Acid reflux is a condition characterized by expulsion of stomach acids creating a back flow into the esophagus. It exposes the unprotected lining of the esophagus to unstable stomach acids that may cause severe damage if not properly addressed. Acid reflux syndrome can affect anyone and if left untreated may lead to complications such as Erosive Esophagitis, Esophageal Stricture and Ulceration that might lead to esophageal cancer. Its most common symptoms include heart burn, regurgitation, and difficulty in swallowing, dental erosion and chest pain. Since it is commonly associated with heart burn, engaging in precautionary measures to avoid heartburn will likely decrease the chances of reflux.
There are several ways to prevent acid reflux as has been outlined my 7 Tips Series and on other posts on this blog. Some may involve drug therapies but an acid reflux natural cure is still highly recommended since it minimizes side effects that are usually caused by medications. Here is a helpful summary of suggestions to avoid heartburn and acid reflux:
- Stay away from foods and drinks with high acid content such as alcoholic beverages, carbonated drinks, citrus fruit juices, tomatoes, spices and chocolates.
- Empty your stomach within 2-3 hours before bedtime. Lying down with a full stomach presses the lower esophageal sphincter that might result in reflux of its contents.
- Eat in small portions until you are half full. Never overeat since too much food in the stomach generates increased pressure towards the esophagus.
- Elevate the head slightly when sleeping. Gravity will help to decrease the pressure on the esophagus when the head is higher than the stomach. You might even try a special pillow like Medslant. See the Medslant picture below.
- Avoid wearing clothes and belts around the waist that are tight fitting. Clothes and belts that are worn too tightly around the abdomen create extreme pressure that forces the food to go up to the esophagus.
- Maintain a desirable weight; if you are overweight you may have to lose a few pounds since obesity raises pressure in the abdomen. If you need some help with losing some weight, check out the Fat Loss 4 Idiots program.
- For smokers, you should stop smoking since cigarettes contain chemicals that weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the chances of reflux.
- Increase intake of protein-rich foods to help in strengthening the esophagus
- If diet and lifestyle modification fails, you have to visit your physician and you might be advised to take medications such as Prilosec, Protonix and Zantac.
Certainly, this condition shouldn’t be ignored since it may be a predisposing factor of a more serious health problem like cancer. The discomforts felt from the symptoms of reflux can greatly affect the quality of life and daily activities of the person experiencing it.
If you have been experiencing frequent episodes of heartburn, it will be helpful if you keep a record of your heartburn attacks indicating what triggered the reflux, its severity and how you were relieved. When you visit your physician, bring the record for a more accurate assessment regarding your condition. Determining the cause of the reflux will help you prevent it by alleviating its symptoms.
Beating or at least containing acid reflux entails diet modification; drug therapies and natural remedies. For the worst cases, surgical intervention may be needed. Therefore, early detection of acid reflux is the key to mitigating the possibility of aggravating the condition to a more serious health problem.
