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Treatment for acid reflux
how to fight acid reflux?
(26 Sep 2007)
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Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition where the liquid content of the stomach regurgitates into the esophagus. The condition is also very commonly known by the acronym GERD. The liquid content that rises into the esophagus can be quite harmful and cause damage and inflammation of the lining of the esophagus.
People that suffer from the condition will experience persistent heartburn for a minimum of two days every week. Due to the damage that the regurgitation of acid can cause to the esophagus, this frequency can cause rather severe complications in the long run. Some of the serious complications include problems with swallowing, as well as an increased risk of esophageal cancer. However, it is also very common for a person to be affected by the condition without it showing any of the more common symptoms such as dry coughing, wheezing, soreness, interrupted sleep as well as halitosis or bad breath. It is also common to experience the regurgitation at a more prominent level when you perform certain actions such as bending down or going to bed straight after a meal. Some of the more common causes of the condition include high stress levels, eating large meals, elevated levels of hormones in the body as a result of pregnancy. Other medical reasons would include a slow emptying of the stomach – which causes a build up of the bile or liquid acid content in the stomach. A high intake of carbonated liquids and alcohol are also well known aggravators of the condition.
With regards to treatment of the condition, there are a number of very easy remedies that may prove extremely beneficial. Apple cider vinegar is one of the best and most commonly used treatment options, and you can try adding a teaspoon of the vinegar to about half a glass of water, sip on this concoction during the course of your meal. While a lot of people would suggest drinking milk to ease acid reflux, it actually serves to increase the likelihood of acid reflux taking place in the middle of your sleep if you have eaten a rather large meal. As a result, drinking milk is only recommended if you have indulged in a light meal. In fact, if you regularly have three big meals everyday, try cutting that down to 6 smaller meals as this would exert less workload on your stomach – thereby reducing the amount of acid secretion required for digestion. Avoid any high fat meals as they require larger amounts of acid secretion in order to be digested.
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answered by M W on 8 Mar 2010, 12:05:23
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Treatment for acid reflux
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is a condition in which gastric acid from the stomach is regurgitated into the esophagus, damaging it and causing heartburn. The best and most commonly recommended way to tackle acid reflux is lifestyle changes, but in some cases it is necessary to take medical treatment. In cases where the condition does not sufficiently respond to the lifestyle changes and drugs, surgery is necessary. Although the surgical operation is rather complex, it is performed by a laparoscopy, so you do not need to worry about being cut open, which is a common fear that makes people avoid surgery.
With regard the lifestyle changes, one of the most effective ways to avoid acid reflux is to eat at least two hours before going to bed. Most acid reflux attacks occur at night, and giving your system time to digest your meal usually prevents an attack from occurring when you lie down. Another thing you can do is elevate your head and torso when you sleep. You should elevate your bed itself, or use a wedge under your mattress. Using extra pillows will not only be useless against acid reflux, but will also probably hurt your neck and back. In addition, you should avoid fatty foods, tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine, particularly at night.
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answered by G R on 20 Feb 2008, 6:19:06
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