Acid Reflux Disease: Causes, Risks and Cures

Acid reflux disease, or GERD - gastro-esophageal reflux disease as it is known, is caused by the coincidence of two medical conditions. The first condition contributing to acid reflux disease is the backward flow of food and acid from the stomach to the esophagus. Nonetheless, the reflux does not always result in symptoms of GERD or changes in the organic tissues, and can happen in healthy individuals as well, when it is referred to as "physiologic gastroesophageal reflux".

The second factor encouraging GERD is a malfunction of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter. The LES is a circle of muscle of 3-4 cm, some two to three times thicker than the proximal esophagus and acting as a valve between the esophagus and the stomach. When acid reflux disease occurs, the LES fails to close correctly and stomach contents is pushed back into the esophagus. With symptoms of the disease after this process, this is then called gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

The typical sensation of acid reflux disease is persistent (twice weekly or more) heartburn. Heartburn is the burning feeling in the chest or the throat, when the stomach contents is pushed back to the lining of the esophagus. As people in good health may also have light reflux, occasional heartburn is common as well and does not immediately mean gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Other sufferers of GERD may also feel chest-pains or suffer from coughs, hoarseness in the morning, vocal changes, problems in swallowing (notably lumpy foods), lasting earache, burning pains in the chest, nausea or sinusitis. Some sufferers describe sensations of food being stuck, choking or tightness in the throat. This is caused by the continual flow back of stomach contents in contact with the esophagus, resulting in swelling of the esophagus due scars from histological damage.

Acid reflux disease left untreated can have serious health consequences. These include constriction, bleeding, ulcers and spasms of the esophagus. When the acid from the stomach gets to the trachea as well as the upper esophagus, several severe conditions such as asthma, sinusitis and pneumonia can occur. Some patients can develop a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, where abnormal shapes and colors of cells occur in the esophageal lining. This is an initial stage before esophageal cancer, notably in adults over 60 years old.

There are three options for treating acid reflux disease: surgery, medical therapy and holistic therapy that includes changes in diet and lifestyle and taking specific herbal supplements. Using surgery merits very careful consideration, given that certain underlying conditions can be complicated, such as constriction and muscular contraction disorders. PPIs and H2 blockers are among the options for medical intervention in cases of gastro-esophageal reflux disease. While it is possible to apply prescribed medications or acid blockers like these, remember that the results are sometimes only temporary and that conventional medicine can lead to serious side effects.

From an overall point of view, GERD is an alarm signal pertaining to a significant imbalance internally that must be correctly resolved. For this reason, alternative medicine such as homeopathic remedies, herbal medicine, changes in lifestyle as components of a full holistic plan are clearly recommended for sufferers of acid reflux disease.

Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms and Treatment Options

What is acid reflux? Acid reflux is the back flow of stomach's acidic contents into the esophagus or food pipe. The symptoms of acid reflux can be very irritating and are often confused as heart attack. Acid reflux, if left untreated can give serious esophageal damages and can be fatal. They can lead to development of ulcers and even cancer of the esophagus. Hence, one must consult his physician or family doctor for more information on acid reflux symptoms and treatment options.

What Are The Symptoms To Look For?

As stated earlier, some of the symptoms of acid reflux so similarity with heart attack that it can create panic in people. The frequency of the acid reflux can vary from one individual to the other. Even the symptoms can range from mild to severe.

The most common of the various symptoms that signal acid reflux disease, is heartburn. Heartburn does not bear any connection with the heart of the person. In fact it is a burning sensation that occurs in the food pipe and the chest area. Heartburn can be extremely uncomfortable and can often be accompanied by regurgitation of the undigested food in the mouth area, leaving a sour taste. Heartburn can worsen when one lies down.

Heartburn also engulfs the larynx or the throat area and the person can develop severe coughing and a hoarse throat. Sometimes, the coughing gets so bad that it make it difficult to sleep. The symptoms of coughing can eventually turn into asthmatic conditions. In addition to these, there can be difficulties in swallowing.

Chest pain is also very common in cases of acid reflux. At times, the chest pain leaves the person in panic of heart attack. The easy way to distinguish is that the acid reflux chest pain normally is reduced or gone after taking an antacid. In case of heart attack there is heaviness in the chest which does not seem to subside.

What Can You Do?

The foremost thing to do in case of acid reflux attacks is to calm down and retrospect the quality of life that one is leading. Having nutritious diet including enough vegetables and fruits combined with an active lifestyle with morning exercise or even walks can reduce the problems of heartburn to a great extent.

Apart from the lifestyle changes, one must get thorough diagnosis of the problem by a physician so as to rule out other abnormalities in the functioning of the body. For example, an EEG will rule out the possibilities of heart problems. Women can face acid reflux problems during there pregnancy. Similarly, threats of having hiatal hernia can also be ruled out.

Medical Acid Reflux Disease Treatments

Medicinal acid reflux treatments come in a two way process. Normally, for acid reflux problems the doctor suggests medicines and drugs complemented with lifestyle changes. In cases where these do not provide sufficient relief and the symptoms reoccur after stopping the medicines, endoscopies can be prescribed.

In very rare cases, the doctors may suggest surgery to fix the loosened lower esophageal sphincter valve. The surgery is however considered the last option when medicines seize to give any comfort.

The most commonly used medicinal treatment for acid reflux is antacids. Antacids provide immediate relief from the symptoms of heartburn by neutralizing the stomach acids. Gelusil, Mylanta, Tums are the popular antacids. Besides antacids, there are H2 blockers receptors. These work by reducing the amount of acid produced by the stomach. These medications are taken at least 30 minutes before the meals. Ranitidine, Cimetidine, Famotidine are some of the drugs under this category. Yet another effective treatment for acid reflux is the proton pump inhibitor. These work by blocking the acid production and thereby aiding the healing of the damaged esophagus. Prilosec, Nexium are the popular proton pump inhibitors. These medications are available over the counter. However, there are prescription medicines which are of greater strength than their OTC variant.

If medicines have little or no effect in curing the acid reflux symptoms, the doctor may advice certain tests such as the Barium X-Ray, endoscopies, acid probe test etc which can determine the condition and the severity of the esophageal damage. Based on the kind of damage, the doctor may suggest different medication or even surgery. The surgical procedure is very rare and is aimed at tying the upper layer of the stomach over the lower esophagus, thus tightening the esophageal sphincter.

Final Word about Acid Reflux Treatment

Though there are number of medications and treatments available for the problem of acid reflux, the best method is still adopting healthy lifestyle. The medicinal and alternative treatments just cure the symptoms and the best way to control these are changing diet and leading an active life.

How to Know When You Should Take Acid Reflux Medication

Acid reflux is medically referred to as Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). As the name indicates, this is characterized by the reflux of stomach acids into the esophagus. It is a very common problem and many of us would have surely faced the symptoms of acid reflux. Symptoms of acid reflux disease are heartburn, chest pain, regurgitation of food into the mouth etc. Often the burning sensation or the heartburn gets so worse, that it seems to be a heart attack. Occasional symptoms appear because of eating of spicy foods or indigestion. But if these occur 2-3 times a week, then it surely indicates that there is something wrong with the digestive system.

The most common trend that people follow is to pop up an antacid. Though there is nothing wrong in doing, and it certainly gives instant relief, but for how long?

Acid reflux is an internal digestive system disorder where the lower esophageal sphincter valve opens up under acidic pressure, causing the undigested food and acid to be thrown back into the food pipe, causing an irritable burning sensation in the throat area. This internal problem can be permanently treated only by surgery but in 95% of the cases, lifestyle changes and medications give substantial relief. Surgery is done in very rare conditions.

Acid Reflux Medicine and You

There are N numbers of reasons that can cause acid reflux problem. Some of these being wrong food habits, hiatal hernia, pregnancy, obesity, undeveloped sphincter valve as in case of infants, etc. Among all the above mentioned reasons, the most commonly seen is wrong food habits.

To eliminate the reason of wrong eating habits, one needs to follow an active lifestyle and develop a menu plan that needs to be followed religiously. By observing the symptoms and reaction of your body towards various food products, one may be able to judge which foods to be included and which to be eliminated. Though the guidelines that are compulsory for every acid reflux diet include, avoiding rich and spicy food, food cooked in excess oil or fat and excess carbohydrates.

In cases where lifestyle changes have little or no effect whatsoever on acid reflux problems, these can be combined with medications. Medicines for acid reflux can vary from over the counter medications to prescription medicines.

Nowadays, even some prescription medications are available in lower strength as over the counter medicines. However, it is always better to consult a physician before administering any drug for acid reflux relief.

Alternative approaches to treat Acid Reflux

One of the alternative approaches mentioned above is making lifestyle changes. The other approaches are avoiding bed at least 2-3 hours after meals, keeping the headboard of your bed inclined by around 30 degrees, sleeping sideways etc. Then there are herbal and homeopathic medications that seem to be side effect free and are considerably effective in treating acid reflux problems.

Though the alternative medications work quite well, but chronic acid reflux can best be treated using prescription medications suggested by doctor. The doctor may take some time to decide on the most effective medication for you before advising you for tests such as endoscopies, barium X-Rays etc.

Acid Reflux Medications and how they work

A good number of antacids are available over the counter and these provide instant relief from acid reflux by stopping the burning sensation or heartburn. But regular use of antacids is not recommended. Mylanta, Gelusil are the most popularly used antacids. Then there is a group of medication known as H2 Block Receptors. These are not so fast in action as the antacids, but they work by reducing the amount of acid being produced by the stomach. Ranitidine, Famotidine, Cimetidine are some mediations belonging to this group.

Apart from these, there is yet another group of mediation which is known as the proton pump inhibitors which work by actually promoting the healing of the esophageal lining, caused by constant acid attack. Nexium, Prilosec are some drugs under this category.

Though, there are a number of medications that can be taken for relief from acid reflux, these are recommended for short term use. Each of these medications comes with its own set of side effects, most of which are upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting etc. The symptoms however, subside after a few days use. In cases where there can be prolonged trouble, the physician should be consulted.

Final Word about Medications

Medications are prescribed for relief from acid reflux problems. But it is to be kept in mind that lifestyle changes are a must and it cannot be compromised or neglected just because one is taking medications. Acid reflux, if chronic can cause a severe damage to the esophagus lining and can give rise to cancers of the esophagus. Medications should be judiciously used after consultation with a physician and in proper dosages.

GERD Risk Factors That Must Be Considered and Dealt With

Discover in this article what risks may lie in wait for you with this Illness

The common denominator in GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) is the loss of strength of the muscle of the lower esophageal sphincter. The other common factor concerning GERD is heartburn. Many further distinct factors may be encountered. These include breathing disorders such as asthma, excessive weight, diabetes, expecting a baby, stomach contents being retained for too long, connective tissue disorders and hernias that are hiatal.

Here are some other factors increasing the risk levels

GERD can come about when the stomach protrudes in such a way as to impinge on the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. In this case a portion of the stomach extends beyond normal boundaries to move into the lower chest, because of a hernia that may be hiatal or diaphragmatic in nature. Gastric contents flow back into the esophageal channel, and this leads to serious heartburn.

Being overweight can also increase pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter causing problems and pushing stomach matter back into the esophageal cavity where it creates heartburn. GERD can therefore also be the result of excessive body weight. To avoid GERD, lose extra and undesirable pounds. These excess pounds pressure the stomach as well as the diaphragm that lies between the stomach and the abdomen.

Risk factors from lifestyle and bad diet habits

Risk of GERD will also come from abuses of smoking, drinking or eating. A negative impact will also be engendered by a sub-optimal lifestyle and diet habits.

Experience also indicates that asthmatic respiratory and coughing problems increase the risk of GERD by boosting the pressure on the stomach. Asthma is also contributes indirectly because the medicaments that are used by doctors to enlarge the air intake also have a laxative effect on the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. This then leads to the back flow of gastric matter up to the esophageal cavity.

The danger grows greater still when pregnancy is a factor, as this boosts the production of progesterone, a hormone with laxative effect on several muscles, including that of the lower esophageal sphincter. The stomach is also under increased pressure during pregnancy. There may be considerably more danger of GERD for pregnant women therefore.

Getting to the real reason for GERD

This is where holistic solutions are much better adapted for results, as they focus in the true causes to arrest or even banish GERD. Although classical medicine attempts to treat GERD, any lasting benefit only comes with a holistic program. Conventional drugs unfortunately do nothing but target the symptoms, without resolving any of the basic, causal elements.

So adopting a holistic point of view is essential in order to handle all of the aspects involved. GERD is complex and the causative agents are multiple, including genetically transmitted characteristics, bad diets, irresponsible lifestyles and even candida infections. This is why the holistic remedies are the solution of choice for eliminating GERD.

Acid Reflux Cause: Why You Have Acid Reflux?

The coincidence of a number of medical and lifestyle factors leads to acid reflux disease making causes complex and rooted in many factors. GERD – gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or acid reflux is the product of physiological conditions such as the sensitivity of the mucus of the esophagus to the refluxed stomach content, the contra-flow of the food and acid content into the esophagus and LES (lower esophageal sphincter) hypotonia, which is the gradual weakening of the LES.

A mechanism exists at the junction of the esophagus and the stomach that acts like a valve. This is the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). When you swallow food it travels down your throat where movements of the esophagus muscles then move it towards the stomach. Closing the LES stops stomach acid from returning or refluxing into the esophagus.

For healthy people, the LES will only open when food travels from the esophagus into the stomach. The valve shuts again when the food inside the stomach, to prevent stomach acid and content coming back up. LES difficulty is the first factor that sets off the disease of acid reflux. The pain and the burning sensation called heartburn is caused when a weakened LES no longer succeeds in closing as it should, opening the way for acid to move back up your throat.

A weakness that is inherited, obesity and eating too much fatty foods all contribute to preventing the LES from properly shutting. As well as these factors, muscles also sag because of the aging process undergone by humans, a tendency which affects the LES as well.

As already seen, an LES that is already weakened has a direct physiological link to the onset of gastro-esophageal reflux disease. The next factor or set of factors resulting in acid reflux disease are due to behavior and lifestyle. Different nutrition, drugs and interactions of the nervous system can make the LES muscle lose its force and in turn create GERD. Orange juice, lemons and lemonade, grapefruit juice, tomatoes and their juice, fried potatoes, sour cream, tea and coffee are nutritional elements that may increase the risk of heartburn.

Several options exist for dealing with symptomatic acid reflux. However the esophagus is not properly protected or treated by the classic approaches and the use of these over the counter and prescription drugs, including antacid, over a long period of time can cause multiple side effects with varying degrees of risk. In other words, the conventional frequently used approaches, based on prescription and over the counter medication, only handle the symptoms of chronic heartburn. They may not be good enough to stop heartburn other than in the short term.

There are many alternatives to short-term superficial treatments such as prescription medication. These include homeopathy, herbal remedies and all encompassing all natural holistic therapies. While dealing with the internal causes of acid reflux, these natural remedies help your heartburn problem by treating the causes rather than only attacking related symptoms that are external.

Acid Reflux Home Remedy that Scores RESULTS

Even though acid reflux home remedy, when properly chosen and applied, can be effective in reducing most of the symptoms of this medical condition, it is important to note that acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a complex issue and the result of a combination of internal factors. Most remedies are not cures in themselves. However, selecting the right treatment and taking the correct doses have proved almost miraculous results proven for most GERD sufferers.

Let's briefly examine the immediate biological reasons behind GERD as a medical condition, before discussing the acid reflux home remedies that can be applied and how to choose them.

Normally, the gastric system is controlled by a circle of muscle situated at the end of the esophagus. This muscle is the lower esophageal sphincter or LES. Food or drink travels down the esophagus to trigger opening of the LES, which then lets the food and drink into the stomach. Acid reflux as a disease happens when stomach acid splashes back up into the lower end of the esophagus, resulting in a disagreeable burning sensation.

Physiological degradation of the LES caused by a combination of influences such as inherited traits (which must be accepted) and several aspects of lifestyle and diet make up the "internal environment" bringing on GERD. It is to be regretted that most conventional treatments whether medicinal or surgical, target only the immediate cause acting locally to trigger gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The majority of these holistic treatments are easily acquired at your local food store for application in the privacy of your home. The holistic program also offers a full methodology for tackling the root causes of acid reflux, which can be very simple to use. As a bonus, holistic treatment brings acid reflux sufferers a wide choice of natural cures that have been demonstrated to provide almost immediate relief.

A large quantity of food is harder to digest and needs much more time. By eating small and frequent meals, your digestive system gets the respite it needs from heavy food intake. Another treatment would be simple alterations to your diet. Eating smaller meals is strongly recommended for acid reflux sufferers by both doctors and alternative therapists. As another example, relief can be found for acid reflux symptoms by taking organic apple cider vinegar. And on the same theme, certain foods and drinks have been associated with increased risk of acid reflux and should not be taken. The list includes alcohol, coffee, citrus fruits, soda, chocolate, and also foods that are high in fat and dairy products.

Enhancing sleep, including changes to your sleeping position, has been demonstrated to effectively alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Lifestyle changes are yet another category of answers to gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Quitting smoking may be bring considerable benefit, as the substances in cigarette smoke may act to relax the LES making it open to cause reflux of stomach acid.

The herbal supplements in such programs may bring distinct advantages in the short term. Different herbal supplements are available to patients who want an immediate solution to relieve acid reflux symptoms via home remedies. When you use these possibilities together with a holistic program to resolve the basic causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease, you will have the possibility to relieve acid reflux symptoms and permanently stop them coming back.

Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Heartburn No More- Open The Door To an Acid Reflux Free Life". Jeff has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.

Acid Reflux Treatment SECRETS

Before giving a brief overview of various acid reflux treatments, I will discuss the immediate physiological reasons of acid reflux (also known as GERD – gastro esophageal reflux disease) and the medical condition. Acid reflux solutions can be put into three main divisions: surgical operations; prescription or over-the-counter medication; and holistic, 100 per cent natural programs.

The backwards flow (reflux) of the stomach acids can give a variety of symptoms: a salty taste in the mouth, coughing, pain in the chest, nighttime attacks of asthma and hoarseness. The main symptom of gastro esophageal reflux disease is a nagging burning feeling in the chest and the throat. This is produced when stomach acids reflux into your esophagus.

Acid reflux is, speaking technically, the result of valve mechanical failure, this valve being located at where the stomach and the esophagus meet.
When the valve called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES fails to shut correctly, the gastric contents are thrown back up into the esophagus. Heartburn is then the result of the gastric acid burning into the esophageal lining.

As mentioned above, several different methods exist for tackling acid reflux, each approach with its own perception of the condition. When surgery is performed for gastro esophageal reflux disease, parts of the stomach are wrapped around the lower esophagus to prevent reflux of gastric content from touching the esophagus. Thus, surgery for gastro esophageal reflux disease has the objective of resolving weakness of the LES, by strengthening it to prevent acid from contacting and inflaming the esophagus.

Sadly, these medicaments are typically only effective for temporary relief and occasion numerous secondary effects. In general, these acid reflux medicaments have the goal of reducing an excess of acidity in the stomach. Despite their limited effectiveness, medicaments, including H2 blockers, antacids and PPIs, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, are very popular for treating gastro esophageal reflux disease.

Medication only targets the skin-deep symptoms of GERD. This is the big disadvantage of treatment offered by conventional medicine for gastro esophageal reflux disease, which includes surgical and medicinal approaches.

The real remedy for acid reflux must tackle the deeper problem instead of constantly limiting its action to attempting to stop or alleviate only superficial physical symptoms. Gastro esophageal reflux disease is a complex condition. It is the result of a combination of factors including diet, lifestyle and behavior.

Holistic treatment is based on set of modifications in lifestyle and diet (avoiding acid favorable foods, diminishing and capping stress, enhancing sleep, etc.). Better than the other "quick-fix" solutions where the compromise solution is just for alleviating painful and handicapping acid reflux symptoms, the holistic approach handles gastro esophageal reflux disease in an all-natural and overall way. Reduction and prevention of the recurrence of acid reflux securely and effectively. as well as detox and the use of specific supplements derived from herbs, is the only solution that targets the internal contributing causes of acid reflux instead of the local symptoms.

Knowing What Food to Eat and Avoid For Acid Reflux Disease

Acid reflux disease can be an extremely painful condition. For people who live a socially active life and attend frequent parties and gatherings, acid reflux is like a curse as they have to often miss out on the delicacies served because of fear of the acid reflux attacks.

Acid attacks, as the name suggests is the attack of the stomach acids on the esophageal lining. The frequency of such attacks can be extremely damaging for the esophagus because it leads to the formation of scar tissue. If this scar tissue is not able to heal, then it may lead to ulcers and in certain cases even the cancers of the esophagus. Of all the reasons, for acid reflux problem, bad eating habits contribute the most.

Hence, the first point to remember in the treatment of acid reflux is the knowledge of foods to eat and foods to avoid. Acid reflux may require you to create a new meal plan for yourself, giving more places to healthy and nutritious food and say goodbye to some other.

Why Are Some Foods A Problem?

To answer this question, let us first consider what causes acid reflux problem. The food goes into the stomach via the esophagus. Inside the stomach the digestion process begins where the food is acted upon by the digestive enzymes and the hydrochloric acid present in the stomach. The food remains locked inside the stomach by the action of valves that is present at both the ends of the stomach. Due to the acidic environment inside the stomach, sometimes the excess pressure causes the valve to open. This causes the acidic content of the stomach to move out into the esophagus. This condition is known as acid reflux.

It is therefore clear that the more acidic the content of the stomach, the greater will be the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter valve and hence greater chances of acid reflux. So, to solve the problem of acid reflux, acid forming foods should be avoided.

Common Foods to Avoid for Acid Reflux

Having talked of acidic foods, let us list certain foods in this category that can trigger acid reflux problem. Red meat is one such food. Instead opt for fish that may be great nutrition wise and excellent from health point of view.

One also needs to stop consumption of dairy products. This not only includes milk but also creams, cheese, ice cream, shakes and any other food item that uses dairy. Apart from dairy, chocolates are also a prohibited for people having acid reflux. Food items such as pasta and macaroni should also be avoided. Instead whole grain bread can be used. Low fat yogurt however, seems to have relieved acid reflux in many people. Fruits and vegetables are generally alkaline forming and should be taken in adequate quantities. Tomatoes and tomato based products are yet another thing to be avoided. This includes tomato sauces and even tomato pickles.

It is important to use less oil and spices while preparation of food for acid reflux. There is a direct relation between acid reflux and obesity. People who are overweight are more likely to suffer from acid reflux problem. Hence foods rich in carbohydrate and fat content should also be avoided.

Picking the Right Food to Eat For Acid Reflux

Picking the right food to eat for acid reflux can be bothering especially for people who are very choosy about their food habits. But where there is will, there's always a way. Using a little bit of imagination and creativity one can still find replacements for his/her favorite foods. For example, instead of opting for a scoopful of ice cream for dessert, one can go in for fruit salad combined with whipped low fat yogurt.

Not all foods can cause acid reflux problem to everyone. The condition varies from person to person. While some may get acid attack immediately after eating a bar of chocolate, the other person may not. One has to try and observe if a particular variety of food is causing acid reflux.

You may have to give up on your favorite hotdog or beef corn sandwich while dealing with problems of acid reflux. Choosing healthier means of cooking such as baking and grilling also is an advantage. Frying can not only destroy the nutritional value of the foods but can also be bad for acid reflux.

On the other hand fruits like pineapple, banana and apple are known to absorb the extra acid from the stomach and prevent acid reflux. Similarly vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower are alkaline forming and can prevent symptoms of acid reflux.

Stop and Reverse Your GERD

What is acid reflux and what is the origin of GERD?

GERD is the result of the phenomenon where the stomach continually pushes liquid, acids and juices backwards into the esophagus. Often experienced after consuming food, heartburn, the burning feeling in the mid-chest is one of the most frequent signs of the more complex syndrome that is acid reflux or GERD (Gastro esophageal reflux disease).

The stomach matter that gets back into the esophagus then attacks the esophageal lining, causing corrosion and burning of the tissue because of the acid as well as bile, pepsin and other digestive enzymes.

If nothing is done to prevent the acid substances from moving up into the esophagus, then significant injury can occur over time to the esophagus and further medical complications will come about.

It is the weakening of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter, or lack of coordination (remaining open when it should be closed), that means that highly acidic stomach content can splash back into the esophagus. The esophagus itself is a tube made of muscle that uses phased muscular movements to pass food from the mouth to the stomach. The LES is at the bottom of the esophagus and should normally function as a unidirectional valve, opening automatically for food to go into the stomach, then closing to block stomach content from splashing back up into the esophageal tube.

Acid reflux significance is determined by three factors:

1. The muscular effectiveness or weakness of the LES.

2. The acidity and volume of stomach contents.

3. The natural ability of esophagus muscles to throw such content back from the bottom of the esophagus.

Among sufferers of heartburn, observations have been made that the liquid stomach content comes into contact with the esophageal lining and remains there for a longer period than happens for non-victims. In addition, it is remarkable that with most individuals who are victims of acid reflux, the degree of acidity of stomach contents is greater than for non-victims of acid reflux.

Gravity helps the body when awake and upright to keep the stomach liquids in the stomach. Saliva is also used by the body as a means of protecting the esophagus. The saliva contains water, enzymes, mucus and electrolytes as neutralizing agents to the corrosive effects that acid reflux can produce in the esophagus.

Nonetheless, at night when saliva production drops off, gravity no longer helps and swallowing decreases because the body is horizontal, the reflux liquids remain in the esophageal cavity longer and increase corrosion and damage to the esophageal lining.

GERD is a complicated phenomenon and involves much more than one facto. This is the reason why physicians still find this chronic ailment so hard to treat if all they have is conventional over the counter or prescribed medications to apply. Fortunately, there are alternative solutions – the holistic remedy that addresses the root cause and then brings back the natural balance on the inner gastric and esophageal environmental levels.

Symptoms of GERD: Diagnosis is CRUCIAL to Your Health

Not many people understand the medical significance of GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) and the symptoms that go with it. Decline in general quality of life is the result for many GERD sufferers. For inhabitants of developed countries, the problem is considerable. No less than 1 in 5 of all inhabitants in western countries are victims every week of some of the common GERD symptoms.

From different data available, some 70% of diagnostics based on the identification of common symptoms give the right answer. Because GERD can make patients suffer enormously and also result in serious complications, it is crucial to be able to pinpoint the symptoms, diagnose them and quickly organize a solution. Doctors and paraprofessionals are of the same opinion: a first diagnosis of GERD, often via a questionnaire on typical external signs of gastro esophageal reflux disease, is essential for effective and quick treatment of this ailment.

Symptoms of GERD can be among the following: nose and sinus difficulties, chest pain (sometimes mistaken for heart attack-related pain), coughing, wheezing incessantly, asthma, nausea, damaged tooth enamel, bad breath, and dysphagia (feeling of an irregularity in the throat). Ears may also suffer (otitis media) and the voice as well (problems range from laryngitis and hoarseness to cancer). Heartburn and regurgitation are among the commonest manifestations of GERD. It is the stomach contents with its acidic juices, being thrown back up in the esophagus, that makes for the annoying burning feeling which is then linked to damage of the esophageal lining where gastro esophageal reflux disease is happening.

The essential thing for regaining health and well being, and avoiding complications is the ability to pinpoint those symptoms and interpret them in the light of gastro esophageal reflux disease.

Failure to treat gastro esophageal reflux disease can mean severe physical distress and may also lead on to severe health problems such as pneumonia and esophageal cancer. Symptoms of acid reflux are frequently just the external sign of a much greater problem of lack of internal balance.

If there is regular occurrence of a symptom (or a number of them), patients should see a gastrointestinal specialist in order to get a professional diagnosis. It is possible, fortunately, for victims that they can pinpoint the greater part of GERD symptoms prior to consulting a physician.

Although a gastrointestinal endoscopist can give a professional initial diagnosis, classical medicine as a solution for gastro esophageal reflux has two important negative points:

1. Life long reliance on drugs can be the result because a daily dose is required to stop symptoms, but no action is taken on fixing the real causes. Medicaments that sufferers can obtain as prescriptions and over the counters only act on the outer disease symptoms, but acid reflux is a much deeper problem, being the result of a collection of different inner and outer aspects.

2. Some drugs such as PPIs and antacids also generate multiple undesirable side effects.

Holistic solutions work much better and also act for the long term. Whatever your level of GERD suffering is, treating this condition by using a holistic program will ensure that the fundamental causes of your acid reflux problem are treated securely and with permanence, with real advantage to your well being. The holistic program that pinpoints the factors that are both internal and external and that trigger acid reflux, also eliminates the underlying problem responsible for this ailment.

Find an Acid Reflux Remedy at Home

The first place you should look for an acid reflux remedy is at home. You might be surprised at how effective they are.

A home remedy is natural medicine on any kind of health problem you are facing. Instead of taking those strong and hazardous medicines to cure you, a home remedy is always the better option. All it needs is time and patience and you will be as you were before. As all other health problems, acid reflux is becoming common to everyone from kids to the elderly.

The main cause of acid reflux is the acidic food that causes an alkaline stomach. Alkaline food causes acidic stomach. If you are eating a lot of bread, rice, grain and etc. you may experience some of these problems. But if you balance your diet full of fruits and vegetables you will really decrease your chance of reflux problems. Remember "An apple a day keeps a doctor away." You can eat an apple daily, and it will not only keep you away from acidic reflux but also decrease your chances of any other health problem.

Here are some home remedies.

The most common home acid reflux remedy is to increase the alkaline level so that acid and alkaline level becomes equal. You can achieve this easily by eating vegetables daily to boost up your PH level. Even apple vinegar and baking soda increases the PH level.

Try to get bleached food out of your diet. Don't eat food items such as gravies, dips, sauces, etc. Try to avoid them as much as possible.

Eat undercooked vegetables, fish healthy oils, and yogurt. You can eat a lot of cabbage and maintain your acid level. One important thing to lower down the acidic level for males is to prevent drinking alcohol.

Give up coffee. You will feel much better.

Regularly prepared mustard with a hot dog or sandwich can help you in curing acid reflux.

Eating almonds daily, especially for the pregnant females, really helps well.

Here are some recipes that can be used for an acid reflux remedy:

Recipe 1:
1. 4 inch piece of ginger root, unpeeled and scrubbed
2. 1 cup of filtered, organic, apple cider vinegar.
3. 3/4 cup of honey
4. 2 quarts of filtered water. Now mix it up well. Drink one cup in the morning and one in afternoon and see the effect.

Recipe 2:
1. Get a small bottle of water
2. Add in a teaspoon of bentonite clay
3. Shake it hard so that dissolves with water
4. Take some sips daily (Magnesium has a calming effect for the mind and to the physical muscles too).

Some final tips:

1. Always sleep on your left side, so stomach acids do not drain into your stomach.
2. Start taking good nice digestive enzymes to break down that is stuck to your small intestine.
3. Stop all reflux medications.
4. Try to eat small healthy meal
5. No alcohol, coffee or citrus.
6. Exercise, and find a homeopathic procedure that might help you out.

Acid Reflux and the "Type A" Personality

Stress is one of the most common contributors to acid reflux. Of all the personality types, the type A personality is the most plagued by stress. Contrary to common opinion these people are not always men. Many women have this type of personality, as well. The A type is extremely competitive, work obsessed, impatient, picky and even sometimes hostile. They simply do not know how to relax. They are often so time oriented and in such a rush that punctuality becomes an obsession. I have known both men and women of this type who threw fits when someone was a few minutes late for an appointment.

Often because of the pressure at work to produce, stress levels run very high. Failure of any kind which threatens the goals, self image or ego of this type personality can cause certain hormones like adrenalin and cortisol to be released. This causes the heart rate to speed up, breathing to become rapid and the digestive system to come to a screeching halt.

The constant stress experienced by these personality types often leads to medical problems such as heart disease, hypertension and, yes, acid reflux. When stress causes hormone levels to rise, this is called the "fight or flight" response. The digestion of food requires a tremendous amount of energy. In order for the body to deal with perceived emergencies, it conserves this energy by shutting down the digestive system. The stomach is made to operate on less oxygen, which leads to poor digestion and a build up of excess acid. This, of course, causes acid reflux.

The type A person often smokes and drinks too much coffee and alcohol in order to find relief from stress and worry. They often eat comfort food and fast food that contain a tremendous amount of fat which exacerbates indigestion. Since it is difficult to change a personality type, one has to learn how to deal with stress so that it can cause less physical harm. Learning to relax is essential to this effort. Whether you are an A type personality who suffers from chronic acid reflux caused by stress, or you are just someone who experiences occasional acid reflux brought on by bouts of stress, consider the following:

    Exercise your way to peace of mind. Everyone knows that exercise is essential for good health. Besides the physical benefits it is also an important way to relieve stress. Who has time to think about problems when you're about to win a tennis match! The endorphins produced in your brain while exercising create an opiate-like "good feeling" sensation that can take you far away from the cares of the day. It is important to find a way to make exercise fun, whether it be jogging with your dog or playing ball with your friends.
    Take the pressure off yourself - Lining up too many goals to be accomplished in too short a period of time can be very stressful. Do one thing at a time. Learn to relax and learn to say no when others become too demanding. Set your priorities straight and make lists that you can stick to. Go easy on yourself.
    Take your mind off of you - "Loosing your mind" is not the worst thing you can do. Meditation, Tai Chi, Hatha Yoga, Chi Gong and self-hypnotism are all great ways to relieve stress. Focusing on a demanding activity will take your mind off what is causing the stress. Not thinking about yourself can be very beneficial. These arts can also be applied to enhance life with positive improvement.
    "Let it be" - You cannot control everything in life. There will always be planes that are late arrivals or departures. The weather may not cooperate with that family picnic that you planned. Your mother-in-law may show up when least expected and there will always be taxes to pay. It is important to learn to roll with the punches. You can always find something good in an otherwise bad situation, but most importantly don't let it stress you out.
    Maintain an optimistic attitude - Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. Focus on the good things - not the bad things. Be excited about the future and believe that only good is in store for you. Better than projecting the future, concentrate on the present and demonstrate gratitude in the moment. Being optimistic not only affects others in a positive way, it gives you the balance that you need to be stress free.
    Have a good laugh! - Laughter is the great healer. A good laugh can relieve more stress than anything else. Watch a funny movie, go to a comedy club or go see Hunter Blue perform at Mimi's piano bar in New York City. Try to associate with people who make you laugh, or at least don't make you frown. Maintain a good sense of humor at all times. Stress cannot exist where there is laughter.
    Love a dog or a cat - Pet animals are a sure cure for stress. Their pure unaffected love and funny antics can blow that stress away. If you can't muster the obligation of responsibility for a pet, borrow someone else's pet or volunteer to be a care taker when they are out of town. Pets have a tranquilizing affect on us and their power to diminish stress should not be overlooked.
    Talk to a friend - It's very therapeutic when a trusted friend gives advice and thoughtful support. We all need objective guidance at times. Sympathy from friends and relatives has a calming affect and can reduce stress. It's almost as if you are not bearing your problems alone anymore and that kind of encouragement is invaluable.
    Get a massage - There is nothing quite as stress relieving as a good massage. I find that going for acupuncture is very relaxing as well. If you can't manage a massage, indulge in a long hot bath, whirlpool or steam shower.

The A type personality is naturally prone to stress and, therefore, acid reflux. Thankfully the reduction of stress is not rocket science and is quite easily accomplished. By reducing the stress in our lives, we can minimize the effect of the acid reflux condition. Of course there are other factors involved with acid reflux, but stress is certainly one of the big ones. For the A type personality, this should be dealt with in a serious manner. Relax!

The Truth Behind Your Acid Reflux Disease

It is the simultaneity of two medical conditions that brings on acid reflux, or GERD – gastro-esophageal reflux disease as it is called. The reverse flow of food and acid from the stomach to the esophagus is the first factor favoring acid reflux disease. Nonetheless, healthy people can experience reflux as well, in a case called "physiologic gastroesophageal reflux" and this does not always mean symptoms of acid reflux disease or modification of the organic tissues.

The next factor provoking gastro-esophageal reflux disease is a malfunction of the LES, the lower esophageal sphincter. This circle of muscle acts as a unidirectional valve between the esophagus and the stomach. It measures 3-4 cm, meaning that it is two to three times thicker than the proximal esophagus. When GERD occurs, the stomach content finds its way back into the esophagus because the LES does not shut correctly. This is then called acid reflux disease, with accompanying symptoms of the disease which follow.

Heartburn is the burning sensation felt in the throat or the chest, when the contents of the stomach escape back to the esophagus lining. The usual sensation connected to acid reflux disease is persistent (twice or week or more frequently) heartburn. Occasional heartburn can happen also. This is not necessarily a sign of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, as minor reflux can also happen to individuals in good health.

Some sufferers express a sensation of food that blocks, choking or constriction of the throat. It is the steady flow back of stomach contents against the esophagus that has this effect, causing a swelling of the esophagus due to scar tissue from histological degradation. Other patients of acid reflux disease may also experience pains in their chest or nausea, coughing, burning pains in the chest, hoarseness in the morning, continual earache, sinusitis, changes in their voice, or problems in swallowing (notably lumpy foods).

Some patients can become affected by a condition known as Barrett's esophagus, where cells occurring in the esophageal lining assume abnormal forms and colors. Particularly in adults aged over 60, this is a first step towards cancer of the esophagus. If left untreated for years, unrelated acid reflux increases the risk of esophageal cancer approx. eightfold. Actually, stomach acid reflux damage to esophageal cells is the major cause of the fatal esophageal cancer.

Other effects include stricture of the esophagus, ulcers, bleeding, and spasms. When acid from the stomach reaches the trachea as well as the upper esophagus, several severe conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, and pneumonia can follow. GERD that is not treated in a timely way can have serious consequences detrimental to health.

Surgery, medical therapy and holistic therapy are the three choices for dealing with acid reflux disease. The latter comprises diet and lifestyle modifications as well as taking of specific herbal supplements, among other alternative treatments. In fact, every treatment intervention for acid reflux begins by recommending lifestyle and dietary changes. Recent researches support the assumption that reducing high-fat meals, large meals and certain foods that trigger gastro-esophageal reflux disease (onions, tomatoes, oranges, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint etc.) may be helpful in the prevention of acid reflux disease.

PPIs and H2 blockers are among the medical options in cases of GERD. While one can use prescriptions of medicaments or acid blockers such as these, remember that the effects are often not permanent and that conventional medication can be accompanied by severe side effects. The use of surgery needs to be very carefully thought about, as certain hidden problems, such as constriction and muscular contraction disorders, can cause complications.

GERD, taking a holistic view, is a warning signal of a lack of internal equilibrium of consequence that must be properly dealt with. For this reason, alternative medicine such as herbal medicine, modifications in lifestyle, homeopathic remedies as components of a complete holistic program are the preferred choice for sufferers of acid reflux.

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease: the REAL Solution

The typical signs of gastro esophageal reflux disease include regurgitation and heartburn, but can also be seen as pains in the chest, dry coughing, reactive respiration difficulties, painful swallowing, indigestion and a sensation of something lodged in your throat. Gastro esophageal reflux disease, known in layman's terms as acid reflux or GERD, is a chronic, distressing and discomforting medical ailment negatively influencing one's quality of life. Over time, ignoring GERD can mean degeneration into serious complications like ulcers and Barrett's esophagus, as well as a cancer that starts off in glandular tissue, and that is called adenocarcinoma.

In research in 1997 as part of the Gastroenterology journal, Locke, Talley and Fett showed that acid reflux symptoms occur every week for up to 1 in 5 people. Further studies showed prevalence of 30% to 40% for the general public. This indicates that gastro esophageal reflux disease is a significant problem in developed western countries, especially in the US. About 3 out of 5 individuals have GERD symptoms once per month or even more.

Factors that contribute directly are: debilitation of the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) muscle where stomach juices then flow back from the digestive system to the esophagus bringing an excess of stomach acidity. Gastro esophageal reflux disease is a physiological conundrum with multifaceted etiology, meaning that it is the result of several factors, whether internal or external.

Substandard diet plans can stress out the digestive system, giving it too much work to do when the system is trying to digest properly to prevent excess acidity or back flow of contents. Aging also makes the problem more difficult as general aging of all muscles including the LES means that acid reflux is more and more difficult to control as a person gets older. Several underlying causes also engender acid reflux condition in addition to these other physiologically evident factors. Diet and lifestyle can have a direct or indirect impact and the same is true for genetic characteristics, which then show up as the context in which GERD develops. As an example, specific foodstuffs have been pointed out as affecting the LES and being direct contributors to acid reflux.

Solutions for Acid reflux fall into one of three kinds: surgical operation, remedies by medicaments and all natural holistic treatments.

To prevent refluxed stomach content from arriving in the esophagus, surgery is possible, but has significant minuses: after operation, complications may include difficulty in belching, diarrhea flatulence and dysphagia. Death can also result in 1 in 1,000 patients even though the mortality rate is relatively low. Surgery for GERD only targets local fixes of the malfunctioning LES. The operation consists of enveloping parts of the stomach (the gastric fundus) around the lower part of the esophagus so that the natural valve can be aided in its action between the esophagus and the stomach.

Sadly, many medicaments only address GERD symptoms, and the underlying causes are not fixed at all. The advantage of acid reflux medications is only short term and a long-term reliance is often the result while the real problems of gastro esophageal reflux disease go unheeded. GERD medications used for long durations also cause numerous side effects. Essentially, GERD Medications have been designed to bring only temporary relief by targeting the digestive system ailments that are related to acid reflux. For instance, antacids are sold to neutralize esophageal acidity, while Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) block the stomach cell's operations to generate acid in the stomach.

Solutions in holistic treatments however include; elevation of the head of the bed by six inches, reducing fat as a food, quitting smoking, quitting intake of alcohol, loss of weight, toxin elimination and destruction of parasites, as well as avoiding large meals or food that debilitates the LES. Many medical studies published during the recent decade have pointed to the use of several all natural holistic principles to positively influence gastro esophageal reflux disease and even lead to full health restoration.

Holistic treatments can bring amazing positive changes to your well being and quality of life. Did anyone tell you? There is an all-natural holistic solution to stop gastro esophageal reflux disease and effectively and safely keep GERD away from you.

How to Cure Acid Reflux- What Antacid Companies Do Not Want You to Know

Are antacids the only answer to the question, "how to cure acid reflux?" No, but numerous antacid companies want you to believe that the only treatment for acid reflux, also called heartburn, are antacids.

The truth about acid reflux and your body is this! Your body has been shown to have an 'internal intelligence' and with the right help, is entirely capable of healing itself. In fact, many researchers have been astonished at how well some natural remedies work compared to their synthetic medication counterpart. I.e. antacids

In the case of acid reflux, you can naturally cure heartburn permanently by learning how to restore the tissue and strength of the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter. And as antacids work to neutralize the stomach acids, natural remedies work to repair the body to its healthiest state and completely cure the heartburn problem.

Are You Putting on an Antacid 'Band-Aid'?

Next time you go to the store, take a look at the warning on every antacid box. You will notice these small words that can literally change your life.

"Do Not Take For More Than 2 Weeks"

Part of the reason behind this is because you can actually cause more harm than help to your body. Antacids are a band-aid that will hide the heartburn problem for at least 2 weeks. However, antacids do nothing for curing the real problem, a damaged esophagus and a weak sphincter. They simply work by neutralizing stomach acid.

Your Natural Answer to Acid Reflux

I have been around the health field for a long time and it surprises me how many people do not know about simple natural remedies that have worked for thousands of years. For instance, cherries are shown to cure gout! Phosphoric acid has been shown to dissolve kidney stones. Honey has been shown to repair and even regrow tissue.

And acid reflux can be permanently cured in literally days with a simple acid reflux remedy. Here are some tips for how to cure acid reflux.

1. Educate Yourself- You should immediately buy a journal and document your diet. This will help you lose weight but it will also allow you to see what foods cause heartburn flare-ups. You should know that softening your foods will keep your esophagus free from scratches and damage.

2. Rebuild Tissue- You can actually add muscle (actually more tissue cells) to your esophagus and sphincter with a simple remedy that has been used for over 3,000 years. One teaspoon of honey during a flare-up has been shown to relieve the pain but also rebuild and strengthen both the esophagus and sphincter.

3. Hydro Therapy- We use this word for drinking water! About 90% of people are dehydrated and their bodies suffer for it. You can actually become healthier and prevent heartburn by drinking water. If you drink a tall glass of water after a meal you can actually wash off the sphincter to create a good seal over the stomach to keep stomach acids in the stomach.

4. Acids and Bases- Antacid companies are billion dollar companies because they know the science of acids (stomach acid) and bases (antacids). If you understand the science of your body and how acids and bases work, you can literally never have heartburn again. My dad discovered this 30 years ago and cured himself with one simple remedy.

How to Cure Acid Reflux Tonight!

Use your body and various heartburn remedies to cure acid reflux permanently with a step by step remedy. To discover how my dad and thousands of our customers have said good bye to acid reflux, please visit our How to Cure Acid Reflux Website. We offer the only 100% guaranteed, step by step Acid Reflux Remedy Report on the market. And we also give you a free remedy (that saved my dad's life) to try right now!

What is Acid Reflux? Symptoms, Causes and Treatments

Most patients do not really understand what acid reflux is. Research done recently demonstrates that in the developed world one in five people approximately endure symptoms related to acid reflux, also known as GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) once a week, while an additional one in five suffer from the discomfort, even pain of these symptoms at least every month. Up to 40 per cent of those people suffer every day from gastro esophageal reflux disease related symptoms. So what is Acid reflux? Acid reflux is the condition where stomach juices with acid flow back (reflux) from the stomach to the esophagus.

What is the cause of local and immediate Acid reflux?

When the esophagus lining comes into contact with these juices, a burning sensation in the chest and/or the throat is produced. This is called acid reflux. Gastro esophageal reflux disease happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (the name for the valve or circle of muscle between the stomach and the esophagus) does not close correctly, failing to prevent stomach juices from traveling back up, or refluxing, into the esophagus.

Over time, any extra effort of the stomach can result in gastro esophageal reflux disease occurring. The level of stomach acid has to be concentrated high enough for effective digestion, so that the stomach is not obliged to work much harder for the food to be digested. So although it seems strange, acid reflux may also be a symptom of too little gastric acid.

A long-term solution can only come from fixing the internal factors fundamentally responsible for bringing on gastro esophageal reflux disease. Rather than just the immediate factors leading to acid reflux, there are also uncontrollable genetic factors and several other internal factors and cofactors, that make for a context that encourages GERD.

What do Symptoms of Acid reflux look like?

Note that sometimes GERD can happen in the absence of any symptoms. Diagnosis of acid reflux is typically done according to a recurring (every three days or more) manifestation of heartburn. Healthy people get occasional heartburn as well, and this alone does not mean that you have an acid reflux condition. Yet others experience a sensation of food lodged in their throat or choking or stricture. Symptoms may differ for some GERD patients, such as chest pains, breakfast hoarseness or problems in swallowing. Recurrent dry coughs are also symptoms for this last group of patients.

What are the Dangers associated with Acid reflux?

Gastric acid can lead to inflammation of the esophagus over time, and ulcers or bleeding. Tissue damage scars can result in narrowing of the esophagus and problems in swallowing. Some victims develop a condition where cells in the esophageal lining adopt abnormal shapes and colors, a condition known as Barrett's esophagus. Protracted Barrett's esophagus may result in cancer, in particular for adults over 60. Neglecting GERD can have not only disagreeable, perhaps painful symptoms, but can also generate other grave complications.

Possible Solutions for Acid reflux

Treating gastro esophageal reflux disease can be handled in one of three ways: a surgical operation; medicaments available by prescription or over-the-counter; and holistic therapy, using dietary and lifestyle alterations, detox, and specific herbal supplements. This holistic approach to GERD is also backed up by a review of recent research that demonstrates that this medical condition is provoked mostly by factors of diet, lifestyle and behavior. In most instances, gastro esophageal reflux disease can be tackled and stopped using natural solutions, without the risks or secondary effects of surgical treatment or prescribed medicaments.

Considered in the context of conventional medicine that compares it to other similar recurring conditions, GERD is to be treated by constantly swallowing drugs, antacids and over the counter medicament that only bring temporary relief. But this is not the real answer to gastro esophageal reflux disease.

Alternative treatments for acid reflux therefore (homeopathic programs, herbal remedies, diet and lifestyle modifications and detoxification), by treating the underlying internal cause of acid reflux, are implicitly superior compared to conventional answers that only bring superficial relief. The holistic viewpoint indicates that acid reflux is the warning sign for a major lack of internal balance that must be restored.

Acid Reflux Symptoms: Why Initial Diagnosis is So Essential

Acid reflux disease, also known as GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) is an established condition for many residents of developed countries. 20% or more of the whole population of developed countries has to endure some of the typical symptoms of acid reflux at least once per week. Only a few people suspect their medical condition and the unpleasant dangers, yet well-being and quality of life is negatively impacted for most acid reflux patients.

It is essential to know how to recognize the symptoms for fast diagnosis and cure, because acid reflux can result in a high level of discomfort and serious complications for patients. Acid reflux diagnostics made using typical acid reflux symptoms observed are accurate to 70%. The majority of physicians and medical paraprofessionals agree that the first diagnosis of acid reflux, for the most part using a questionnaire on typical symptoms, is essential for treating this condition in the quickest and most effective way.

Painful and unpleasant, the most noticeable symptom of gastro esophageal reflux disease manifests itself in the area of the esophagus as a persistent burning sensation (heartburn). Other typical symptoms of GERD are:

1. Dysphagia, meaning problems in swallowing or the sensation as if food were stuck in the throat.

2. Odynophagia, meaning pain when swallowing.

3. Gastric matter leading to complications in breathing in certain situations, because of regurgitation of gastric contents, in other words the uncontrolled backwards flux of stomach or esophageal contents into the throat.

About 50% of all sufferers from gastro esophageal reflux disease also note that they get concurrent sinonasal symptoms (meaning symptoms manifesting themselves in the sinuses and the nose), as well as the symptoms above.

Intense chest pain may be felt, not unlike that of a myocardial infarction and can mistakenly be construed as a heart attack. Unlike the symptoms of GERD however, cardiovascular chest pain is usually heightened by physical exercise. Abnormal symptoms concerning acid reflux include chest pain that is spasmodic but non-cardiac, chronic wheezing and coughing (also known as acid reflux related asthma, the result of stomach or esophagus content being sucked into the area of the lungs), and lung damage, with concomitant breathing ailments such as asthma and pneumonia.

Further problems can affect the teeth (decay of the enamel) and the ears (otitis media) as well as damage to the vocal cords (hoarseness, laryngitis, cancer).

Moreover, neglect of an acid reflux condition can mean high physical discomfort with the possibility of recurring conditions that can put your health in danger, such as pneumonia. Long-standing reflux into the lower part of the esophagus can cause changes in the appearance of the lining cells, a condition called Barrett's esophagus that can turn into esophageal cancer in about 1 of every 200 cases. If the reflux reaches the upper parts of the esophagus, it can irritate adjacent structures and cause coughing, wheezing, chronic sore throat or hoarseness, which often leads to misdiagnoses, especially when the usual reflux symptoms are minimal or absent.

GERD symptoms can indicate a serious general lack of internal balance. The ability to see those symptoms as relating to acid reflux is critical to your health and well being in general as well as for avoiding potential complications.

When one or several of the acid reflux symptoms above has been identified, an appointment should be made with a certified physician for a full checkup. Luckily, anyone can identify typical acid reflux symptoms on his or her own, and thus justify an appointment to see the family physician.

While a professional doctor can diagnose correctly initially and often proposes relief as drugs and antacids, remember that medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, only treats the surface aspects of your acid reflux situation. In addition, some drugs like antacids result in various secondary effects.

The cures for the problem that is at the root of the gastro esophageal reflux disease, to finally remedy the issue much more effectively, safely and for the long-term will come from a holistic approach that treats the internal causes that are behind acid reflux in the first place.

Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Heartburn No More- Open The Door To an Acid Reflux Free Life". Jeff has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.

Revealed : Natural Cure for Acid Reflux

It took 11 years of experimentation, trial and error. Now a qualified nutritionist and former chronic acid reflux sufferer reveals the true, natural approach for a cure and prevention of heartburn. Finally, an answer to the question: is there a natural cure or must sufferers from acid reflux continue to tolerate prescription medication and its side effects just for momentary relief? Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus to cause a burning pain. This acid reflux, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), is the result of the one-way valve in the esophagus (called the LES or lower esophageal sphincter) losing its ability to stop food and stomach acid from traveling back up. A characteristic burning feeling, commonly at night, afflicts acid reflux patients in this case.

A condition known as Barrett's esophagus can result and in about 0.5% of cases chronic reflux can then develop into esophageal cancer. In other cases, reflux to the upper esophagus and the trachea can trigger wheezing, hoarseness, a dry cough, and chronic sores. Several factors including not only a weak LES but also insufficiency of stomach acid and various genetic tendencies should be addressed as components of a full cure for acid reflux, but remain immediate or local causes of GERD.

Additional factors, acting internally, make for a context that encourages acid reflux formation. The condition of acid reflux is a complex one brought on by factors and co-factors more profound that the local reasons indicated above. To obtain a natural cure that effectively deals with acid reflux, these deeper factors must be treated first. Even if temporary relief is possible from prescribed medication, intake of these drugs over a period of time will cause numerous side effects, acting as they do only on the immediate causes of acid reflux.

Blockers like H2 and PPIs may give temporary relief, but can lead to osteoporosis. Antacids used long-term can worsen the situation because stomach acid is needed to ensure immunity and proper digestion. Dietary habits, lifestyle and patterns of behavior all figure as suspects in recent researches and can worsen an acid reflux condition that already exists, suggesting a holistic, natural solution is to be preferred. Observing the holistic approach after a correct diagnosis of your problem, using specific supplements based on herbs and vitamins, together with a full set of dietary principles and Candida control protocols (which figure as an important element in acid reflux) can provide a natural cure and prevent recurrence in a safe and effective way.

The Dangers of Acid Reflux Surgery

Proposed by doctors as a final solution for severe GERD, surgery for acid reflux is a process of medical action supposed to relieve acid reflux symptoms. It is suggested mostly for those GERD patients for whom medicaments or changes in lifestyle no longer have any impact on their disease. In most cases, acid reflux surgery is seldom done.

The target is the local causes of gastro esophageal reflux disease. GERD occurs when the LES or lower esophageal sphincter (the unidirectional valve at the lower end of the esophagus) fails to close, allowing content from the stomach to be transmitted back into the esophagus. When the esophagus lining is covered by the food and acid, heartburn happens as the burning sensation to be felt in the chest and/or the throat. Conventionalist's strongly support a surgical approach, considering that acid reflux is a localized problem to be handled by treating the immediate causes.

The operation in general is often executed using a laparoscopic technique (small surgical incisions of minimal invasion); it can also be performed with conventional open surgery. Nissen fundoplication is the name of the surgery to cure acid reflux. The operation is done with goal of preventing refluxed stomach content from coming into contact with the esophagus. To do this, the surgeon folds the gastric fundus (parts of the stomach) around the lower esophagus in order to add strength to the natural valve at the junction of the stomach and the esophagus.

An obvious problem of surgery for supposed to cure gastro esophageal reflux disease purely from local and immediate causes is that it ignores and does not handle the different principal internal factors and co-factors which are really responsible for the context leading to acid reflux. Sad to say, fundoplication has several possible complications, such as problems in glutition, abdominal cramps, nausea, gas bloat syndrome, and others.

Another alternative to acid reflux surgery was on the market for a year up to the end of 2005. Using endoscopy, Enteryx, a spongy substance, was injected into the lower wall of the esophagus. In 2005 however and after several injuries and a fatality, the Food and Drug Administration recalled Enteryx. The Enteryx marketer Boston Scientific Corp. was singled out by the FDA concerning standards of quality control for "ongoing systemic violations". Resolution of these problems was then a condition before any new products from the company could be approved.

By luck, an alternative to acid reflux surgery exists that is much safer than this case, which really goes to show how risky surgical procedures can be for treating gastro esophageal reflux disease. Are you aware that a program that is all-natural and holistic can permanently cure your painful, distressful GERD symptoms? This program including herbal and homeopathic remedies, and modifications to diet and lifestyle with detoxification, can eliminate the internal problem of acid reflux forever with no potential problems from surgery or secondary effects from GERD drugs.

Identifying the Symptoms and Fighting Back Against GERD, Part Two

Part One of this series defined Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and described its often-painful effects on the body. Part Two deals with treating and managing symptoms and also how parents can help their children overcome its pain and discomfort.

How to manage and even prevent symptoms

Doctors also recommend changes to patient lifestyles, including avoiding tobacco and alcohol and switching to a diet with less fatty or fried foods. However, a 2006 Stanford University study revealed no tangible, universal link between dietary changes and improvement of symptoms.

Some patients find symptoms eased after they raised the head of their bed six to eight inches off the floor and began sleeping on the inclined mattress. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine lends credence to its reported effectiveness when paired with weight loss. The bed must be raised, however – just adding pillows is not sufficient. Other research shows sleeping on the left side of the body will also help reduce symptoms.

Experts also suggest GERD sufferers wear loose-fitting clothes around the waist and midsection, to give the stomach and digestive tract unrestricted room to move and breathe. Losing even a small amount of weight is also believed to ease or remove symptoms.

Patients should also not eat for at least two hours before bedtime. In particular, patients should not eat or drink foods high in acidic materials. These include milk and milk based products, which include high amounts of calcium and fat; foods high in Vitamin C such as oranges; cruciferous vegetables such as onions, spinach, and Brussels sprouts. They should also avoid chocolates and peppermint candies, as well as carbonated soft drinks. Smoking before bedtime also increases the risk of heartburn.

In some cases maintaining good posture will prevent spasms in the muscles around the esophagus that can trap stomach acid and gases. Good posture will also help reduce the coughing and asthma-like symptoms sometimes associated with acid reflux.

Some patients have also found relief from symptoms by frequently using chewing gum to increase the amount of saliva present in the mouth and esophagus. Others drink club soda or club soda mixed with Angostura bitters as a way to cure heartburn or nausea.

GERD and long-term complications

When left untreated or ignored, GERD can cause bleeding ulcers in the stomach and esophagus. It may also contribute to asthma and persistent cough.

In certain rare cases, GERD may lead to a condition known as Bartlett's Esophagus, in which the very lining of the esophagus changes into tissue more closely resembling the lining of the intestine. Bartlett's Esophagus patients are considered at a high risk for carcinoma.

Gastroesophageal reflux in children

Children with GER may not suffer heartburn symptoms but instead struggle with dry cough, asthma symptoms, or trouble swallowing. Babies and smaller children may also struggle with vomiting, constant crying, failure to gain wait, and incessant burping or belching.

Unfortunately, treatment of GERD is stymied somewhat because children may have all the symptoms of Gastroesophageal reflux or none at all: each set of symptoms is unique to the child. Complicating matters even more, some acid reflux is a normal occurrence in children, so identifying problem cases is especially difficult.

Parents helping their babies deal with GER can manage the babies' symptoms by burping them several times during each meal, keeping the child upright for a half hour after each feeding, and avoid giving too much food at one time. Parents should check the warning labels of all over the counter medications such as antacids or stomach soothers before giving them to children.

It's estimated that up to thirty-five percent of all children struggle with some degree of GER but outgrow it around their first birthday. Children struggling with chronic GERD may suffer with the problem into their teens. Parents who believe their children are suffering from excessive or chronic heartburn should consult their family pediatrician.

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends older children with GERD eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid the following in their diet: sodas with caffeine, peppermints, chocolate, spicy foods or foods high in acidic content such as oranges and lemons, and fried or fatty foods. Children should also have their last daily meal between two and three hours before going to bed, to give the stomach time to digest the food before lying down.

GERD in pregnant women

GERD is a common condition for pregnant women, as their body's systems adapt to the growing fetus inside them. Women who are pregnant can take antacids to treat GERD symptoms, but should consult their doctor before taking any more serious medications.

In most instances symptoms lessen or disappear entirely after the baby is born.

When to seek medical assistance

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease is believed to be present whenever heartburn or other symptoms occur more than twice a week. Just the same, it's important for patients who find themselves at high risk to seek professional diagnosis. They may be able to catch symptoms in their early stages, making management of pain and discomfort that much easier.

Acid Reflux Medications – Do They Work?

You might be wondering if medications for acid reflux are really effective, when the priority should be the eradication of the real cause of your medical condition and if the respite that is temporary really compensates for the side effects. After all, drugs and medication for acid reflux are readily available. Adverts show them, they are sold over the counter, and most doctors happily prescribe them on the basis that the searing pain of heartburn will immediately cease.

When food is swallowed, the LES or lower esophageal sphincter opens to let it into the stomach and then shuts again to make sure acid does not flow back into the esophagus. Acid reflux, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), happens when the valve in the esophagus (the LES) loses its force and fails to block in the other direction, letting stomach content reflux into the esophagus. GERD patients feel a peculiar burning feeling beneath the breastbone, often arriving at night. This reverse flow of acid coming from this acid reflux results in a burning sensation that is called heartburn.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a menacing condition necessitating immediate diagnosis and treatment. If unattended, GERD can badly corrode the lining of the esophagus causing continual inflammation and possibly even esophageal cancer. Persistent GERD with its concomitant symptoms of heartburn can be distracting and painful enough to ruin your daily activities and seriously impinge on the esophagus.

Acid reflux medicaments are not imperatively the remedy of choice, even if they appear to be the most readily accessible treatment for heartburn. There are four principal classes of medicaments for use with GERD:

1. Antacids act by a neutralizing effect on the acid in the esophagus, producing this effect for as much as a few hours. They can be purchased in different formats including liquid suspensions, chewing gum, tablets to be chewed and so on.

2. Alginates envelop the contents of the stomach to reduce reflux.

3. H2-receptor antagonists imitate the production of stomach acid in order to put a block on your gastric system. They take 30 to 60 minutes to start working and can then produce this effect for up to 12 hours.

4. PPI (Proton pump inhibitors) inhibit the release of acid in the stomach by acting on the stomach cells.

All of these medicaments have a common component, even if they differ in the way in which they work, the duration and the nature of their effect:

1. Their effect is not permanent. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a complex phenomenon, being created by a combination of factors of the environment, lifestyle and diet. However, most medicaments for acid reflux focus on treating the immediate short-term causes, so they do not bring permanent relief and skirt around the real causes of GERD.

2. Long-term use of these drugs can also provoke a number of different secondary effects. PPI therapy is usually more harmful than good concerning secondary effects. Amongst the most frequent ones are bad headaches and diarrhea, and PPI has also been pointed to in cases of osteoporosis. The continual intake of antacids over time can heighten the damage from acid reflux: gastric acid is required for reasons of sound immunity and digestion and abuse of antacids harms both aspects.

Medication therapy for acid reflux is based on the classical approach that compared to the holistic approach does not look after the body while eradicating the symptoms of the disease. For this reason, most medications for GERD will not do more than give temporary relief amidst a host of side effects. On the other hand, alternative treatments such as homeopathic solutions, herbal remedies, changes in lifestyle and diet, and detoxification, will solve the internal cause of acid reflux to safely and effectively stop it from happening again.

Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Heartburn No More- Open The Door To an Acid Reflux Free Life". Jeff has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.

Acid Reflux : Foods to Avoid and Acid Reflux Causes

If you’re looking for a natural cure for acid reflux or if you are just looking out for the acid reflux foods to avoid then perhaps you would first like to know a little more about it. Acid Reflux sometimes called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) or acid indigestion is a condition suffered by thousands of people from all walks of life. The main symptoms include frequent heartburn, a burning type of pain in the lower part of the mid chest, behind the breastbone, and sometimes in the mid abdomen.

what is Acid Reflux ?

Acid Reflux is a condition in which acid from the stomach escapes and moves up into the oesophagus. This is not a normal process of digestion and so can cause severe discomfort. If you have too much acid in your stomach it can eat away at the stomach lining and affect the muscles in the stomach and the oesophagus. Some of the more common acid reflux causes include diet and lifestyle. It may not be so easy to change your lifestyle, maybe because of the type of job you do, which may be hectic and stressful. However making a small change in your diet and knowing what acid reflux foods to avoid can make a huge difference to how much you suffer.

Watching what you eat is essential if you suffer from acid reflux, and knowing what acid reflux foods to avoid is vital, as a poor diet is one of the main acid reflux causes. And it’s not just what you eat; it can also be how you eat. Try eating smaller more frequent meals as opposed to large heavy meals. Having less food in your stomach at any one time, means that your stomach does not have to produce such a large amount of acid to digest it. Natural remedies for acid reflux can include just eating the right foods, and knowing what acid reflux foods to avoid. Fatty foods, acidic foods such as oranges or tomatoes should all be avoided, as should onions, chocolate, and any milk based products. Fast foods and fried foods are known to be some of the worst acid reflux causes.

As well as acid reflux foods to avoid, there are also foods that can be beneficial (thank goodness I hear you cry). Try switching to more fruit and vegetables, and complex carbohydrates in your diet. Some of these beneficial foods include apples, bananas, carrots, rice (brown or white), bread (wheat, multi grain, or white), corn bread, pasta, and cereals. Meat and fish can also be part of a healthy diet as long as they are cooked the right way. Avoid frying and always buy lean meats. Fish can be steamed and things like beef and pork can be grilled. Chicken breasts are fine as long as you remove the skin. Also some dairy products are ok, fat free cream cheese, soy cheese, or feta cheese will not cause you any problems. Along with these acid reflux foods to avoid there are also certain drinks and beverages to be aware of. Coffee, tea, or anything else with caffeine should be avoided. Alcohol is another no no, as is milk or any milk products. Smoking is also one of the worst acid reflux causes, so the cigarettes will have to go if you want to start feeling some improvement. Just by making these few changes in your diet can act like a natural cure for acid reflux.

The Truth About Acid Reflux Disease

Acid Reflux disease or Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed because of acid backing up from the stomach. The esophagus is the tube stretching from the throat to the stomach. When food is swallowed, it travels down the esophagus. And the stomach produces hydrochloric acid after a meal to aid in the digestion of food. It is commonly called 'heart burn', acid reflux disease is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates (backs up, or refluxes) into the esophagus. Although, it's bothersome and painful you want to know the truth about it.

You can experience this most open during day time when you are upright, sitting straight, or standing. The fluid flowing back down into your stomach which reflux handles your body. And you swallow more on during the daytime therefore exhausting of acid back to where it belongs. Your salivary glands produce saliva that also contains bicarbonate that acts to neutralize the acid your stomach has kicked up.

Even tough, at night if you have a greater problem when acid reflux disease occurs that is because while you are sleeping, the gravity does not work as well lying down and your constant swallowing stops which is the production of your saliva is reduced.

GERD is a serious problem when you are pregnant because it elevated hormone levels of pregnancy probably cause reflux by lowering the pressure in that part of your body known as the lower esophageal sphincter. Also, the growing baby puts more pressure on the abdomen. Both of these effects of pregnancy tend to increase the risk of GERD.

You could experience minor symptoms if your acid reflux disease is in minor condition also. These would include primarily heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea. he liquid that comes back into the esophagus damages the lining of the esophagus. The body tries to protect itself from the acid reflux disease by 'inflaming' the esophagus. Trying to speed the healing process through the inflammation, the wall of the esophagus may form an ulcer. The ulcer is a break in the lining of the esophagus wall. And when the bleeding occurs and if it is severe, the patient might need a blood transfusion or surgical treatment. You need to see a doctor if your heartburn is severe or acute and happening very frequently.

To help your self about this condition, try to sleep in a pillow at night that raises your chest up slightly so that gravity can bring the acid back down more easily. Since this condition usually occurs on a full stomach, eat earlier and eat less to keep the stomach from being too full. Avoid chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks and try to reduce fatty foods and the most important is stop smoking. One thing here also that you should avoid to is spicy or acid-containing foods, like citrus juices, carbonated beverages, and tomato juice.

It is imaginable for many adults that acid reflux does occurs. You wonder if your baby has the disorder and how you treat the condition as well. Following is some information to help you identify the symptoms and some approaches you can take to treat acid reflux in infants. This symptoms include vomiting. Acid reflux in infants includes excessive vomiting that reoccurs through the day and through the night as well. Vomiting is one of the most obvious signs in acid reflux in babies. Other symptoms are subtle and may be difficult to recognize. For example, if the baby has a cough that just won’t seem to go away and he has difficulty breathing he may have acid reflux disease. If your baby throws up significantly throughout the course of the day you want to seek medical attention.

Symptoms like heartburn and abdominal pain are difficult to detect simply because the baby can’t tell you what specifically is wrong. A sign of acid reflux in infants includes gas and stomach discomfort. This will usually manifest itself with fussiness and crying, especially during and right after feedings.

The acid reflux for the baby is treated when the baby will probably outgrow the condition but it is crucial that you consult his pediatrician if you believe that he has acid reflux. It is important to elevate baby's head since the problem with the condition is that that the contents in the stomach come up into the esophagus. If you want to hold the baby upright for about 30 minutes after each feeding to make sure that his stomach has settled completely before lying down.

All acid reflux can not cures the same for everybody. People have different lifestyles and because of that cures will have different effects on different people. They use simple, non-medical cures while other had acid reflux problems for a longer time and might need a prescribed acid reflux cure from their family doctor.

You can found some acid reflux in your kitchen such as baking soda and water can ease the discomfort of heartburn for most people and costs next to nothing. Warm milk may help someone suffering from mild heartburn and help them sleep better in the evening. If simple home remedies do not work for you, you can try over the counter acid reflux cure in a liquid or in a pill form. If none of these remedies are working after being used for a period of week or more it's the time to search out other options.

You can research Online if you want to know more ways in treating acid reflux. You’ll find home remedies and over the counter medications that can be found in most drugstores, as mentioned above. An herbal acid reflux cure can be helpful and may work where other cures have not and remember that this is not for everyone. If you are pregnant, have a pre-existing condition like kidney disease, diabetes or other conditions, or are a child or older adult, you should speak to your doctor before beginning to use an herbal acid reflux cure. Not all herbal remedies are not safe for people who have medical conditions that are being treated by a doctor.

You can improve your lifestyle today if acid reflux is impairing your ability to experience a full and active lifestyle. By learning more about cures and remedies you can find an acid reflux cure that will work for you. You don’t need to suffer from acid reflux anymore.

What You Need To Know About Acid Reflux GERD

Did you know that your stomach has the same acidity as battery acid? It's no wonder then, that heartburn is so painful when that same acid comes up the esophagus. In some cases, vomit arises resulting from a weakened or relaxed esophageal valve. In other cases, the acid vapors cause a tightness in the chest and temporarily disrupts oxygen flow to the heart, making many people fear they're having a heart attack. Every year 4.6 million Americans visit their doctors to see if they have acid reflux GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).

At what point does the occasional heartburn become full-blown acid reflux GERD? If you have chronic heartburn two or more days per week over a several month period, then you probably have GERD symptoms. People have varying sensitivity to stomach acids as well. If you frequently eat within an hour or two of going to sleep and find yourself awake coughing, with a hoarse voice and bitter taste in your mouth the next morning, then you most likely have supine reflux. Over half the people with acid reflux suffer nighttime symptoms as well. If left unchecked, then esophagus damage and asthma can occur. Additionally, your reflux symptoms may signify poor nutrition, which can turn into a whole myriad of life-threatening diseases and disorders.

When you see your doctor about acid reflux, there are several tests to determine if your heartburn may damage the esophagus or internal organs. The first test is called an Endoscopy, where a thin, flexible tube and video camera are passed into the mouth, down the esophagus and into the stomach. Don't worry - you'll be sedated and you won't feel a thing! The second test your doctor may perform is called a Barium Esophagram. This test observes the shape of the esophagus, looking for abnormalities in the stomach and throat. You'll drink a chalky liquid containing barium, which coats the esophagus and stomach, and allows them to be viewed in an X-ray. A third procedure, known as Esophageal pH Monitoring, tests for the amount of acid in the esophagus over time. In one variation of this test, a tiny tube goes in through the nose, into the esophagus and an acid monitor on the tip measures acid levels over a 24-hour period. The other way to monitor consists of attaching a medicine capsule sized monitor during an endoscopy, which tests acid over a 48-hour period when the monitor is passed out like food. While these may seem uncomfortable, keep in mind that it's better than dealing with a rotted esophagus later!

The treatment options for acid reflux GERD varies from patient to patient. Some people take antacids, which neutralize the stomach acids and helps to control acid reflux symptoms. Other patients take mucosal protective agents to protect the esophagus. Sucralfate suspension, available only by prescription, acts like a gel layer that blocks stomach juices from rising out of the stomach. The thick Alginic acid is an over-the-counter method where the heartburn medicine floats on top of stomach acid to block esophagus contact. A third treatment involves Promotility or Prokinetic Agents (prescribed Metoclopramide) which encourages the stomach to empty acid before it becomes a problem. A fourth option helps you reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces by giving patients Acid-suppressive H2 Receptor Antagonists or Proton Pump Inhibitors. In addition to these measures, doctors usually advocate that patients try to lose weight, quit smoking, wear looser fitting clothes, eat smaller meals, buy new pillows and avoid eating by several hours before sleeping. Trigger foods like chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, caffeine, citrus, tomatoes and high fat foods are also to be avoided. It may seem like a hefty price to pay, but consider that the cost is your life!