and to name the few are dry mouth, headache, and further growth of bacteria in the stomach since it lessens the acidity inside. With the storm of acid reflux cure appearing both on television and on the internet, choosing the right medication would be a difficult task.

Choosing the Herbal Way

A handful of herbs have proven themselves beneficial in the acid reflux cure. The accepted herbal medications include chamomile, ginger and licorice. This form of acid reflux cure should be tried and tested first before you see if it even works. One person may be cured using chamomile, but others may not.

Chamomile gives the stomach a soothing effect; thus, lessening the irritation and the acidity on the walls. Ginger root has been used as a folk remedy for centuries now, and it has proven itself to be very effective. Licorice also minimizes the acidity and is safe to take indefinitely. Although herbal remedies proved themselves beneficial in many studies, they do not undergo the safety testing of the government; this however becomes the downside of choosing the herbal way to acid reflux cure.

Natural Remedy: The Best Acid Reflux Cure?

They say that nothing is as best as the natural way. The fact that natural remedy has been accepted worldwide makes it safe, affordable and easily attainable for people's use. In the acid reflux cure, the key to achieving wellness is through thorough elimination of alcohol, fatty food, and spicy food from your diet. Quitting smoking would also help a lot. An upright position after meals should also be considered. Eating healthy food such as apples and yogurt were proven to be effective in reducing the regurgitation symptoms.

There are still a number of ways to find your acid reflux cure the natural way. Trying one after another would guide you in finding your step to wellness. With strict compliance to the regimen, you can surely find your way out of this problem.

An Acid Reflux Diet that will Keep Symptoms at Bay

Heartburn is a common occurrence that will affect nearly everyone at one time or another. However, when heartburn becomes more frequent it can turn into acid reflux disease, which can become uncomfortable enough to get in the way of daily life and even cause damage to the lining of the esophagus if it is left unchecked. For some, keeping the painful symptoms at bay is as easy as developing an acid reflux diet that will eliminate heartburn triggers from the daily menu. There are a number of ways that you can create the best acid reflux diet for you by determining exactly what your heartburn triggers are.

The Typical Acid Reflux Diet
Some people will find that by eliminating the common culprits of heartburn from their food choices, they can create the most effective acid reflux diet. There are many potential heartburn triggers in the average diet, including fatty and fried foods and spicy fare. Specific foods to eliminate from an acid reflux diet are tomatoes and tomato products, chocolate, garlic, citrus fruits and onions. It is also a good idea to stay away from caffeine and alcohol, since these are know causes of heartburn as well.

You can also adjust your acid reflux diet from three large meals a day to six smaller ones. By not letting the stomach get too full, digestive acids have less of a likelihood of moving back up the digestive tract to cause heartburn symptoms. Lying down with a full stomach can also result in heartburn, so avoid eating too close to bedtime or taking a nap right after a meal.

Keeping a Heartburn Journal
For those who are having a tougher time pinpointing their heartburn triggers, it may help to keep a food journal before you determine the best acid reflux diet for you. For a couple of weeks, chart the food that you eat and the days that you experience heartburn symptoms. Through this process, you can figure out which specific foods are the culprits of your heartburn, so that you can eliminate them from your acid reflux diet. While this process may seem time consuming, it is well worth the effort if it can help you keep painful heartburn symptoms at bay.

Frequent heartburn is an uncomfortable condition that can cause damage to your esophagus over the long term if it is left unchecked. The good news for many is that by creating an acid reflux diet, you can avoid the trigger for your heartburn and keep your acid reflux under control.

The Lowdown on Acid Reflux Disease

Do you suffer from frequent bouts of heartburn – maybe two or three episodes every week? Do you often wake up at night to the all too familiar feeling of burning in your chest and an acidic taste in your mouth? Is your heartburn beginning to get in the way of your daily life? If you have answered yes to any or all of these questions, you may be suffering from acid reflux disease, which is also known as GERD.

Is Acid Reflux Disease Serious?
For most of us, the occasional bout of heartburn is nothing to worry about. We can simply take an antacid or two if the pain becomes particularly uncomfortable and go on our merry way. However, when heartburn evolves into acid reflux disease, and the episodes become more frequent, there is a possibility that the delicate lining of the esophagus can become damaged by the regular exposure to stomach acids.

Because of the potential for damage, it is a good idea to treat your acid reflux disease when it becomes a regular problem. There are many ways to keep these acids at bay, from changes to diet and lifestyle, to over the counter and prescription medications. For some, avoiding the triggers for the heartburn is sufficient for controlling acid reflux disease. This may include certain types of foods, smoking or overfilling your stomach with large meals.

Medical Options for Acid Reflux
If lifestyle and dietary changes are not sufficient for controlling your acid reflux disease, you can also try a medication. The most common over the counter medicine to treat heartburn is an antacid. These come under commercial names like Rolaids or Tums, and work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach. The best feature of antacids is that they go to work very quickly. However, they are not always the most efficient medication for acid reflux disease, since the benefits tend to be short-lived.

You can also choose an H-2-receptor blocker, like Tagamet, Pepcid or Zantac. The function of these medications is to reduce the amount of acid that is produced, to lessen the likelihood that acid reflux disease will flare up. These medicines take longer to begin working, but they will last longer. It is best to take an H-2-receptor blocker before eating a meal, since they will take about 30 minutes to begin working. Another good medication for acid reflux disease is a proton pump inhibitor like Prilosec. This medicine will block acid production so any damage to the esophageal lining has time to heal.

Acid reflux disease can be an uncomfortable and potentially damaging condition. The good news is that there are many choices in treatment for this condition that will lead to more symptom-free days and a healthier digestive system.

Preventing Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

Acid reflux during pregnancy can be very uncomfortable for the mom to be because this can be frequent and also very inconvenient especially since there are a host of other uncomfortable feelings that some women experience during pregnancy. Acid reflux during pregnancy can be reduced just by following some simple instructions and guidelines. These guidelines will in no way endanger the mother of the unborn child.

Amount Of Food And Kinds Of Foods

The amount of food you eat can cause acid reflux during pregnancy especially in the later part of gestation. As you baby grows, the space in your abdomen is filled up by your unborn child. This makes the stomach capacity lesser because it could be squeezed between the baby and other organs. Since the stomach is highly flexible, it is likely to be moved when the baby moves, causing acid reflux during pregnancy after a heavy meal. Keeping meals small and just satisfactory can help to reduce acid reflux during pregnancy.

Some kinds of food can cause acid reflux during pregnancy. Chocolates, fatty foods, spicy foods, citrusy fruits and some tomato based foods can cause acid reflux during pregnancy and any other time. These foods, combined with other factors that can cause acid reflux must be avoided to reduce the occurrence of acid reflux during pregnancy.

Hormone Changes During Pregnancy

The hormonal changes that you go through during pregnancy can affect your muscles as well as the functions of the organs in your body. Acid reflux during pregnancy can be caused the weakening of the esophageal sphincter as well as the incapacity of the stomach to quickly and properly digest foods. Your stomach can also increase its production of stomach acids due to hormonal changes in the woman's body during pregnancy.

Position After Meals

A pregnant woman can be lazy at times and prone to sleeping or napping anytime of the day. The position that a pregnant woman holds after a meal can also cause acid reflux during pregnancy. Lying or sitting in a slouched position can affect the position of the stomach. If the stomach is pressed too tightly or the stomach is just level with the upper body, tendency is that the contents of the stomach might back track into the esophagus.

Even bending from the waist down can add pressure to your already bulging stomach and squeeze the stomach. This can cause symptoms of acid reflux during pregnancy and be quite uncomfortable for the mother to be.

Popular Acid Reflux Home Remedies

Acid reflux is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach finds its way back up into the esophagus and results in causing mild to severe pain. The liquid can actually end up inflaming and damaging the lining of the stomach and may even cause permanent damage.

This is actually a very common condition, one that is chronic which means that usually when it begins, it is a lifelong problem.

Acid Reflux Home Remedies

If you are one of the many people who suffer from acid reflux then you are surely aware of the various conventional treatments that are available on the market today. There are those people however who would rather a safer, all natural method and it is important that these people be aware of the many acid reflux home remedies which are also available to them.

Diet

There is nothing more important for people suffering from acid reflux than for them to pay close attention to their diet. There are certain foods and drinks which may aggravate your acid reflux and which therefore should be avoided as best as possible. Acid based and greasy foods are often aggravators, as are alcohol and caffeine.

You should begin meal planning so that you can avoid eating the wrong things and this is important because sometimes just changing your diet can be the key in controlling your acid reflux.

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar

Another of the most popular acid reflux home remedies is natural apple cider vinegar. It works because it has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, and it is actually the acid in the vinegar that helps to eliminate acid in your stomach.

Yogurt

Yet another of the acid reflux home remedies that you may want to try is yogurt. This is by far one of the most popular acid reflux home remedies, and even just a spoonful of cold yogurt can help to take the burning sensation caused by your acid reflux away.

The best idea is to talk with your doctor about your condition, because they will be able to assess your condition and determine which specific treatment is going to be best suited to you. This is important because there are some remedies, even some of the home remedies, which can actually make your acid reflux worse. It is also important and helpful for you to become more educated on the acid reflux condition and on what your options are in terms of treatment.

Dealing With Acid Reflux in Children

Acid reflux is a condition that occurs when there is a backward flow of the stomach contents into the esophagus. It generally occurs because the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes more than it should and as a result harsh stomach juices are allowed to flow back up into the esophagus, resulting in pain.

For most people with acid reflux the discomfort caused by the condition can begin to affect the quality of life and even prevent people from taking part in activities that they once found enjoyable. Acid reflux is also often the cause of heartburn and can be very troublesome, especially if it is recurring and persistent.

Acid Reflux in Children

Although when most of us think of acid reflux we tend to think of it as an adult condition, acid reflux in children is also very common. In these cases the acid reflux typically begins in infancy, and there are certain symptoms that the child will usually experience at the onset of the condition.

Acid reflux in children often produces symptoms such as abdominal pain, chest pain, burning sensation in the esophagus, gagging or choking, bad breath, runny nose, nighttime cough, hoarseness, excessive salivation, and frequent ear infections.

Dealing With Acid Reflux in Children

The first suggestion to treat acid reflux conditions in children involves using antacids. These are very mild and work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach. Mylanta and Maalox are two of the most commonly used antacids, but your doctor may prescribe another brand.

Acid suppressors are also commonly used and these work by suppressing the acid production in your stomach. There are also acid blockers, which completely block acid production in the stomach. Prilosec, Prevacid and Aciphex are a few of the most effective acid blockers, and you can speak to your doctor for more information on this.

It is also important that you work with your child and ensure that they make appropriate lifestyle changes. Eating smaller and more frequent meals, limiting intake of acidic foods and beverages, elevating the head during sleep, avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, and wearing loose clothing – all of these ar e going to benefit the child and help them to find relief from their acid reflux.

Acid reflux in children can be a difficult condition to deal with, but with the right treatment the child can find relief from their pain and get back to living their normal life once again.

Dealing With Acid Reflux in Infants: The First Step

There are few conditions more difficult to deal with than acid reflux in infants. Especially for adults who have dealt with acid reflux in the past, it is incredibly hard to see your little one have to go through such intense pain, feeling as though there is nothing you can do to help them. If you want to be able to help your baby, it is important to learn more about acid reflux in infants and the treatments that are available.

Acid reflux in infants typically occurs during the first three months of life, and although it can get to be quite serious most babies do not need treatment because the reflux tends to go away on its own. However for a small number of babies, the symptoms of acid reflux continue and appropriate treatment will be needed.

Symptoms

There are some symptoms that are commonly experienced by infants with acid reflux, including frequent spitting up, irritability especially when feeding, hiccups, coughing, poor sleep habits, and bad breath, to name a few. You may also notice that they have difficulty swallowing, frequent ear infections, hoarse voice, or unexplained weight loss or weight gain.

Dealing With Acid Reflux in Infants

If you determine that your infant does in fact have acid reflux, it is important that you get them treated as soon as possible. The treatment will depend on the severity of the problem more than anything, as well as on any allergies that your baby may have, and so on.

Antacids are usually the first step, and these are the mildest treatment available. They help by neutralizing the acid in the stomach, thereby helping to prevent it from making its way back up into the esophagus.

Acid blockers are another option, and these work by completely blocking acid production in the stomach. Because acid production is a necessary function of the human body however, it is important that these drugs not be used as a long term solution because they can end up causing serious damage and possibly even making the condition worse than it was to begin with.

Make sure that you discuss treatment methods for acid reflux in infants with your doctor, because you will have to deal with acid reflux differently with your infant than you would with an adult. They will be able to properly assess and diagnose the infant’s condition and determine which specific treatment would be most suitable.

Acid Reflux Information and Details

The sphincter at the bottom of the esophagus acts as a blockade to the fluids inside our stomach. It keeps the fluid inside from regurgitating back into the passageway for food. If by certain factors this "flap-like" barrier does not work as it should be, then the walls of our esophagus become irritated by the acid backing up to it. The symptoms now begin to appear and recur over a period of time.

Acid Reflux Information: Its Signs and Symptoms

The most distinctive symptom experienced by people is the burning pain at the chest area. This characteristic pain usually occurs after ingestion of a high fat meal. Others feel the pain at night since it awakens them during their sleep. Bending low and lying down may also contribute to the occurrence of heartburn. People experience different symptoms; some may not even have a reoccurrence at all. Although heartburn is very common to people of all ages, it is better to have yourselves seen by a medical specialist. After all, it is better to have things prevented than wait for the symptoms to get worse.

Acid Reflux Information: The Reflux Remedy

This acid reflux information on its remedy and cure is based on two principles: the herbal way and the medicinal way. A lot of people have claimed that they have experienced heartburn for a long time, but no medication has ever proven to cure their symptoms. However, health professionals would state that a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are a must in helping relieve the symptoms of this disease. While experts are busy looking for the best possible cure, experimental studies show that herbal medicines have done a great deal of help for those afflicted with this disease. The most popular herbal names mentioned are devil's claw, saffron, celery seed, peppermint, lavender and ginger. However, one must test each of these items carefully and see if it works for them anyhow. It is but hard to obtain acid reflux information regarding herbal remedy since it is not a proven fact by scientists. A try and test situation should be done and should better be upon the approval of your physician.

Acid Reflux Information: The Number One Cure

Almost all people agree that the best way to eliminate this disease is a change in lifestyle. If you are a smoker, quitting your habit would contribute much in eradicating the signs and symptoms. If you are an alcohol drinker, lessening or removing the alcohol from your diet would also be a lot of help. Although a number of websites and book sources offer their own acid reflux information, it is better to visit a physician and have yourselves checked. You will soon find out that you can treat the problem more easily and will suffer less from the symptoms created by acid reflux.

The Right Acid Reflux Medication For You

Acid reflux patients know how painful it is when acid backs up. There is a burning sensation at the base of the throat that no amount of water will relieve. Acid seems to defy gravity, seeping upward into the esophagus. Sufferers would do anything to make the pain stop, but there seemingly is nothing they can do.

Acid reflux is caused by a loosening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that separates the esophagus from the stomach. The stomach has a heavy, acid-proof lining, but the LES is lined with soft, sensitive tissue that is susceptible to damage from stomach acid.

Fortunately, help is available in the form of acid reflux medication.

Over The Counter Acid Reflux Medication

Old-fashioned over the counter medications like Tums and Rolaids can provide temporary relief for the mild acid reflux symptoms that occur after eating spicy foods. If acid reflux is a rare occurrence for you, and you have only occasional episodes of acid backup, you may find that the relief these antacids offer is sufficient to alleviate your symptoms. Although these drugs are also touted as a safe source of calcium, they also contain aluminum and sodium, so they should not be taken with abandon.

Newer, more effective over-the-counter medication includes drugs like Zantaz and Prilosec.

H2 Blocking Acid Reflux Medication

H2 blocking acid reflux medication works by reducing the amount of acid that the stomach produces. These medications provide relief for longer periods of time than the relief generated by antacids, which neutralize acid already produced by the stomach.

Proton Pump Inhibitors

The most serious kind of acid reflux medication is the proton pump inhibitor, or PPI, family of drugs. These acid reflux medications prevent the stomach from producing acid. They should only be taken for a limited period of time, no more than eight weeks, because the production of stomach acid is a natural function of the human body and kills bacteria in the stomach.

Side Effects Of Acid Reflux Medication

All these medications are not without side effects. Some of these drugs are relatively new, so their long-term effects over decades have not been researched or assessed. The side effects of which medical science is now aware may include headache, dizziness, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Treating Acid Reflux Disease

If acid reflux medication is not effective, some patients may resort to surgery to correct the closure of the LES. Before resorting to surgery, patients should try changes to their diet and habits. Avoiding certain foods, like chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods and the like can help, as can wearing looser clothing and not eating three hours before bedtime.