Let's examine some of the myths and facts on heartburn/reflux.
The Foods You Eat Cause Heartburn?
The truth is that some of the foods you eat can induce symptoms but for many sufferers, heartburn/reflux is a constant no matter what they eat. In those instances, the problem is more than likely medically related and will require a visit to your doctor.
Another myth is to think you cannot control the effects of heartburn. Many people seem to accept heartburn as a way of life that's completely out of their control. This is crazy. There is no need to suffer alone. Correct management combined with some changes in diet and lifestyle can have a positive effect for most sufferers.
Is Heartburn A Minor Condition?
While it's a common complaint it's folly to suggest heartburn/reflux and it's associated symptoms should be dismissed as minor. Ask a chronic sufferer if it's minor. Sure, most of us will experience the occasional symptoms but if you suffer from attacks at least twice a week then you'll know how it can severely disrupt your quality of life. Unchecked, heartburn could lead to other medical complaints.
Did You Know?
GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) can impact significantly on your quality of life. Heartburn/reflux symptoms experienced more than twice a week may in fact suggest you have GORD. Untreated, it could lead to more extreme complications.
Antacids vs. Medications - What's The Best Solution?
Many sufferers think antacids are the best solution for heartburn/reflux. Not true. Antacids certainly have their role to play but more along the lines of relieving the occasional complaint. For twice a week or more sufferers, see your doctor immediately as the underlying trigger for your condition may be medically related. Many sufferers refrain from going down the medication route because there is a suggestion it may affect their stomach acid levels. Again, this is an area your doctor can clear up for you. Your stomach has enormous capacity to continue to produce enough levels of acid to make food digestion comfortable even if you are taking medication to reduce it. Enzymes work in conjunction with stomach acid to break down food so lack of digestive power shouldn't be a factor.
For many heartburn/reflux sufferers the thought of taking medication to keep symptoms at bay may seem a little drastic. There seems to be a propensity by people to "toss" the medication once they are feeling better. Fact is that continual sufferers will continue to experience symptoms and if the medication has been prescribed by your doctor as part of your management plan, why not "stick with the plan."
Heartburn and reflux affects approximately one in five people in the western world. That's fairly common knowledge. About the same number of people are affected by it at least once a week. If this is you, then there is probably not a lot to worry about. However, if heartburn and reflux become a factor in your life on at least two occasions a week and you haven't been to see a health physician yet, then what are you waiting for.
Explaining Heartburn And Reflux
Heartburn is described as a burning sensation that rises up through the lower chest and to the throat. Depending on it's severity, it could last for several hours. On the other hand, reflux occurs when the acid in your stomach rises up into a tube called an oesophagus causing a lot of discomfort and in many cases, people have difficulty swallowing accompanied by excessive regurgitation.
Watch For The Danger Signs
Experiencing these symptoms at least twice a week should ring the alarm bells. Left untreated, there is a chance that it could cause further complications leading to other health related problems. Quite often people will suffer through these symptoms unnecessarily when a visit to the doctor would be all that's required. Proper management of heartburn and reflux in most cases will not only alleviate the uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms associated with it's occurrence but improve significantly a person's quality of life.
Making Important Changes In Your Lifestyle
Management can include making some lifestyle changes combined with dietary adjustments. Quitting smoking is a good starting point as smoking and heartburn usually don't mix. If stress is a constant in your life then you need to find ways of reducing it and while this could mean a drastic re-think of your current lifestyle practices, give it serious consideration.
If you are overweight then consider losing some of those extra pounds. Fitting into your clothes more comfortably will be an obvious advantage of losing weight but did you know that tight fitting clothing, especially around the waistline, is a no no for heartburn sufferers?
Avoid Certain Foods
While it's true that chronic heartburn and reflux sufferers will suffer symptoms despite what they eat: this is usually because of further deep-rooted medical problems; there are certain foods that can aggravate heartburn and reflux symptoms in many people. One of the advantages of reviewing your situation with your doctor is that these foods can be identified and a plan can then be put into place to either avoid them completely or limit the number of times they are consumed.
Some people will suffer a heartburn or reflux attack by simply looking at some types of food. Some of the known "culprits" include spicy and fatty foods, alcohol and in some cases, coffee. There is also strong evidence supporting the fact that consuming food several hours before "hitting the pillow" should be avoided at all costs.
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