Friday 21 September 2007

Acid Reflux Relief

By: Frank Vanderlug
Acid reflux is a common problem which affects most people at least once in their lifetime. Therefore, given the common nature of the ailment, acid reflux remedies are also available widely. Though the disease is simple, if left untreated it can lead to severe damage or become a chronic condition. Therefore, it is better to get it treated in order to live a healthy and happy life.The symptoms which come with acid reflux are not very pleasant either. There is the burning sensation of the chest and throat, and a sour or bitter taste which rises into the mouth. Some people who experience these symptoms in their most severe forms often confuse them with heart attacks. The good news is however, that there are several remedies available to help alleviate the symptoms and cure the patient of the disease completely.Eating habits: Foods are recognized as the obvious trigger for heartburns. Therefore, avoiding certain foods which are known to be causes of acid reflux should help correct the problem. Try to identify the foods which may be causing this condition in you and avoid them altogether.Some heart burn inducing foods are garlic, tomatoes and chocolates. Beverages of the alcoholic or caffeine variety may also trigger symptoms of acid reflux in the patient. To identify these foods, you can eliminate the suspect food products from your diet for a particular period of time. If your symptoms improve, it is safe to say that you have found a remedy for your acid reflux.Avoid bad habits: Overeating is a known cause for obesity. However, what many people do not know is the fact that it can cause acid reflux as well. An overtly full stomach will inevitably put pressure on the muscle at the base of the esophagus. This is called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES.The digestive acids get squeezed back up instead of preventing them from getting into the esophagus, if there is too much pressure on this particular muscle. Therefore, avoiding large meals will also remedy symptoms of acid reflux.Other habits: Smoking should be avoided. In case, the patient is suffering from stress, finding effective ways to manage it would be a good option when fighting acid reflux symptoms. Other remedies include, eating smaller quantities of food per meal and also eating more frequently, not eating any food about 2-3 hours before bedtime; and also taking over the counter and prescribed medications.When looking for the best remedy, you should know that medications are not considered to be the best solutions for acid reflux. Though acid reflux is a common problem, it does not have to be disruptive for your life and lifestyle. Do consult a doctor though to find the best acid reflux remedies for yourself. This will ensure healthy and happy living for you.

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