Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, or heartburn, occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. It can cause a burning sensation behind the breastbone or throat and usually feels worse after eating. Weaker medicines like antacids treat mild heartburn, but stronger drugs such as H2 blockers and PPIs reduce acid production and allow the esophagus to heal. Antacids Antacids neutralize the acid in your stomach and can relieve heartburn symptoms. They are available over the counter in liquid or chewable form and can be purchased without a prescription. They provide quick but temporary relief of heartburn, sour stomach, and acid indigestion. However, they do not treat the underlying cause and long-term use can lead to serious health issues like diarrhea. Antacid medications vary in how fast they take effect, how long they last, and how well they interact with other medicines. For this reason, people taking antacids should speak to their doctor

Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents irritate the throat and esophagus (the swallowing passage). The most common symptom is heartburn, but it can also cause a sore throat. Long-term acid reflux may damage the lining of the esophagus and lead to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which can be a risk factor for cancer. 1. Eat smaller meals. When you eat a large meal, your stomach fills up and puts pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter that holds stomach acid in. If you lay down right afterward, the acid can rise into your throat and cause a sour taste in your mouth, heartburn and post-nasal drip. Stick to smaller meals throughout the day and try not to eat at least three hours before going to bed. This will give your stomach time to empty before you go to sleep. Try low-acid fruits like watermelon and cantaloupe, a comforting bowl of

If you suffer from acid reflux, there are some foods that you should avoid. These foods can aggravate your symptoms, make them worse or cause new ones to appear. It is important to keep a food diary to identify your triggers. The more you know about what is causing your symptoms, the easier it will be to make changes. 1. Spicy Foods Spicy foods are often associated with heartburn and indigestion. This is because many spicy foods contain capsaicin, which slows down digestion and causes food to sit in the stomach longer. Capsaicin can also irritate the lining of your esophagus, causing acid reflux symptoms to worsen. This is especially true if you already have heartburn, esophageal issues, or an ulcer. Another thing to consider is that spicy foods are often high in fat. Because fat slows down your digestive system, it can cause stomach irritation and lead to heartburn

Acid reflux is an increasingly prevalent issue that may stem from multiple causes. Certain foods, however, have the ability to trigger or worsen your symptoms and should be avoided at all costs. Keep track of everything you eat and drink to gain insight into what may be contributing to acid reflux, in order to identify which foods should be avoided in order to manage your condition more effectively. 1. Fatty Foods An excessively fat-rich diet may exacerbate acid reflux symptoms. Thankfully, there are numerous foods without fat that you can incorporate into your diet to alleviate heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. Assuring you eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is also key for improving reflux symptoms. When selecting meals like burgers, pizza and chips with lower levels of saturated fat content. This will also reduce inflammation. Vegetables that contain high water contents, like spinach, celery and cucumber, can help

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help ease symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. They are divided into three groups: antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Antacids can quickly provide relief from the pain and discomfort of heartburn and acid indigestion. They also reduce stomach upset. Maalox Maalox is a safe and effective over-the-counter (OTC) medication that is used to relieve acid indigestion, heartburn, sour stomach, upset stomach, and pressure and bloating commonly known as gas. It also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that causes the contents of the stomach to back up into the esophagus. Maalox contains aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide which have a base effect that helps to neutralize stomach acid. It also contains simethicone which has a foaming effect to help relieve trapped wind and reduce bloating. It is recommended that Maalox is taken after meals and around bedtime to provide maximum relief from

Drinking the right beverages can help reduce your acid reflux symptoms. However, there are certain drinks you should avoid if you suffer from this condition. Carbonated drinks, sodas and most citrus juices can irritate your stomach lining. Caffeine also relaxes the Lower Esophageal Sphincter, allowing acid to leak up into your esophagus. Ginger Tea Ginger tea is a tasty, natural treatment for acid reflux. It contains phenolic compounds that improve the function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which prevents stomach acid from entering the esophagus. It also helps relieve gastrointestinal irritation and inflammation. This is why it’s an effective treatment for GERD. A cup of ginger tea can help to calm gastric contractions and soothe bloating, and it may also be helpful for relieving nausea. It contains the antioxidants, gingerols and shogaols, which can reduce nausea by stimulating gastric motility. Drinking ginger tea can also help to reduce the

Acid reflux is a very common medical condition that affects individuals of all ages. It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly and allows stomach acid to travel back up into the esophagus and back up to your mouth. Symptoms may include heartburn, difficulty swallowing and sore throat. If any other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or arm or jaw pain also exist, call emergency medical services immediately. Ginger Ginger can be an effective natural treatment for acid reflux. It works by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter and preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus, where it should remain. Ginger can also reduce symptoms associated with acid reflux, including heartburn and bloating, such as heartburn. You can use various forms of ginger therapy to manage symptoms of acid reflux including drinking ginger tea and eating foods containing ginger as remedies. If

If you suffer from acid reflux and gas, there are a number of over-the-counter (OTC) medications you can try. But you should always read the label to make sure you’re taking the right medicine for your condition. For short-acting antacids, choose one that neutralizes stomach acid, like bismuth subsalicylate, calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide. For longer-acting antacids, look for a proton pump inhibitor that reduces the amount of acid in your digestive system, such as omeprazole. 1. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) is a safe, natural way to manage heartburn and acid reflux. It works by coating and protecting the esophagus, helping maintain a healthy lower esophageal sphincter, preventing stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. This herb can also help reduce the load of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori, which is linked to a number of gastrointestinal problems including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). DGL may also increase mucus