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Acid Reflux and Heartburn - Are You Suffering?
Does your morning coffee cause you pain?
Are you frustrated when a night out dining with friends
ends in discomfort instead of relaxed conversation?
Do you carry antacids with you every day?
Heartburn is more than just a nuisance.
It can detract from enjoying a meal, force you to change
your routine and hang over your every decision - what
to eat, what to drink, when to lay down.
What is this monkey on your back and
how can you find relief?
WHAT CAUSES HEARTBURN?
Heartburn occurs when the acid content
of the stomach makes its way back into the esophagus.
A burning sensation and even a bitter taste are experienced
by heartburn sufferers.
If you are suffering more than twice
a week you may have acid reflux disease - also known
as GERD. Why is this important?
Not all heartburn is caused by GERD
(Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Occasional heartburn
can be caused by a variety of factors but if you have
regular episodes there are things you can do to help.
WHAT CAN I DO?
If you have regular heartburn the first
thing you should do is stay away from regular use of
antacids. Antacids can relieve the pain of occasional
heartburn, but because they are designed to neutralize
the acids in your stomach they can cause the stomach
to create MORE acid - a cycle called 'acid rebound'.
Some medications can also cause diarrhea or constipation
or even increase the risk of food poisoning by inhibiting
the growth of good bacteria.
Watch out for trigger foods such as
caffeine, alcohol, citrus, chocolate, minty, spicy or
tomato-based foods as well as fatty or fried foods,
onions or garlic.
Being overweight or smoking also increases
the risk of GERD and lifestyle changes may help to control
the symptoms.
Activities such as lying down after
a meal, bending forward, lifting heavy items or eating
large meals can bring acid reflux on. Avoiding these
activities after a meal, eating smaller portions and
raising the head of your bed several inches may help.
Some natural products such as orange
peel extract are being researched for their abilities
to curb heartburn.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Anyone. But it should be noted that
pregnant women, children, overweight individuals and
smokers are all likely candidates.
Young babies have immature digestive
systems. National Digestive Diseases (NDDIC) says that
most children outgrow GERD by the time they are one
year old. However, because the symptoms are painful
precautions like frequent burping and keeping the infant
upright for 30 minutes after eating can reduce the occurrence.
Older children may have to take similar
precautions in diet and activity as adults. You should
always consult your doctor when you suspect GERD to
avoid future complications.
Being overweight or pregnant increases
the pressure in the abdomen. 25% of pregnant women experience
heartburn at some time during their pregnancy.
If you suspect GERD it is important
to contact your doctor as there can be harmful side
effects of persistent heartburn including scaring of
the esophagus, asthma, erosion of the teeth and even
increased risk of esophageal cancer. Frequent, persistent
heartburn can also be a symptom of other serious conditions
and should be checked on by a professional.
1howto.com
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