Anyone who has suffered through acid reflux knows just how painful a condition it can be. Also known as GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease), this annoying state occurs when acid in the stomach back up, or reflux, into your esophagus. The muscular tube that leads from your throat straight to your tummy is known as your esophagus. Usually during acid reflux, the materials from the stomach remain, which causes heartburn, and can cause nausea. If left untreated over time, it can lead to damage of the esophagus.

If you are experiencing acid reflux, you will find that the materials in your stomach will move back up your throat and into your mouth, with the acid causing a burning sensation in your throat. You may even find undigested pieces of food make its way back up.

What Causes Heartburn?

Normally blamed on a defective lower esophageal sphincter, there is treatment for acid reflux once you establish the causes. The esophageal sphincter can be found as a tough rim of muscle that surrounds the lower end of the esophagus. The sphincter contracts, which pushes your food into your stomach.

GERD occurs when the sphincter can not push the food into the stomach, either because it is not strong enough, or, it relaxes completely, resulting in allowing chemicals and food in the stomach to rush back into the esophagus.

Other potential reasons associated with acid reflux include a hiatal hernia and a “weak” or “slow” esophagus that doesn’t contract strongly enough to move the food to the stomach in a timely manner.

How Is Acid Reflux Treated?

Before you speak to your doctor about what pills you can take to relieve acid reflux, you may want to consider a few lifestyle changes first. Eat smaller meals, lose some weight, quit drinking alcohol, quit smoking and remain active and awake for at least a couple of hours after meals. These are all sound suggestions whether you have acid reflux or not.

There are some over the counter drugs that can ease symptoms of heartburn such as Pepcid and Zantac. These Histamine Receptor Antagonists work by decreasing the amount of acid in your stomach. If you want to neutralize the acid, consider Mylanta and Tagamet.

A couple of quick points to consider:

- acid reflux cannot be cured, but it can be treated and managed if you modify your lifestyle, and with some medications designed to help remedy heartburn

- recent studies from the US Department of Health suggest that 7 million people in the US suffer from acid reflux

- while not being the main cause for acid reflux disease, spicy foods can in fact worsen symptoms associated with acid reflux disease in some people

Finally, if there is still no relief from acid reflux symptoms, doctors may prescribe proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium and Prevacid. These medicines prevent the release of acid into the stomach and intestines. Finally, promotility agents, such as Reglan, may be used to force the esophagus to empty more quickly and to speed digestion. If you are experiencing acid reflux, talk to your doctor to determine which treatment options are best for you.

Tags: Disease, Illness

The question of acid reflux being a hereditary condition has not been researched
very often. However, specialists have concluded that genetically speaking the
chances of getting this disease by inheritance may account for 50% of the
sufferers. They have also concluded so far that the other 50% is due to diet.

Of all the digestive diseases in the world, acid reflux is considered to be the
most common. It is estimated that nearly 1 in 5 people suffer from acid being
regurgitated into the mouth and esophagus and/or heartburn. It is also known
that a regular cycle of acid reflux occurrences gives people a higher risk of
getting esophageal cancer.

In July 2003, scientists did studies with 2000 pairs of non-identical and
identical twins, and found that 43% of the total who suffered frequent
gastrointestinal symptoms and the chances of them developing acid reflux, were
suffering or would suffer do to hereditary genetics. However, whether acid
reflux is hereditary or not, there are other main causes. It is known that
there are at a minimum of ten possible considerations.

Coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages account for the first possible
cause. These trigger problems by relaxing the digestive system and let the
stomach’s contents to regurgitate into the esophagus.

The second possibility is chocolate which contains known amounts of theobromine.

This can relax the esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to spurt back
into the esophagus.

Fatty and fried foods are another possible culprit. Such foods stay in the
stomach a lot longer and reduce the speed of digestion. This causes
over-filling of the stomach and the risk of food regurgitation.

Tomatoes and foods containing tomatoes can also cause acid reflux. Again,
tomatoes and the like will relax the digestive system.

Alcohol helps to increase the amount of acid in the stomach. It also relaxes
the digestive system, greatly increases the risks.

Another troublemaker is tobacco smoking. As cigarette chemicals enter the lungs
and the blood, they also impede on the ability of the digestive system and
esophagus to work properly.

Meal sizes are a critical factor. Too large a meal over fills the stomach and
can prevent the esophageal sphincter (lower) from closing. Again, the chance of
regurgitating food into the esophagus increases.

Citric juices and fruits can relax the lower esophagael sphincter. It can also
add further acid to the stomach.

Food consumption in the few hours before going to bed is a definite trigger.
Once you lie down with a full stomach the pressure is increased on the lower
esophageal sphincter.

Finally, tight fitting clothes and belts can impede on digestion. Anything that
puts pressure on the abdominal area will do the same to the stomach. This will
force food out of the stomach and into the esophagus.

Tags: Disease, Cancer

Everyone from infants to elderly people can suffer from acid reflux. It happens when stomach acid is refluxed or regurgitated back into the esophagus. There are many possible causes. An above normal level of acid in the stomach can be as a result of an ulcer. Eating too fast can cause undigested foods to clog up and cause acid to be refluxed. Acid reflux can also occur if a person does any exercise too soon after eating. In fact, there are five major symptoms that you should look for if you think you suffer from acid reflux. If these symptoms worsen or your ability to function is compromised for long time periods then you should see a doctor.

Symptom number one is a sensation of burning in the area in front of the lungs and heart. The onset can happen within minutes after eating or even during eating. This is the most uncomfortable and severe of the symptoms. Unfortunately, people mistake this for a heart attack. The best solution is to take an antacid and try to lie down for three minutes. Usually, when you feel more comfortable the symptom will simply disappear. Another remedy is to drink water, which will lubricate the digestive tract, and help jammed food go down.

Symptom number two is persistent daily burping and coughing. This can indicate that there is excessive gas in the stomach. The movement of stomach gas can also force acid back out. The coughing is a result of stomach acid getting near the lungs. However, if the cough continues for two weeks or more without any other cold like symptoms then you should see a doctor.

A long period of voice loss is the number three symptom. If you are coughing continuously, you do risk losing your voice because the throat becomes dry. Acid reflux can give a person the impression they are getting a cold, but this is deceptive. A doctor can only make a diagnosis based on keeping a watch on the cough, any throat dryness, and any other symptoms for a week’s time. If the symptoms and the cough have disappeared at the end of this then it probably was a cold. If it is acid reflux, the symptoms will reoccur or may continue for an indefinite period.

Symptom number four is a sour taste inside the mouth. This can go on for a few months and needs to be assessed by a doctor.

Symptom number five is a hoarse voice, usually as a result of the persistent cough. Though this may also be another symptom of the common cold, a combination of them needs a visit to the doctor. There are a few tests the doctor can do to properly diagnose acid reflux. Then and only then will the doctor prescribe medication to control your acid reflux.

Tags: Health, Disease

The condition of acid reflux is also commonly known as heartburn. This is a condition that is characterized by the inflammation of the esophagus, caused by the backing up of food from the stomach into the esophagus. This food is partially or mostly digested and usually has a high acidic content, which causes pain and/or discomfort in many people.

Several treatments have been used successfully in the fight against heartburn (acid reflux). Some of these forms of treatment include one or more of the following:

1. Baking Soda and Water: Usually a teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a glass of water will help most people, since it neutralizes excess acidity. This is one of the most natural ways to cure heartburn/acid reflux.

2. Alka-Seltzer: This is a tablet that dissolves in water that is taken orally as a liquid. This product has a similar effect as baking soda and water. It can be purchased at a pharmacy or grocery store without a prescription.

3. Pepto-Bismol: This is a liquid medication that is taken orally to help alleviate the effects of heartburn. This is available without a prescription.

4. Clear Soda (such as Sprite or 7-UP): The carbonation in clear sodas can help to relieve the acid buildup in a person’s stomach and can also help a person to release gas.

5. Tums: These are tablets that come in chewable form which contain calcium carbonate, an ingredient that helps relieve symptoms of upset stomach and heartburn. It is termed an antacid.

6. Prescription Medications: Those who need relief from chronic heartburn (acid reflux) can consult a doctor or other qualified health care professional. They may prescribe more potent or different medications than those sold over-the-counter in stores. They will also provide instructions on how to take these.

7. Exercise: Those who engage in regular exercise will also find relief from heartburn in many cases. Usually it is good to do a variety of aerobic and anaerobic movements. Examples of an aerobic exercise involve fast-paced step exercises and dance movements, as well as jogging, stair climbing, and bicycling. Types of anaerobic exercise include weight and resistance training and stretching exercises. More information can be found about specific exercise programs that can help people.

8. Diet Changes: If heartburn sufferers want relief, they may need to alter their diets.

9. Heat or Feet Pillows: Heartburn sufferers can also prevent or relieve acid reflux, particularly at night, if they raise their head or feet with pillows, or other object (such as a bed wedge). Propping up of the head usually works best since gravity can help keep food from creeping upward into the esophageal area.

10. Relaxation: If people take time to rest and relax, they are able better able to reduce the amount of stress that could lead to poor choices. For example, it could reduce a person’s desire to consume large amounts of alcohol which can certainly aggravate the pain and discomfort associated with heartburn.

There are also remedies for acid reflux other than the ones described above. There are many published guides on how to lessen or eliminate heartburn. Guides regarding diet and exercise can also be found quite easily. The fastest and easiest way to find these articles is to do a site search or to search in your favorite Web browser.

Tags: Disease, Cancer

Some people who suffer from chronic heartburn finally go to the doctor and discover they actually have acid reflux syndrome, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux syndrome happens if the acids from the stomach leak into esophagus. This can be caused by the valve separating the esophagus from the stomach not closing properly or completely. Acid reflux treatment will vary from person to person. It all depends on how critical a state the disease is in and the person’ physical condition. Sadly, there is not a single cure for all due to different underlying factors causing the syndrome, but a change in diet can have positive effects for most people.

Can acid reflux be cured? Not really, but it can be treated and managed effectively to give the sufferer relief. Not to treat the syndrome just because it can not be cured can allow it to become a health risk and possibly lead to serious complications. In an attempt to relieve or eliminate the symptoms one of the most important things to consider is diet. Although over-the-counter antacids can give quick relief, it is only temporary. Before using stronger medications, most physicians ask patients to first make some lifestyle changes, specifically around their diet. A change in diet is the best overall long term solution to overcome acid reflux and get back to a normal life.

Normally an acid reflux diet restricts the quantity of certain foods, foods that will increase stomach acid. Each person is different, but common acid reflux triggers are tomato-based foods (ketchup, spaghetti sauce), citrus fruits, chili peppers, fried foods, alcohol, and yes even chocolate. Why is it that any time you talk about a diet, regardless of the type, there is a given rule of no chocolate? Bummer! A great online resource for common foods to avoid you can check out: Natural Supplement Warehouse.

Your best bet would be to make a personal log. For a period of time, say two weeks, carry around a little note book and keep track of everything you eat and when your acid reflux is acts up. At the end of the two weeks review the log and look for patterns of eating certain foods and shortly there after having an acid reflux attack. Add these foods to your restricted list.

Finally, a quick search of the internet will yield a list of acid reflux diet cook books to help you make delicious meals that you won’t pay for later. As with any change in diet or exercise make sure to check with you physician before starting. Good luck and good health.

Tags: Medical, Disease

Asthma is among several diseases that cause great distress and even disabilities to millions of sufferers worldwide. Now health professionals have been noticing a rather consistent connection between asthma and another bothersome condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or more commonly known as acid reflux. The existence of these two ailments forms an ominous combination of symptoms that are sure to increase the irritation caused by either disease alone.

Numerous things can start an asthma attack in those who are prone to this lung disease. For some it takes as little as a small puff of cold breeze, a little whiff of dust, or a stressful situation, among many other factors. Now it has been discovered that acid reflux can also start asthma episodes, particularly in adult patients.

What is Acid Reflux?

When people eat, the food goes through the mouth to the stomach through the throat and the esophagus. The esophagus is a narrow tube that connects the throat to the stomach. In some people, the esophagus can become irritated and swollen because acid from the stomach backs up. This backing up of acid is known as acid reflux. Acid reflux can reach high up the throat, causing even more swelling and discomfort or triggering other illnesses such as asthma.

What are the causes of Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux may be caused by a breakdown of the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. The LES acts as the gatekeeper of the stomach. When people swallow, the LES opens to allow food particles and liquid into the stomach. Once food has passed through, the LES closes up to prevent the stomach’s contents from returning to the esophagus.

Acid reflux sufferers may have a faulty LES, which does not close properly or opens at the wrong times. This allows acid and some digested food particles to return to the esophagus, causing a sensation of burning due to irritation. This results in a condition that most people refer to as heartburn.

The Link between Acid Reflux and Asthma

It has been observed by many doctors specializing in asthma that asthmatic people are also more likely to have a faulty LES. Furthermore, many reports have revealed that asthmatic people who were treated for acid reflux also experienced some relief from the symptoms of asthma.

Acid reflux can trigger asthma symptoms in two ways. First, acid reflux may cause people to breathe minute droplets of acid into their lungs without them knowing it. This acid can aggravate the very fragile pulmonary lining and cause spasms in the bronchi or airways, which in turn can result in an asthma attack.

Second, recurring episodes of acid reflux may cause digestive acid to melt away the esophageal lining and expose some parts of crucial nerves that are connected to the lungs. The irritation of the nerve endings have been observed to also start the constriction of airways, which could then result in an asthma attack.

How to Recognize if Acid Reflux Is Causing Asthma

Asthmatics may recognize that their asthma attacks are related with acid reflux if their asthma began after reaching adulthood. Acid reflux is also suspected if asthma symptoms become more noticeable after eating a meal, at night, and after some time lying down. It can also be noticeable if the usual asthma treatments do not work.

With the connection between asthma and acid reflux being recognized, it is therefore smart to test for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The blending of these two diseases can seriously hamper the quality of one’s lifestyle and therefore early detection is necessary.

Tags: Illness, Health

If you are a parent with a baby who suffers from acid reflux disease, then you know the emotional drain it can take. You always have a crying baby on your hands and no matter what you do, your baby is not content. Often in the past, babies with acid reflux disease were labeled as “colicky” and the parents were told to wait until they outgrew the problem. Now, doctors are beginning to accept the fact that babies who are crying generally have a reason for crying. Reflux babies cry because they are in pain. There are prescription medications that can help the problem.

Some parents feel extremely guilty when their baby is suffering from acid reflux disease. They feel that it is somehow their fault that their child is in pain. They may be told by well meaning friends and family that the formula is doing it, if the baby is formula fed. The breastfeeding mother might be told it is because of something she is eating. Both of these wrong pieces of advice can cause guilt and discouragement in the parents. While it may be that a change in the mother’s diet or in formula might help the problem, these things are not the cause of the problem.

One of the biggest difficulties of raising a baby with acid reflux is getting the baby to sleep. This is because the moment you lay your baby down to sleep, the effect of gravity on the stomach acid is lost. Acid is sent into the esophagus, which is acid reflux. This painful problem causes the baby to fuss and wake up.

One way to combat the problem is to keep gravity in the equation. You can do this by elevating the baby’s mattress to a slight incline. To do this properly, aim to have the baby’s head about thirty degrees higher than her feet.

One way to do this is to tilt the mattress. You can tilt the mattress using the built in lowering mechanisms, if the crib is equipped with these. Simply raise one end up to a higher level, or lower one end down a level. This is the best way to elevate the mattress if you have it.

Another way to elevate the mattress is to add a pillow or two underneath the mattress. Even when working with an acid reflux baby, you never want to put the pillow directly under the baby’s head, as this can cause suffocation. Instead, life up the mattress and place the pillow beneath it.

If the crib is on wheels, you can tilt the entire crib by removing the wheels on one end. This can make the crib unstable, so use caution. Another way to increase the incline of the crib is to place two of the legs on bricks. Using bricks with holes in the middle helps keep the entire crib stable, as the legs are put inside these holes.

Elevating your baby’s crib mattress is one of the most effective ways to help her with acid reflux problems. You will find a wide range of expensive products on the market aimed to help reflux babies sleep better by elevating the sleeping position. These are often a waste of money, because with a little ingenuity and some elbow grease, you can elevate the mattress yourself!

Tags: Health, Cancer

Acid Reflux – Hiatal Hernia

The Hiatal Hernia – Acid Reflux has been called the “great mimic”, because it mimics many disorders. A person with this condition can get such severe pains in their chest that they think they are having a heart attack. They may think they have an over acid stomach because they will regurgitate stomach acid after they eat, or their stomach may hurt so badly they will think they have an ulcer. This is just a sampling of the symptoms that may occur from this disorder.

We always recommend that you see a medical professional to make sure there is nothing seriously wrong.

What is a Hiatal Hernia?

When you swallow, your food passes down a long tube known as the esophagus into the stomach. This tube must pass through a muscle known as the diaphragm, which is located near the bottom of your rib cage.

This opening in the diaphragm, which permits the esophagus to pass through, is regulated by a sphincter muscle (or “valve”), which relaxes and opens, when we swallow, to permit the food to pass through the diaphragm and into the stomach. This sphincter or valve closes to prevent stomach acid from coming back up into the throat.

A hiatal hernia-acid reflux occurs when the top of the stomach rolls or slides up into this opening and becomes stuck there.

Naturally, when part of the stomach is forced up into the
diaphragm the sphincter muscle cannot close properly.

Thus, stomach acid may travel back up into the esophagus causing burning sensations (heartburn), esophageal spasms, inflammations and ulcers. (known as the Acid Reflux)

Your diaphragm is a muscle. The diaphragm has three large openings for passage of the aorta, esophagus, and vena cana. When you don’t use your diaphragm to breathe, it weakens, and becomes flaccid.

This allows your stomach to be pushed through your diaphragm by gas pressure in your digestive tract in what is known as a hiatal hernia. The resulting pain is often confused for the onset of a heart attack.

A flaccid diaphragm most often results from chest breathing or shallow breathing.

The digestive tract has a series of one way valves to keep food material moving in the correct direction: the esophageal valve in the esophagus, a sphincter muscle valve between the esophagus and the stomach. The pyloric valve between the stomach and the small intestine, the ileocecal valve between the small intestine and the large intestine, and the Houston valve in the descending colon.

When one or more of these valves malfunctions, pressure from gas in the intestines may force food material to back up, pushing stomach acid into the esophagus.

The interesting discovery that we made with our studies in kinesiology was the relationship between these valves and the diaphragm muscle.

The valves generally do not malfunction as long as the diaphragm muscle remains strong and in balance. Once the diaphragm muscle weakens one or more of these valves may malfunction leading to a hiatal hernia and/or acid reflux.

Once the causes of mock heart attack (hiatal hernia) and acid reflux are properly identified, the preferred treatment becomes apparent. Both conditions can be corrected by doing diaphragmatic breathing exercises that both strengthen the diaphragm muscle and force the stomach down and out of the diaphragm.

Technique in Practicing Using The Diaphragm

1. Place your hand on your stomach
When you take an in-breath your stomach goes out.
2. When you release your breath your stomach goes in.

This may be difficult to do at the beginning.
To practice, you can lie on your back and put a book on your stomach. Concentrate with your in-breath pushing the book up and letting it fall when you release your breath.

This exercise can be done on the spot in whatever position you happen to be, standing, sitting, or lying down.

What I have discovered is that when I went to bed at night and did not feel very well, I would put my hand on my stomach and concentrate when taking an in breath to push my stomach out and feel it relax when I let my breath out. I would do this slowly.

The ultimate answer is learning to breathe with your diaphragm all the time. This involves regular practice of diaphragmatic breathing, and a continuing consciousness of how you are breathing.

As you continue this over a period of time, diaphragmatic breathing will become automatic.

A further benefit of diaphragmatic breathing is improved airflow into the lower parts of the lungs and better oxygenation

Once again we have found that helping your body to heal itself through muscle and energy balancing often provides satisfactory results in the long run.

Proper diaphragmatic breathing is important for our overall well-being. Proper diaphragmatic breathing assists us to properly oxygenate our body, particularly during physical exercise, reducing chronic fatigue due to shallow breathing.

It also helps us to maintain proper muscle tone in our diaphragm. This in turn helps us to hold our abdominal organs in the proper position and to reduce abdominal and chest pains. This is often helpful after eating to reduce gastronomic distress.

Another important feature of the Barhydt basic balances is that they always drive the body-mind toward equilibrium (or balance).

A person cannot harm himself or herself by doing these balancing exercises. Just do the exercise if you feel it may be helpful; it generally takes just a few seconds in any case. This makes basic balancing exercises appropriate for self-help.

Another benefit I have discovered when I learned to breathe using my diaphragm is that I can eat most anything like tomato-based foods (ketchup, spaghetti sauce), citrus fruits, mint, and even chocolate within moderation.

Tags: Health, Medical

Acid reflux affects millions of people every year. There are many different causes of acid reflux, but through diet, lifestyle changes and sometimes medication the symptoms may be managed. Acid reflux can be potentially dangerous if left untreated. Not only is it painful, it can be hazardous if the stomach contents are aspirated into the lungs. Acid reflux can also be harmful to the esophageal lining, causing irritation, pain and damage.

Chronic acid reflux sufferers may have several different things that produce acid reflux and heartburn. The objects that contribute the most to acid reflux are: tea, coffee, other drinks containing caffeine, chocolate, tomatoes, fried and fatty foods, alcohol, tobacco, large meals, eating before bedtime or late night eating, citrus fruits and juices and wearing tight clothes.

Foods that should be eaten rarely to avoid acid reflux are fruit juices, berries, garlic, onions, leeks, sauerkraut, scallions, ground beef, chicken salad, eggs, hot dogs, ham, milk, cheese, granola, alcohol, cola and fattening or fried foods.

Alcohol has adverse effects on acid reflux sufferers. Alcohol increases the production of stomach acid and relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus. Alcohol can also lead to stomach ulcers, which hinder healing of the esophagus or stomach.

Avoid alcohol as much as possible, but it can be consumed in moderation once in a while. To lessen alcohol’s effect on the stomach and esophagus, you should dilute any beverages with club soda or water, have only 1-2 drinks and drink white wine instead of red.

Stress may also cause acid reflux. Everyone has stress in their lives, but it must be managed in order to lead a healthy life without acid reflux. Stress isn’t a direct cause of heartburn, but can lead to behaviors that cause acid reflux.

Regular exercise not only helps to relieve everyday stress, it also helps acid reflux symptoms. Exercise releases endorphins, which make the acid reflux sufferer feel better and also aid with digestion. Heartburn may be a problem during exercise. If so, you should discuss this with your doctor. Avoid jarring type exercises and do less jarring exercises like bike riding, swimming or walking. An antacid may also be taken before exercise to bring relief.

Seven to eight hours of sleep a night is a must to keep stress levels down. Various studies have shown that sleep-deprived people have higher levels of stress.

Another stress-reliever is to take a quick mental rest. Visualize a relaxing place in your mind. A favorite vacation spot or somewhere you would like to go to one day; anywhere that relaxes you to think about it. Imagine seeing the place, smelling scents and hearing sounds. This visualization technique will help you to relax.

Balanced, low-fat meals also help with acid reflux. Avoid foods that cause acid reflux, but eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and fish. Drink plenty of water also, as it rids the body of toxins.

Smoking is another factor that worsens acid reflux symptoms. Smoke reduces the production of saliva. Saliva helps to defend damage to the esophagus by acid reflux. Smoking also stimulates the production of stomach acid, which could worsen the effects of acid reflux and weaken the lower esophageal sphincter. The LES is the valve at the junction between the stomach and esophagus. Smoking causes decreased gastric motility while smoking, which can cause less efficient digestion because the stomach takes longer to empty.

There are many factors to acid reflux, but with some of the previous suggestions, it can be managed. Always consult your doctor first; medication may be needed in addition to diet and exercise.

Tags: Cancer, Illness

One illness caused by acid reflux is Barrett’s Esophagus. It occurs when the tissue lining the esophagus actually gets changed into the type of tissue that is found in the intestine through a process called internal metaplasia. Barrett’s esophagus generally does not cause symptoms of itself, but having Barrett’s esophagus makes a person much more likely to get esophageal cancer. The only way to detect Barrett’s esophagus at this time is through an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and biopsy. There is no cure for Barrett’s esophagus other than the removal of the esophagus, which is only recommended for those who already have esophageal cancer.

Esophageal cancer occurs when cancer cells form in the esophagus. It starts on the inside lining and spreads outward. There are two common forms of esophageal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is found in the upper and middle parts of the esophagus and adenocarcinoma is found near the stomach on the lower part of the esophagus. There are several risk factors for getting esophageal cancer. The most prevalent risk factor is age. Almost half of patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer are over age 70. Use of tobacco and heavy alcohol use are also major risk factors for this disease.

Although Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal cancer are the most common illnesses related to acid reflux, there are several other ailments that can be caused by untreated acid reflux. People with acid reflux are also more likely to get laryngeal cancer, which occurs when cancer cells form in the larynx. Erosive Esophagitis occurs when the esophagus is inflamed and swollen. It is caused by the acid from the stomach refluxing up into the esophagus. Esophageal Strictures can also be caused by untreated acid reflux. A stricture happens when the esophagus becomes gradually narrower. Swallowing problems often occur with strictures.

There are many ways that a person can reduce their risks of having esophageal complications. One form of protection comes from a changed lifestyle. If a person can determine what triggers their acid reflux, they can then take steps to avoid those triggers. Eating the right foods can make a huge difference in avoiding complications. There are certain foods that have almost no chance of causing acid reflux and there are others that should not be eaten at all if acid reflux is to be avoided. Learning ways to prevent acid reflux before is starts can make a huge difference because the overall number of acid reflux incidences will be reduced therefore limiting the damage done to the esophagus. Acid reflux can be extremely damaging at night as the acid remains in the esophagus for long time periods, so learning how to limit nighttime reflux can do much to prevent complications. The most important thing someone can do to prevent acid reflux complications is to talk to their doctor about their acid reflux. A doctor may prescribe medications, either prescription or over-the-counter, or they may suggest lifestyle changes to improve the reflux.

Tags: Aging, Medical

Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

Burning, oh the burning in my stomach and even my throat! Acid reflux symptoms are most often described by sufferers as burning, gnawing, painful and oh, yes, chronic…like the kind that refuses to go away, chronic…and persistent…and burning!

Painful, chronic persistent heartburn that lasts three or more months and occurs at least twice each and every week is often diagnosed as Acid Reflux Disease or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This pesky little nuisance can cause long term damage to the esophagus if left untreated. Erosive esophagitis, wow…that even sounds painful just reading those words…, occurs when the gastric acids bubbling backwards through the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter, and into the esophagus eventually eroding away the lining of the esophagus causing not only the erosions but often times inflammation and tissue damage as well. This leaves the patient with a very painful esophagus which can make swallowing undesirable and quite difficult.

In the adult population, acid reflux symptoms are classically seen as heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), pain or an uncomfortable feeling in the upper middle part of the stomach (dyspepsia) and even difficulty swallowing or the feeling of a lump in the throat. Less common symptoms include a chronic cough, wheezing, hoarseness, a sore throat and earaches.

When trying to minimize the symptoms of GERD it is important to remember that everyone is different! Some easy things to try include losing weight if obesity is an issue, avoiding or at least decreasing alcohol consumption, eliminating or decreasing smoking, and avoid foods which may trigger acid reflux symptoms. Food triggers can include chocolate, caffeinated drinks, spicy foods, garlic, onions, tomato-based foods, fatty foods, fried foods, mint flavorings, citrus fruits. Bummer, sounds like that leaves out a lot of my favorite foods!!

But it is certainly worth making the lifestyle changes necessary to avoid the pain of acid reflux disease symptoms.

Tags: Disease, Aging

Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

Gastro esophageal reflux disease, also known as acid reflux disease, is cause by
a variety of things, the lower esophageal sphincter being one of them. While some
think that fatty foods or high cholesterol foods are the reason for acid reflux,
there may be much larger problems than your diet. One possibility is that, in
some patience, excess acid may be produced. When your body does not use all the
acid it produces, the acid needs to go somewhere, so it goes up, causing
heartburn. There may be other factors at work; following is what you need to
know about the lower esophageal sphincter.

The lower esophageal sphincter is the tube of muscle that goes from the bottom
of the throat to the stomach and is one of the biggest factors in acid reflux.
In the majority of individuals, this area is active most of the time. The lower
esophageal sphincter is a gatekeeper of sorts, between the stomach where the
food is digested, and the esophagus where the food travels after it is
swallowed.

What happens to cause acid reflux is that the lower esophageal sphincter is
actually malfunctioning. When everything works right, the sphincter will open to
let food through to the stomach, then close tightly afterward. When you suffer
from gastro esophageal reflux disease, the lower esophageal sphincter does not
function correctly and does not shut tight, this lets partially digested food
out of the stomach, causing heartburn.

There are a couple of ways that the abnormally functions causing the reflux. A
weak contraction of the muscle is one way. When the muscle does not close
tightly, the reflux prevention is reduced. The second way the lower esophageal
sphincter can malfunction, or not function properly is when the it does not close
tightly for a prolonged period and it gets too relaxed, and this allows acid
reflux to occur more often than normal.

When you eat a meal or snack, your stomach has to distend to accommodate the new
material. When you eat a large meal, the stomach can stretch too much, the lower
esophageal sphincter then becomes too active and acid reflux can occur. Even if
you don’t usually suffer from acid reflux, can sometime suffer after a large
meal, because the lower esophageal sphincter has become too active.

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Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

Acid reflux is an annoying condition as it gives one constant pain and discomfort. But it is amazing how some people can endure the pain and let the condition itself get worse, without seeking any medical attention. Here, let us look at the worst acid reflux symptom one can finally get. Well, hopefully after reading this, no one will ever neglect their health and allow their body to deteriorate till such serious stage.

If one do not go for medical attention, they would experience esophageal acid exposure. It is typically more frequent during the day than at night, and always the case after meals. So those who are working will have trouble concentrating while having constant pain during working hour. Irritation and injury of esophageal tissue can take place right after a meal as the acid is released from stomach for digestion. The stomach acid will flow upwards and splash onto the esophagus as the esophageal sphincter relax. One will definitely lose appetite as the thought of pain after a meal will cause one to lose any mood for food.

Worst still, heartburn tends to rear its ugly head at night. During bedtime as you lie down to sleep, you shift the stomach to a sideways position, opening up the esophageal sphincter and allow all the food in the stomach to flow back out. Obviously, this will cause sleeplessness and unease, causing one to lose sleep and wake up the next day with a tired spirit.

So what can you do about it? First, I would advise that if you smoke, it is time to quit smoking. Tobacco inhibits saliva, which is essential to help coat and protect the esophagus. Tobacco also stimulates stomach acid production which is definitely undesirable, and it also makes the esophageal sphincter weak, causing acid to splash up and irritate the esophagus.

Hence the key to relief of acid reflux is to suppress the stomach acid and keep it from irritating the esophageal tissue. So when you have any acid reflux symptoms, do seek medical help soonest possible. Acid reflux is usually treated with combination of diet and lifestyle changes, over the counter medications, or in more serious cases, surgery.

Acid reflux can affect our life and cause a lot of problems in health and in our daily life. So start seeking help before you get the worst acid reflux symptoms.

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Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

Heartburn is never fun, and even less so when you have frequent heartburn. If
this is a condition that you suffer from, you may think that medication is the
only way to stop the pain. That is sometimes not the case. There may be an
underlying condition that is contributing to symptoms that a doctor can
diagnose. If, however, you have a simple case of acid reflux, there are some
changes you can make to your lifestyle to help keep heartburn to a minimum, or
possible eliminate it all together.

Eating smaller meals more frequent meals is a good place to start. What happens
is when a large meal is eaten, your stomach expands, putting pressure on the
esophageal sphincter, making it hard to keep it closed. Eating smaller meals
does not put that pressure on the area, which lowers the possibility of getting
acid reflux.

Another option is to limit the number of foods and drinks that stimulate the
amount of acid that is produced. So, try to include more foods that do not cause
excess acids and steer clear of the ones that will come back to haunt you. If
you are unsure which foods you can have and which ones you should not, and
because everybody is different, try experimenting. Coffee, tea, other
caffeinated and alcoholic beverages are among some triggers as well as spices,
peppers, tomatoes, citrus fruits and peppermint.

Eating later in the evening and not having snacks before bed is another idea
that may help curb heartburn. Also, try to not lie down for three hours after
you eat. What happens is that after you eat, your stomach produces acid to break
down the food and when you lay down, the acid may creep up, causing heartburn.

Also, by elevating your body slightly while sleeping, you can relieve symptoms.
To do this, you can buy a wedge pillow that will elevate your head, neck and
torso. Doing this will help keep pressure off the lower esophageal sphincter.
Laying flat adds pressure to this area. Also, being overweight creates pressure
on the abdominal area, which pushes your dinner back into the esophagus. To help
with this, losing as little as ten percent of your body weight will reduce this
pressure and you will feel better.

Smoking can also increase heartburn symptoms. This is because the smoke reduces
saliva production. Salvia helps to neutralize stomach acid. The longer and more
often you smoke, the less saliva is produced and stomach acid is allowed to go
unchecked.

Another culprit of causing heartburn is alcohol. This is not to say that you
cannot enjoy an adult beverage in moderation, but it is something to be avoided
if you suffer from acid reflux.

Relaxing is also something you can do to ease symptoms. Stress triggers behavior
that leads to heartburn, even though stress itself is not linked directly to it.
For example, the more stress you are under, the more likely you are to smoke,
drink and eat foods that are not good for you and the less likely you are to
exercise and eat right.

One thing you may not have thought about is your clothing. If your belt is too
tight or you are otherwise constricted in the clothes you wear throughout the
day, the symptoms of heartburn may increase. This is because the stomach cannot
comfortably stretch around the foods you eat and the tightness forces food up,
causing acids to cause heartburn.

If you want to really pin point the cause of the heartburn, keep a record of it.
Write down what you eat, how much you eat and when you eat for seven days. Then,
if you have a bout with heartburn, write down the times and intensity of each
symptom. If the pattern is not readily obvious to you, take the diary to your
doctor and get their insight in to the problem. Work with your doctor to
determine what changes need to be made to best suit your lifestyle.

Tags: Disease, Health

Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

Finding a natural treatment for acid reflux is what many sufferers are looking for. They are tired of being prescribed medications to fix their problem and not want to work to heal their self with a holistic remedy. Finding a homeopathic remedy that works for you can take a little bit of time. You need to carefully examine what will work best with your reflux disorder.

Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine is simply medicine that you do not need a prescription for. Usually it is simply things that you can get from a grocery store or your local herbal market. Diet can also be considered an alternative approach to dealing with the acids that result in reflux.

Symptoms to Look For

The symptoms for acid reflux are varied and can also be related to other conditions. Chronic back pain, sinus aches, heartburn, nausea, anxiety, esophagus burning, or even hernia can all be related to acid reflux disorder. Once you have visited with your doctor and discussed your available options it is important to revisit or call them anytime you decide to try a new natural remedy. Many herbs can have side effects or interactions with prescription medications so staying in close contact with your physician is necessary.

The Number One Natural Remedy

Changing your diet and activity level is the number one natural remedy for acid reflux disorder. You can make small changes over time to gradually increase your comfort level and decrease the occurrences of reflux that you have to deal with. Some of the things that you should cut out of your diet include: carbonated beverages, coffee, caffeine, fatty foods, alcohol, and complex carbohydrates.

If all of those foods are too much for you to cut out of your diet right away, you can start small by only cutting out one of the types of foods first. Combine this with daily walking or other exercise and you will start to see a difference in the amount of reflux that you are experiencing.

Your body is very acidic naturally so it is important to fight that natural tendency with proper diet and exercise. Many digestive problems that individuals are encountering today are really just a symptom of bad eating and living habits.

If you are suffering from reflux, it is worth a try to change your diet and exercise routine and see if that helps with your symptoms. Most individuals will notice significant improvement and sometimes a total decline in their reflux. If you are already taking prescription medication for your reflux, start changing your diet and see if you have less occurrences. Then discuss your healthy living results with your doctor to determine if it is possible for you to stop taking your medications. If you have already made the necessary diet changes, your doctor may be apt to let you try your natural diet treatment instead of continuing your current medications.

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Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

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.

Tags: Health, Medical

Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

The cause of GERD or Acid Reflux disease symptoms can come from a variety of things – emptying the stomach is one of them. Many who suffer from the heartburn symptoms only look at fatty foods or foods high in cholesterol, but the fact are many events in ones life can cause and contribute to acid reflux.

Some sufferers simple produce more stomach acid above the normal range, others may experience stress at work. Whatever the cause understanding the process of how the stomach is emptied is important in handling the heartburn symptoms.

Most people experiencing acid reflux symptoms usually suffer them after eating a meal.

After eating a large meal the temporary relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter caused by the swelling in the stomach may occur. The stomach will empty over a long period of time causing greater discomfort for a longer period of time as acid reflux skyrockets. This condition found in those suffering from GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) it is not common that, only occurring in about 20% of those with the condition.

If you experience heartburn or acid reflux symptoms but you are not sure of the cause it is advised to consult with your doctor or medical professional on addressing the problem. If your reflux conditions result from a lifestyle or working conditions a change in diet may need to be reviewed or a variety of medications are on the market. You can find off the shelf medications, which may give some relief from the discomfort but before you try any remedy consult, your doctor first.

Tags: Aging, Health

Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

GERD and LPRD. They sound like top-secret government programs, or maybe the names of computer programs. But they’re actually very common medical conditions, and chances are you’ve suffered one or both of them. What are they? And what’s the difference between them?

GERD stands for gastroesophogeal reflux disease, commonly known as acid reflux or just heartburn. LPRD is laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. To understand their causes and their relation to each other, let’s look at how the body is assembled.

At the back of your throat is a sphincter (or muscle) that opens when you swallow something, allowing the material into the esophagus. Then, at the bottom of the esophagus, there is another sphincter that opens into the stomach. Both of these muscles are closed most of the time, opening only when something is supposed to pass through. There is no open-door policy with the esophagus; you have to knock every time.

One of the purposes of that lower sphincter is to keep the stomach’s digestive acids from splashing up into the esophagus. The stomach is lined with material to protect it from its own acids, of course, but the esophagus has no such protection. So when something happens to compromise that sphincter, allowing acid to rise up where it doesn’t belong, you feel it. That’s heartburn, or GERD.

Now, if the acid comes up into the esophagus and then KEEPS GOING, coming all the way up past the upper sphincter and into the back of the throat, that’s LPRD. In layman’s terms, you could consider LPRD to be what happens when the acid from GERD doesn’t know when to quit bubbling up.

You’d think that you wouldn’t feel LPRD without feeling GERD first, but in fact most people who suffer from LPRD don’t notice any significant heartburn. This is because for it to be LPRD, the acid must have passed all the way through the esophagus and up into the back of the throat. Had it lingered in the esophagus, it would have done some damage and caused heartburn. But since it kept going, it basically skipped that process altogether.

The symptoms of LPRD are hoarseness, frequent throat-clearing, problems with swallowing, a bitter taste in the mouth, and a pain in the throat. It’s very much a throat-related syndrome, whereas GERD is felt more in the chest area.

However, while GERD and LPRD have different symptoms, they can be prevented exactly the same way. They are both caused by acid rising up from the stomach, so if you can stop that from happening, you’ll prevent both conditions. Avoid eating huge meals or lying down immediately after eating. Avoid fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco and chocolate — yeah, yeah, all the fun stuff, but it comes with a price. Tight clothes or belts can also cause reflux simply by physically forcing acid up from the stomach.

If you find yourself burdened with either GERD or LPRD, don’t fret. In almost all cases, both ailments are fairly easily treated. Finding the cure that works for you specifically may take some doing, but it’s a small price to pay to keep your stomach happy.

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Usually, the early symptom of a heart attack is very similar to heartburn and can be mistaken as acid reflux heartburn. And this kind of mistake can be very dangerous as any delay of medical attention to a heart attack can cause serious consequences. Hence it is very important to understand whether it is heartburn acid reflux symptoms or a heart condition that is causing the chest pain. Let us find out the difference here.

The more likely symptoms that is related to acid reflux are that the pain can continue for hours, or retrosternal pain without lateral radiation. Also, pain that interrupts sleep, or that happened after meals, may be related to heartburn from acid reflux. Heartburn pain is also easily relieved with antacid agents, unlike heart disease or heart conditions.

Sometimes, one can have both acid reflux heartburn and heart disease issues both at the same time. Some people with coronary artery disease may develop chest pain from their acid reflux, which is believed that the acid in the esophagus may provoke nerves that temporarily impair blood flow to the heart, hence causing chest pain. This however, is probably not a heart attack. That is why it is important, especially for people with heart problems, to have their chest pain checked immediately by a doctor to determine the cause of the pain.

So what symptoms are immediate signs of danger? You must contact the doctor or call 911 immediately if you never had heartburn or acid reflux before, and that you are experiencing chest pain, pressure of chest and heart, and difficulty in breathing. This is confirmed sign of a heart attack! Also, if you take antacids but it does not relieve the chest pain within 10 to 15 minutes, call the doctor immediately.

In addition, if you are experiencing shortness of breath, profuse sweating, nausea, dizziness, fainting, weakness, and pain from your chest, back, jaw, arms, these are all symptoms that you are having a heart attack. So seek medical attention immediately when you experienced these symptoms.

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Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

No matter how serious your acid reflux problem is, lifestyle changes are the best and most effective cure for you. Not only it is cost effective, the simple methods used help to improve the condition rapidly and also reduce the risk of relapse of the acid reflux symptoms. In fact, 20 percent of people with some form of acid reflux are able to see improvements through lifestyle changes. Let us look at some ways one can take to help cure acid reflux.

Smoking and acid reflux

If you are smoking, then it might be the main factor that contributes to your acid reflux symptoms. You may wish to quit smoking or reduce your smoking habit to keep acid reflux at bay.

Alcohol

Is it possible that your symptoms get worse after drinking? For people with acid reflux, their stomach is very sensitive, and alcohol can provoke the stomach to start a round of acid attack. Hence, try to drink less alcohol to avoid provoking the stomach.

Sleep

Do not lie down horizontally for the next 3 hours after a meal. This decreases the amount of food and stomach acid in your stomach and prevents acid reflux from happening when you lie down at a later time. If you want to go to bed early, then you should try to take your dinner at an early time to allow enough time for digestion. Those who eat snacks at bedtime is at higher risk of developing acid reflux.

This is only part of the article. To read the whole article on cure for acid reflux through lifestyle changes, check out my acid reflux site now!

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Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

Diet does not really directly cause acid reflux. But acid reflux can be aggravated by the food and drinks we take. Hence to look for a cure for acid reflux, we also need to create a good acid reflux diet plan that helps to ease the condition. And the number 1 tip we are going to learn today is to eat frequent, small meals instead of less frequent big meals.

There are 2 ways to carry out this step. You can either eat smaller and more frequent meals in a day, or avoid eating a big and heavy meal in a day. A lot of people, especially those who are always busy in work, tend to skip meals and eat 1 big meal at a time. This can perhaps be a tough habit to stop. Just try to remember this key point that may help you to keep your diet in check: eat when you are hungry and stop eating when you feel comfortable.

By constantly remind ourselves with this point, we will start to eat smaller sized meals over time. And by eating smaller meals we get hungry sooner and ends up eating more often, which is what we want to achieve. Keep your stomach full is not ideal if you have acid reflux condition. A stomach that is full is more like to have an acid reflux attack that cause stomach acid to flow into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn.

Hence eating more often and smaller amount at a time is particularly helpful for people with acid reflux. Smaller, low fat meals do not stay in the stomach for a long time and move more quickly into the intestines as compared to large meals. The shorter the time for food to be in the stomach reduce the chance for acid reflux to occur.

Also large meals are not welcomed because it put more pressure on the stomach, especially the esophageal sphincter and cause it to open easily. Once the sphincter opens, it will give the stomach acid a chance to splash up the esophagus. Researchers have confirmed that the large volume the food takes up in the stomach can easily induce an acid reflux attack.

So, start making this first change to your acid reflux diet plan by eating frequently and eating smaller meals each time. This is not only good for acid reflux, it is also good for health. A heavy meal in the afternoon always makes one feel sleepy right? Stay tune for more food tips to acid reflux.

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Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

Having trouble with heartburn? Well, research shows that you are not the only one suffering from this condition. In fact, studies indicate that approximately 1 in every 10 adults in the United States or an alarming 10% suffer every day from this condition and the numbers are expected to rise in the near future!

The occurrence of heartburns usually denotes that the person has a condition commonly known as acid reflux. Acid reflux, medically termed as “reflux esophagitis” or “gastroesophageal reflux disease” (GERD), is a condition whereby the contents of the stomach are regurgitated or are returned back into the esophagus.

What causes acid reflux?

To understand this disease, we must be aware of how our digestive system works. As food enters the stomach, it is acted upon by the stomach acids and various digestive enzymes whose primary function is to break down the food so that the body can use it. The partially digested food, which is now acidic in nature, is then transported to the small intestine for further digestion.

However, this is not the case in patients afflicted with acid reflux. Those with this condition have a weakened lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which makes the regurgitation or passing of acidic gastric juices back from the stomach and up into the esophagus possible. In some cases, the acidic gastric contents even rise up as high as the mouth of an affected individual.

Among the factors which may contribute to the development of acid reflux are obesity, pregnancy, delayed emptying of stomach contents and the excessive intake of fatty foods. Smoking and drinking increase the body’s caffeine and alcohol load which are also known causes of acid reflux.

Acid reflux is not only painful and annoying. Frequent regurgitation irritates the lining of the esophagus, which may lead to ulceration and scarring. At worst, it may even lead to the development of esophageal cancer.

What are the other symptoms associated with acid reflux?

Aside from frequent and painful heartburn, a person suffering from acid reflux may have the following symptoms:

. Regurgitation or the rising up of partially digested food in the stomach back into the esophagus or at times, even as high as the mouth
. Chest pains
. Difficulty in swallowing
. Voice becomes hoarse
. Corrosion of the dental cavities
. Asthma
. Persistent coughing while lying down
. Increased production of saliva
. Difficulty in sleeping after eating

How is acid reflux treated?

The symptoms associated with acid reflux greatly interfere with the performance of daily activities. The majority of the symptoms of this ailment bring such discomfort that the quality of life of a person with this condition is greatly affected.

The condition can last for several months. It may even last longer in cases where the condition is not treated early or not addressed properly.

In our modern society, acid reflux is usually treated by controlling the acidity of the stomach. As such, over the counter antacids such as magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate and aluminum-magnesium hydroxide are widely being used. Likewise, histamine H2 antagonists (cimetidine, ranitidine) and proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole) are also being prescribed. Some, however, swear by the effectiveness of several herbs such as licorice and aloe vera in treating this disease.

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Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

Acid reflux has been around forever, and one home remedy has been around nearly as long is apple cider vinegar.

All forms of vinegar have been touted as having medicinal uses for thousands of years. The ancient Greek physician Hippocrates is said to have prescribed it for everything from ear infections to rashes, and the Chinese have long used it to prevent the spread of viruses. Its use as an astringent, where it is more effective than icepacks, is well known.

Apple cider vinegar specifically has been cited as a remedy for acid reflux, or gastroesophegeal reflux disease (GERT). D.C. Jarvis’ bestselling book “Folk Medicine” promoted its use in 1958, and the remedy has been popular ever since.

But does it work? Claims of apple cider vinegar’s effectiveness are anecdotal at best. It’s rarely been tested methodically, the way a drug would be, simply because that kind of research is usually funded by pharmaceutical companies and apple cider vinegar isn’t a pharmaceutical product so of no interest to them. The companies that could benefit from it being proven effective don’t have the money to fund the kind of research required.

Furthermore, most acid reflux remedies vary widely in their efficacy. They work for some people and don’t work for others. Apple cider vinegar may well help some sufferers, but there is no evidence to suggest it would help every person, every time.

It’s important to note that acid reflux isn’t a “condition” in itself. It’s the SYMPTOM of a condition. The real problem is that the muscle that separates the stomach from the esophagus is weak or compromised, thus allowing stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus. Overeating can cause it (when the stomach becomes overfull; acid is forced upward), and so can lying down after a large meal. Those instances are situational. When you don’t do the things that cause it, you don’t get heartburn.

If you suffer from acid reflux regularly, even without overeating, it may be a chronic condition that requires treatment. That’s where remedies like apple cider vinegar come into play. The Internet is teeming with anecdotes about its usefulness, with almost as many articles explaining that it’s nothing more than folklore. But try telling that to the people for whom it has worked!

Why the variance in opinion? Clearly some cases of acid reflux being cured by apple cider vinegar are just psychosomatic: The sufferer believed it would work, and so it did. In other cases, perhaps the heartburn would have gone away on its own whether the patient drank apple cider vinegar or not.

And there is the possibility that it actually does work for some people. As mentioned, different remedies work for different people when it comes to GERD. It’s hard to cite any one cure as THE best option in every case. The point is, don’t pin all your hopes on a folk remedy whose usefulness is anecdotal and unproven. However, if you are interested to see if it can help your GERD, you could try taking up to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of water, adding a little honey to taste. Giving it a try won’t hurt (once you get past the bitter taste), and if it doesn’t work, you can move on to something else.

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Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

This is something I want to share with those having acid reflux and is overweight, it is time to lose weight! You know, being overweight can worsen your acid reflux symptoms. A study has also shown that weight loss programs can not help one to lose weight, it can also improve the acid reflux condition one has. Hence in order to lose weight effectively, you need to avoid eating too much fatty food and plan a healthy acid reflux diet that is low in fat content.

Fatty food will weaken the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, hence it will promote stomach acid from flowing up. This is especially true when the high fat meal is high in calories. The volume or the amount of food you eat will also aggregate the situation. Hence, after a heavy meal of high calorie food, the food fat in the small intestines will stimulate an acid reflux attack.

Usually we tend to overeat foods like fries, buggers, pizzas, meat, chocolates, and fizzy drinks. All these are high fat, high calories food. So the problem here is 2 sided. First, you eat high fat food. Secondly you overeat. And that is why it can worsen your acid reflux condition. You can eat a same normal, regular amount of food as anybody, but what you need to do is to cut down the fat content in the food by choosing low fat ingredients. Same dish, same volume of food, but with lower calories will be great for you.

And if you do eat high fat food, then you should not overeat. Even if you are doing lots of exercise to lose weight, if you do not avoid high fat content in your acid reflux diet it will still be bad for your condition. Hence if you want to lose weight, you should at the same time reduce your calories intake.

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Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

Acid reflux is an incredibly common disease. Also known as Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease (GERD) it can often be difficult to diagnose properly. The main
symptoms of GERD are acid reflux and regurgitation. These are not the only
symptoms however and because of the wide variety of symptoms that can crop up
they can quite easily mask the true condition that the patient is enduring. This
makes a doctors job of finding out what’s wrong with you at least twice as hard.

Because doctors can have great difficulty diagnosing GERD they will often
prescribe over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication for the patient and
observe the results from that point forwards. Most patients find that the OTC
medications resolve their problem although there are some who will experience
GERD no matter what medication a doctor may prescribe.

What Tests Are Available?

So why do doctors rely on OTC or prescription
medication first? Why not just dive in and perform several examinations on the
esophagus? Simply because most of the tests used to diagnose acid reflux are
both invasive and quite expensive. What tests can be performed? The most common
are as follows:

* Barium x-ray
* Upper gastrointestinal x-ray series
* Upper endoscopy
* Esophageal manometry
* 24-hour pH Test

If any of the above tests do diagnose the presence of GERD then doctors normally
first suggest a change in lifestyle as many cases of acid reflux are caused by
poor diet, stress and poor eating habits. This change in lifestyle would be in
combination with either OTC or prescription medication. If the patient still
experiences serious acid reflux after this point then surgery may become an
option.

Is Surgery The Answer?

The next issue is whether or not your doctor thinks
surgery is the answer to your problem. There is a lot of debate surrounding this
topic with the focus being on the safety of the procedure itself and whether or
not it can really eliminate all the problems caused by acid reflux.

The Nissen Fundoplication

This is the surgical procedure used to “fix” the
problem of acid reflux. It takes place in the upper part of the stomach called
the fundus (hence the fundoplication part of the name) which is located near the
esophagus. In this procedure, the “fundus” is wrapped around the lower esophagus
to strengthen its barrier function of the lower esophagus. The idea is to
tighten the lower esophagus in order to prevent gastreosophageal reflux thereby
repairing the main physical irregularity that is often the cause of the symptoms
in people suffering from GERD. This is not major surgery however and can be
performed laparoscopically (also called keyhole surgery).

Is this surgery safe?

At the moment it’s considered totally safe and said to
have good results for patients. If in doubt then always seek a second opinion
from another doctor or consultant.

Lifestyle Versus Surgery

Many experts feel that people and some medical
consultants are far too quick to recommend surgery. There are many other natural
and alternative treatments that patients should try first. Again your lifestyle
is often the cause of acid reflux and this is the first area that needs to be
addressed for any further and future treatment to be successful.

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Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

Acid reflux has many causes. Most people think that eating fatty foods or
drinking too much are the main causes. This is not the whole truth however. Some
people can produce an excessive amount of stomach acid naturally and this in
turn leads to acid reflux. There is far more than one single cause for this
condition.

The lower esophageal sphincter is one of the major factors in the occurrence of
acid reflux. The lower esophageal sphincter is the muscular tube that extends
from the bottom of your throat to the stomach. Think of the lower esophageal
sphincter as the gatekeeper to the food moving from the throat, or esophagus, to
the stomach as the food is being digested. In the vast majority of people this
muscle (the LES) functions properly. When it does not the trouble begins.

What Is The LES?

The LES is designed to open and close to allow food to move
from the throat to the stomach. When the LES works correctly any food you eat
will be swallowed and passed into the stomach to be digested. People who suffer
from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) actually have a lower esophageal
sphincter that does not function properly, letting partially digested food out to
wreck havoc in your esophagus.

There are two ways that the LES can stop working properly and cause problems:

1. Weak Contraction.

This dramatically reduces the bodies ability to prevent
acid reflux.

2. Transient Relaxation.

This basically means the LES stays open too long and
acid can then “splash” back upwards into the esophagus.

A Thought To Take Away…

Something to bear in mind, for everyone reading this, is how the stomach reacts when you eat. If you eat a large meal your stomach will become distended (basically it becomes swollen). This can cause the LES to
become overloaded with food which it cannot process properly and then acid reflux
occurs. The main point here is that even people who do not suffer from acid
reflux will experience severe heartburn if they eat a large meal in a hurry -
your stomach simply cannot cope with it.

Be kind to your LES and it will repay the favor.

Tags: Medical, Disease

Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

Acid reflux is quite a serious condition that must not be overlooked. Many people experience heartburn from time to time, but those suffering from acid reflux feel it a few times a week, and eventually the esophagus can get too erroded and stomachal acids can leak into the lungs and into the mouth.

Many things can cause acid reflux, from drinking too much alcohol and eating too many acidic foods to too much stress.

Acid reflux can be treated with medication prescribed by the doctor or with natural remedies. Since medication can have side-effects many people prefer the natural cures for acid reflux. But if both natural cures and prescribed medication fails to give any results then surgery is required before acid seriously damages the esophagus.

The first symptoms of acid reflux are a sensation of heartburn that keeps appearing more and more often and stomach content coming back inside the mouth. These symptoms get worse when you lie down right after eating a meal.

There are a lot of natural cures for acid reflux, and many have reported that these natural cures gave good results in the treatment.

You shouldn’t lie down right after eating a meal, because this can help what’s inside the stomach leak back. You should also elevate the side of the bed where you put your head. Digestion is usually done in 2-3 hours, so you can lie in bed all you want after this time passes. It’s also better to eat more small meals instead of few beg ones, to keep the stomach from filling.

Then you should avoid certain types of foods that stimulate acid production, like chewing gum and chocolate. Cut down alcohol and smoking because these irritate the esophagus’ walls even more.

Some natural substances are recommended in the heartburn and acid reflux condition. These can relieve the symptoms and reduce the pain. They do not have any side-effect. The most effective are :

-peppermint – makes digestion easier and prevents tension and cramps that can push the acids backwards

-lavender – this miraculous herb does wonders for the body. In the acid reflux’ case it can reduce the quantity of gastric acids from the stomach, just like an antiacid medicine

-aloe vera – the juice from this plant can heal the damaged esophagus

In order to heal your acid reflux you need to do two things: to cure the damaged esophagus and to lower the quantity of acid inside the stomach. If you loose weight, exercise regularly lift you bed as mentioned before, and also take some herbs you will certainly feel some effects, and everyone can do these things.

Tags: Medical, Aging

Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

With major improvement in the understanding, diagnosis and management of acid reflux, family doctors and gastro-enterologists have a greater variety of options for treatment of acid reflux.

The acid suppressant drugs available today are extremely effective. Drugs such as omeprazole and other proton pump inhibitor have become the mainstay of treatment. These drugs are now available over the counter and easy for patients to obtain. It is therefore so easy for practitioners and patients to ignore the simple basic ways to control acid reflux disease.

A simple and effective part of treatment is lifestyle modification and reassurance. This includes changing the types of food consumed, avoiding certain medication, stopping smoking, losing weight, elevating the head of the bed and sensible use of antacids and alginates . The most important foods to avoid are fatty foods. In this group are whole milk, butter, chocolate and some fast foods. In time a patient will know what foods to consume and what to avoid. Peppermint oil relaxes the lower oesophageal sphincter and can cause reflux. If it is used for IBS, be aware of this important side effect. If in doubt consult your GP or stop if you develop reflux symptoms. Smoking has a similar effect on the lower oesophageal sphincter. Give up smoking if you have acid reflux. It is making it worse.

Certain foods should be taken in moderation. Decide for yourself if citric foods, spicy foods or caffeine containing foods are problematic. Avoid these foods if they aggravate acid reflux . Obesity causes increased abdominal pressure and as a result produces increased pressure on the lower oesophageal sphincter. This pressure can result in acid reflux. Losing weight will reduce this pressure. It is very surprising how losing a small amount of weight can make a significant difference.

In nocturnal acid reflux, lying down at night causes refluxate to track up the oesophagus. Raising the head of the bed will help reduce this. In addition it reduces sensitisation overnight which leads to problems during the day. Evidence shows that extra pillows make no difference. Wearing tight clothes will increase intra abdominal pressure and stimulate reflux. Wearing loose clothes will avoid this.

Eating small regular meals is better than having a few big meals. Large volume of food will distend the stomach and affect the efficiency of the sphincter. Similarly do not lie down soon after a meal. Make sure your last meal before retiring is at least three hours earlier.

A review of the medical literature and the few placebo controlled trials suggests that most patients with gastro-oesophageal disease (GERD) can be reasonably controlled by reassurance and lifestyle modification.

Chronic and relapsing acid reflux, however, will need more than lifestyle changes and reassurance. Management should incorporate the use of effective dosage of acid suppressant drugs to gain satisfactory control of acid reflux symptoms.

If your symptoms are persistent in spite of the changes you make, see you family doctor. The thought of having an endoscopy may be daunting but persistent acid reflux can cause long term problems. Acid in the lower oesophagus can cause inflammation leading to oesophagitis. Recurrent oesophagitis can cause bleeding, strictures and Barrett’s oesophagus. 3 to 5 % of Barrett’s Oesophagus develops adenocarcinoma. This condition is diagnosed by biopsy at endoscopy. Bear these facts in mind if your symptoms persist.

Tags: Aging, Health

Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

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.

Tags: Aging, Health

Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd

Millions of people in the United States suffer from acid reflux disease.

The medical term for Acid reflux is called Gastroesophageal reflux disease. It
is caused when the stomach releases acid back up into the esophagus. This in
turn causes the esophageal lining to be inflamed, often cause serious damage.

It is very easy to understand. In order for the stomach to digest food, it needs
the acid. But there are also other compounds that assist the acid. Bile is
produced in the liver and at times it can be released in the stomach by acid
reflux. Pepsin is a natural enzyme in the body that actually gets the stomach
moving in breaking down the proteins. Acid reflux occurs when these three
compounds are combined.

Everyone suffers from acid reflux from time to time and in varying degrees. It
is a normal part of live. Acid reflux disease occurs when the acid level is
elevated it also stays in the esophagus for longer periods of time.

Acid reflux is a serious disease that can be treated but not cured. When a
person is diagnosed, they will remain on medication for the rest of his or her
life.

Serious diseases can result from acid reflux disease such as Esophagitis. When
the person who suffers from acid reflux disease continues to take the prescribed
medication, they greatly reduce their chances of developing these diseases.

The human body has natural defenses and through the use of saliva, which has
bicarbonate in it and neutralizes the acid. Swallowing can battle the affects of
acid reflux. However, this is only during the day. This is because you move
around all day, whether sitting or standing, gravity keeps the acid down.

Sleeping is a whole different story. When you sleep, the body produces less
saliva. And because you are lying down, your body provides a level path for the
acid to travel. You are neither vertical or swallowing; therefore the acid
remains in the esophagus for longer periods of time causing more damage.

Heartburn, nausea and vomiting occurring at or just after a meal are all signs
of acid reflux disease. Some people experience regurgitation that leaves a
horrible aftertaste.

The pain of acid reflux has been likened to Angina. A life threatening heart
disorder. It is extremely crucial that you see your doctor as soon as possible
to rule out any underlying problems.

Acid reflux disease is an extremely painful disease. It can strike at anytime
during your life. It is important that you see your doctor at the onset of the
symptoms, to avoid any long-term damage to your body.

Tags: Aging, Health

Tags: Acid+Reflux, Acid+Reflux+Disease, Heartburn, Gerd