Many used the terms indigestion and acid reflux interchangeably and to mean the same thing. However, in reality, there are a number of differences between the two conditions. Although acid reflux symptoms are similar to those that you experienced with indigestion, they are more often than not a lot more severe and can last more than a few hours.
In its most serious form, acid reflux is known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is characterised by pain in the oesophagus and throat where the acid from the stomach causes damage to the lining. These symptoms can often only be relieved with medications and so it is important that anyone suffering from prolonged pain to consult the doctor with little delay.
If left untreated the acid reflux symptoms can become unbearable as the lining of the oesophagus is slowly eroded away by the stomach acid. The worst case scenario is that oesophageal cancer or any of the other serious and potentially life-threatening throat conditions develop which are a lot harder to treat than the initial complaint.
Indigestion is often thought to be a milder version although this is not technically true. Some of the symptoms are similar however indigestion has a number of symptoms not experienced in acid reflux and vice versa. For example, one of the most common symptoms of indigestion is gassy episodes and often these episodes are felt by sufferers of true acid reflux. Indigestion sufferers may also have an uncomfortable feeling around the chest and shoulder area that is not relieved by burping.
If you over-eat or eat too quickly, there is a good chance of getting indigestion. Basically, you have just bombarded your stomach with food and acid is produced in large quantities. Acid reflux however is caused when the sphincter at the top of the stomach is weakened and the stomach acid is allowed to travel up the oesophagus and often into the throat. Because of different causes, you feel the major symptoms of the two conditions in different parts of the body; that is, the chest in indigestion and the throat/oesophagus in acid reflux.
Whether you are having indigestion or acid reflux, you are likely to experience pain and a great deal of discomfort. The good news is that both can be managed with changing your eating and lifestyle habits. Making a few changes can help you to alleviate the pain that accompany their symptoms. Where you experience extreme pain, despite making these lifestyle changes, you should see a doctor quickly.
Nausea And Acid Reflux
Usual symptoms for acid reflux include heartburn that is persistent, chest pain, morning hoarseness, problems in swallowing, as well as a feeling that there is something stuck in the throat. Bad breath is also caused by GERD or acid reflux as well as cough that is dry.
So now that you know you have them, what should you do to help prevent acid reflux?
First things first, the most common and convenient way to relieve the symptoms that acid reflux bring are through antacids that quickly and effectively do away with the symptoms mentioned. However, a regular habit of eating appropriately and in the appointed time ? such as not skipping meals, not overeating and avoiding acidic food - help eliminate acid reflux as well.
How should one with acid reflux eat then?
Contrary to popular belief, size does matter. It therefore helps that meals taken are small yet frequent compared to large portioned meals at regular times of the day.
The logic behind this concept works this way. Foods that are taken in little amounts would allow the stomach to also exert little effort in digesting it therefore requiring less secretion of acid during the process of digestion.
So what foods should one eat?
Those that are rich in carbohydrates are advisable to be taken in. Such foods include bread, rice, pasta. These types of meals are all easy in one's stomach and any excess acid is tied up by them.
What foods should one avoid?
Foods that are high in fat ? for instance those that one buys in fast food joints ? should very well be avoided. These types of food usually stay longer in the stomach and takes a lot more acid in order to digest them.
How should one eat?
Try not to forget that over-eating is a big no-no. Eating too many too much actually stimulates the tummy to secret a lot more acid required to digest the items one is taking in. As much as possible, do everything in moderation.
Limit life's little pleasures
Of course, having acid reflux does not mean that one should totally take out and avoid experiencing life's pleasures. All that is needed is to limit one's intake of the following food items if total elimination would prove to be difficult: alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, even tea. It is your choice, either that piping hot coffee or the opportunity to let your stomach make and break acid. Remember that anything put in your stomach affects the way acid is produced in them. This applies to all types of beverage also. Believe it or not, beer ? everyone's best friend - actually doubles the acid secreted by the stomach within an hour of its intake.
What should be your position after eating then?
As much as possible, stay upright for an average of forty five minutes after taking a meal. This allows the stomach to do its job the best way it could. However, when acid reflux has set in and you need to lie down, do so with the head elevated about six to eight inches from the bed.
All in all, acid reflux is totally controllable provided you take care of your self, your stomach and your diet.
Both Khim Lim & Ashton Renderly are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Khim Lim has sinced written about articles on various topics from Acid Reflux, Cancer Prostate and Diabetes Treatment. and indigestion is treatable. For more information and resources, please visit this site. Khim Lim's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.
Ashton Renderly has sinced written about articles on various topics from ADHD, Babies and Home Management. Ashton Renderly is a diet and expert who shows you how to eliminate acid reflux disease with simple diet changes. Also checkout his information reg. Ashton Renderly's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.
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