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Common Causes of Acid Reflux and How to Get Relief

If you were to type common causes of acid reflux into your favorite search engine you would definitely not be the first person to do so. There are thousands of searched queries for this health related conditions which means just one thing – it is extremely common and a lot of people are suffering from it.

But what are the most common causes of acid reflux so you can do something about it?

Acid reflux is the term given when a part of the acid content in the stomach moves up the esophagus and into the gullet which is the part of the mouth which is supposed to work the other way by moving your food from the mouth to the stomach.

Hydrochloric acid is present in the stomach in order to help to digest the food we eat more efficiently and protect against bacteria.

Although the majority of people suffer only with mild symptoms, there are some reports which suggest that as many as 60 million Americans who suffer every month and around 15 million people who suffer with the problem every single day.

There are several things which can cause or contribute to acid reflux. Some are related to medical conditions and others are more directly linked to lifestyle choices. Some people may find that they suffer from heartburn which is associated with particular types of food or drink but severe acid reflux may also be linked to other medical reasons which are not so easy to fix.

A hiatal hernia can often lead to heartburn or acid reflux as well as pregnancy, but let’s take a look at some of the things which can be changed in order to reduce the occurrence of this problem.

Obesity

Obese people are known to suffer more with this type of problem. If you are obese and you have problems with acid reflux, it is just one more important reason to change your lifestyle with the aim of losing some of the excess weight.
Smoking

Both active and passive smoking can also be a contributing factor to this condition. There are many reasons to stop smoking and this is just one more.

High salt intake

Although we all need a certain amount of salt in our diets, too much salt is definitely a bad thing.

Low physical exercise

If you increase your amount of daily exercise it can help a lot. It can help to reduce the likelihood of suffering with these problems and it can also help you to lose weight which in itself is another way to improve the situation.

Medication

Some drugs can have an effect on acid reflux, particularly antihistamines, sedatives, painkillers, anti depressants and drugs which are prescribed for asthma sufferers.

Low dietary fiber

If you don’t have enough fiber in your diet it can lead to heartburn and acid reflux. Be sure to eat more leafy greens and vegetables that increase your daily fiber intake.

These are some of the most common causes of heartburn, so if you are suffer regularly, you can use these tips to finally get some relief from acid reflux and ultimately, change your overall health in the process.

Common Acid Reflux Drugs For Temporary Relief

By Mikael G.J.

There are millions of Americans putting up with acid reflux, GERD and heartburn on a daily basis. The condition is characterized by common symptoms such as a burning sensation in the chest or throat area, along with regurgitation.

The constant backwash of the stomach acid content irritates the lining of the esophagus. This leaves the sufferer with a burning sensation in the chest or throat areas. We will highlight some of the most common acid reflux drugs being used to relieve these irritating symptoms.

There are simple changes that a patient can make to his or her diet in order to minimize the irritation caused by acid reflux. It basically comes down to how frequently the person has the symptoms and how the symptoms would affect their day to day lives.

Eliminating fatty and acidic food from their diet, avoiding caffeine, quitting smoking and losing excess weight are some of the most important lifestyle changes that a person can make to control their condition. These lifestyle changes can help people who are suffering with minor symptoms of GERD.

But what if you have more severe GERD systems that affect your day to day life? If you have symptoms more than three times a week, it is considered a sign of severe GERD. This is when you need to consult your physician as soon as possible. Your physician will prescribe medications to get some relief.

There are over the counter antacids such as Maalox, Tums, Mylanta and Rolaids that are helpful in neutralizing the stomach acid and providing fast acting relief. Some antacids come in liquid form to coat the lining of the esophagus and prevent it from coming into contact with stomach acid.

Antacids are good for immediate relief, but their effectiveness is short-lived. Patients should not over use antacids since it can cause diarrhea, constipation and imbalance of electrolytes in some rare cases.

Oral suspension medicines are the other common drug class recommended for heartburn. Pepto Bismol and Carafate are some of the common oral suspension medicines for heartburn. These medicines help coat the esophagus lining preventing it from coming into regular contact with stomach acid. This will help reduce the symptom of heartburn and irritation.

Anti-gas, anti-flatulence medications are recommended for patients who experience gas and bloating as a result of acid reflux. Gas-X, Beano and Phazyme are over the counter medications that are effective in this regard. These medications can help relieve gas, bloating and pressure in the digestive track.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are another common drug class used to treat acid reflux. Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid are some of the common PPIs on the market. These drugs would block excess acid production in the stomach and aid in healing the esophagus. These are prescribed for patients suffering with severe GERD symptoms.

Acid reflux is a condition that affects millions of Americans on a daily basis. There are so many effective over the counter medications for the condition. We have highlighted some of the most important acid reflux drugs to relieve the symptoms quickly and effectively.

Ease The Most Severe Heartburn Symptoms With These Tips

By Mikael G.J.

Severe heartburn symptoms can range from burning in your throat to insomnia. They can also get more serious and lead to cancer, local of vocal abilities, and a decreased quality of life. Helping to control these symptoms can help you live a happier life and truly thrive. This is extremely important because acid reflux is an extremely common condition that affects so many people these days.

You can seek out medical treatment when your symptoms become too much for you to handle. Talk to a doctor to get a prescription or to discuss over-the-counter options can alleviate the worst symptoms.

This is usually the first step as your doctor can check to see what is going on within the body and also allows him or her to take note of any other possible issues. This when any possibilities of cancer, permanent damage, and various other concerns can be addressed.

The next option is a change to your diet. This usually involves moving away from heavy spices, greasy foods, and many of the readily available processed foods. This can mean going on a very bland diet for a time and then slowly reintroducing food to see what foods you can eat. While this can be quite restricting, it is often one of the most effective ways to treat stubborn issues.

Beds and pillows made to help reduce the symptoms as you sleep can help tremendously. By getting more sleep and lessening symptoms, these methods help sufferers live a more comfortable life. However, once one of these methods has become habit, taking it away may cause the problems to come back much worse.

Changes to exercise can also help people gain some control. Losing weight and staying in shape can prevent fat from pushing against the stomach area causing discomfort. This can also help with the digestion of food and quality of sleep. All of these factors can lessen the symptoms.

Drinking more water and avoiding other types of drinks such as coffee or drinks loaded with caffeine is quite effective. This may be difficult for some people because cutting down on caffeine can be difficult. There are other types of juices that can also irritate and cause heartburn. Experiment with cutting out other drinks to see if this eases your symptoms. If you like drinking sugary drinks such as soda, you will see a reduction in weight and this is a wonderful side effect that will help reduce symptoms.

Many people have found success in activities such as yoga, meditation, and other relaxation techniques. Stress can cause the stomach to produce more acid and even cause ulcers. Removing this stress or learning to control it can mean less symptoms and prevent your condition from worsening.

There are changes that can be made in almost every areas of life to help with severe heartburn symptoms and associated conditions. Working through this list and talking with a doctor may increase both the quality of your life and the possibility of not needing a major medical intervention.

Acid Reflux Pillow Can Ease Symptoms at Night

By Mikael G.J.

For many people who suffer from frequent heartburn, life is more than a little complicated. Even with the most strict diets available heartburn can strike seemingly out of nowhere. This can make sleeping, spending time with friends and even, most everyday tasks seem almost impossible. Having to plan your life around the possible lack of sleep can be a torturous feeling.

Many people have turned to a combination of methods to make their lives a little more bearable. Sadly, one of the most helpful is rarely mentioned. On the market today are many different products to help with sleep when acid reflux is rearing its ugly head. The most understated of these products is the acid reflux pillow.

These pillows come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and textures to ensure that each user is happy with their choice. They help to alleviate some of the symptoms by tilting the body a small bit away from positions that may lead to excess production of acid. This can enable a person to get a good nights sleep when they have previously been unable to achieve this feat.

Because of the variety, these cushions can be a little hit or miss. Fortunately, there is a large online following more than willing to make suggestions to those new to the product. These are people who have found what works best for them and are willing to pass on that information to others so that they can experience relief as well. This kind of hands on information is usually rare to come by, but is very appreciated when given.

Many who have used these cushions cannot believe the difference that they have found. Usually shaped like a wedge, it is hard to believe that a piece of foam or batting can make all of the difference when it comes to true comfort. This can be especially frustrating when one has been battling against major acid issues for several years without finding and real source of relief.

On the bright side, many people find the simplicity refreshing. It is rather hard to misuse a pillow, so there is a very small learning curve. They can be put away when not in use but don’t have to be assembled, fiddled with, or changed. When symptoms flare they can be grabbed and used to quickly relive the issue before it gets much harder.

While it may seem hard to adjust to a new set of cushions in a bedroom, it usually takes a little less than a week. When given the option of comfort, the body will usually take it and run with it rather than struggle with confusion or crankiness. For many, this means sleepless nights quickly come to an end and busy days are a little less worrisome.

With such a great track record, it is amazing that acid reflux pillows are not more popular. Simple solutions that work are hard to come by, and those who have found relief within these simple creations are not going to give them up anytime soon.

Seven Acid Reflux Relief Remedies

By Mikael G.J.

Acid reflux or heartburn as it is commonly called occurs when the acid in your digestive tract travels from the stomach up into the esophagus. If you are looking for some advice on how to minimize the discomfort and pain associated with this condition, you can use these seven acid reflux relief tips to prevent or reduce these symptoms.

Eat Slowly

Eating a large amount of food at one time can cause acid reflux symptoms to be worse. Instead of eating until you feel stuffed, only consume food until you are comfortably full. Be sure that you take your time when eating a meal and chew slowly so that you can enjoy each mouthful.

Limit Beverages at Mealtime

Drinking liquids will add more volume to the food inside your stomach. This increase stomach distension. When you have a very full belly, it exerts added pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter. This is the muscle that usually prevents food from traveling back to your esophagus. In order to minimize the amount of volume in your stomach, take small sips of water as you are eating. Try to do more of your drinking in between meals instead of during them.

Lose Weight

One of the main contributors to heartburn is being overweight. Individuals who are overweight are two times as likely to experience acid reflux than individuals at a healthy weight. Added weight can also increase the pressure on your stomach and lead to back flow. In addition, body fat might release chemicals that can interfere with regular digestive functioning. Fortunately, research shows that even losing just a little weight can really help to control heartburn and relieve symptoms.

Moderate Exercise

Moderation is key here. Vigorous exercise, such as running, may actually get your digestive tract agitated and provoke acid reflux. However, low impact, moderate exercise like walking can be very beneficial in aiding your digestion. Of course exercising can also help you to lose weight.

Stay Away From Fatty Foods

Lay off foods such as marbled steak, deep-dish pizza, fried foods and chicken wings. High fat meals can provoke acid reflux. You should focus on eating lean proteins (seafood, poultry, lean red meat), whole grains, produce rich in fiber and whole grains instead.

Watch for Trigger Foods

The most important step in preventing acid reflux is to eat smaller meals. However, there are also specific foods that may aggravate symptoms for some people. Fatty and fried foods, caffeinated beverages, alcohol, mints, chocolate, fruit, citrus juices, tomato sauce, tomatoes, garlic, onions, spicy and carbonated beverages are some of the main culprits. However, every person has his or her own triggers, so you need to watch out for any foods that are causing you discomfort.

Don’t Lie Down Right After Eating

If you have a tendency to get acid reflux, then you shouldn’t lie flat for at least two hours after eating a snack or meal. Walking around will help to keep the gastric juices flowing in the proper direction.

Heartburn can be very uncomfortable and painful. However, if you use these seven acid reflux relief tips above, you can help to prevent and manage these symptoms.