GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is a common human digestive complaints which
occurs when something gastric backs up into the esophagus. When you eat, your digestive
system starts when food travels from your mouth into the esophagus toward a ring of muscles
known as lower esophageal sphincter abbreviated as LES which is liable for permitting food to
pass into your stomach and then closes again. Since the LES is weak, it cannot work as it should
be thereby lacking the ability to close at the right moment.. The result is called heartburn which
happens nearly to everyone at least one point in their lives.
What Causes GERD
1. Impaired Stomach Function
Peple suffering from GERD have abnormal nerves or muscle functions in the abdomen which
cause slow absorption of food and stomach acid. Because of this, delay in the emptying of
stomach contents happens which result to increase pressure in the stomach thereby resulting to
regurgitation of acid.
2. Medications May Cause Acid reflux
There are several medicines and over the counter prescriptions can increase the risk of acid reflux
and even worsen the symptoms. Some examples are iron pills, potassium, antibiotics, calcium
channel blockers, dopamine and others.
3. Asthma May Cause GERD
The relation between GERD and asthma is not fully understood; though more than half of gerd
sufferers also have asthma. Asthma is a medical condition that normally affects the respiratory
system and is normally manifested in the form of wheezing.
4. Certain types of foods
Foods and beverages that you intake are main things that produce acid reflux. Namely fatty foods,
acidic and spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato products, soda, coffee, tea and alcohols.
These kinds of foods and beverages either weakens or relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter
(LES). If the LES is not competent to act accurately, there is increase in the chance of acid
backing up.
5. Your Kind of Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices like cigarettes and tobacco, drinking alcohols, being under stress and certain
clothes can lead reflux of acid in your stomach. Vices like drinking and smoking should be limited
or better yet stopped. Wearing tight clothing around the waist area increase pressure in the
stomach area. Being under stress has also been known as a contributing factor to acid reflux.
6. Eating Habits
Its not only what you eat, but how you eat, bad eating habits can also cause it to happen. Some
behaviors include bending over, eating close to bedtime, lying down immediately after eating and
heavy dinner.. Keeping your stomach comfortable, instead of full is the key. In addition, instead of
eating three heavy meals its better to eat lighter at frequent times.
Treatment for Acid reflux
1. Avoid Foods that Trigger
Consuming foods that are beneficial is the most sensible way when it comes to treating this
disorder since these are the number one culprits. As they say, prevention is better than cure so do
not let it happen in the first place. If possible avoid red meat of all kind especially pork,just stick
with lean beef, turkey and chicken.Eat more fruits and vegetables.
2. Lifestyle Modifications
There are simple changes that sufferers could do in their lifestyle to help them cope with the
distress brought about acid indigestion lifestyle are contributing factors to this condition. It does not matter what the gravity of your disorder is, the first step in managing it is to analyze the sort of life you live. This is the fastest and low cost method of curing acid reflux, you just have to have the determination to let it happen.
Take This Steps Now!
One of the changes doctors generally advise if they diagnose a patient with GERD is to "quit
smoking". It slows the production of saliva which is not good because saliva assists in digestion. It
also weakens the digestive valves and damages the esophageal area. The same thing applies
when it comes alcoholic beverages.
Exercise regularly. A balanced approach to exercise is imperative excluding avoid vigorous types
as its not suitable for GERD patients. Try brisk walking, light jogging and aerobics.
Try to relax and engage in activities you enjoy.Relax and have fun.
When you are under stress, digestion of food slows down which, could heighten the risk of reflux
episode. Learn to relax and have fun. You will discover it pleasant not only for your disease, but
also for your whole well-being as well.
If you are obese, start losing some pounds. Extra fats in the abdominals lead to increase pressure
thereby resulting to reflux.
3. Medicines for GERD
Antacids, H2 blockers (for example, Pepcid), and proton pump inhibitors (like Prilosec) are the
most common ones. These medicines can heal the lining of the esophagus, relieve the symptoms
and prevent complications.
4. Home Remedies
There are home cures that work and are actually effective. A good start is taking one teaspoon of
honey right before you go to bed as it has natural compound to mend the esophagus wall bring
almost instant relief. Aloe vera in the form of juice extract or capsule which is known to have the
capability to heal the esophagus lining is another natural solution. Chewing a gum after eating is
another trick as it helps in the production of saliva, which helps in digestion.Some more drug-free
remedies include papaya enzymes, chewing almonds and a teaspoon of baking soda mix with
water. Your diet is also extremely crucial for curing your reflux. During the course of your natural
treatment, you should only eat soft foods.
I suffered from heartburn and acid reflux for two years until I found the cure that literally changed my life. Check out the Acid Reflux Remedy that gave me lasting freedom from this gastrointestinal disorder.
You can also visit Natural Remedies for Heartburn for more information on how to prevent it.
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