An Herbal Remedy for Acid Reflux makes sense so you do not have to live with the discomfort. The thought of not having to worry about the side effects of taking another medication will certainly ease your mind.
Does your coffee cause you pain? Are you frustrated when dining with friends ends in worry instead of relaxed conversation? Do you take antacids with you wherever you go? Start using an herbal remedy for acid reflux.
Acid reflux 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.
Not all acid reflux is caused by GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). Occasionally it can be caused by a variety of factors but if you have regular episodes there are things you can do to help. An herbal remedy for acid reflux restores what you lack.
Antacids can cause more pain. Antacids can relieve the pain of occasional heartburn, but because they are designed to neutralize the acids in your stomach they can force the stomach to create MORE acid - a cycle called 'acid rebound'. Some medications can also bring on diarrhea or constipation or even increase the risk of food poisoning by inhibiting the maturation 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.
It should be noted that pregnant women, children, overweight individuals and smokers are all more likely candidates for acid reflux.
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 throbbing precautions like frequent burping and keeping the infant upright for 30 minutes after digesting can reduce the occurrence.
Older children may have to take similar precautions in diet and activity as adults. You should always consult your physician when you suspect GERD to avoid future complications.
If you suspect GERD it is important to contact your physician 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.
Widely used heartburn and ulcer drugs such as Nexium, Pepcid and Prilosec can make people more susceptible to pneumonia, probably because they reduce germ-killing stomach acid, Dutch researchers found this in a study of more than 300,000 patients.
Some natural products such as orange peel extract are being researched for their abilities to curb the problem.
In closing an herbal remedy for acid reflux makes sense. Good quality yogurt and acidophilus/bifodophilus capsules with a high bacterial count can make all the difference in the world. People that have used Apple Cider Vinegar have reported relief from acid reflux. Chamomile and Ginger are also herbs that can soothe you, and provide the herbal remedy for acid reflux.
Resources Heartspring Earth Clinic
1. Acid reflux is common and increasing in the developed world. A Gollop Poll in USA reported that 44% had symptoms on a monthly basis. GERD is higher in whites and the obese. There is also a higher prevalence in people aged 60-70 years. It is rare in blacks. It is also lower in Eastern countries. In India it is 7.5%, Malaysia 3% and China 0.8%. It is suggested that this incidence will increase as these countries introduce Western diet higher in fats.
2. Lifestyle change is an important aspect of treatment of acid reflux. Some patients show marked improvement after losing only a small amount of weight.
Obesity increases abdominal pressure and affects the lower esophageal sphincter(LES). Large meals distend the stomach and adds pressure on the LES. Certain foods affect the sphincter. Avoid or comsume in moderation, food such as fats, coffee and alcohol.
3. Antacids neutralise acids in the stomach. This reaction raises the pH and is likely to relieve heartburn or other symptoms of reflux. Trials, however, show that antacids will not heal esophagitis.
The antacids commonly used are magnesium hydroxide, magnesium trisilicate and aluminium hydroxide.
4. Acid Suppressant drugs should be used if lifestyle changes and antacids are ineffective. The first group introduced are the H2-receptor antagonists such as ranitidine. Side effects from this groups of drugs are rare.
The newer proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole and lansaprazole are more effective than H2-receptor antagonists. They are safe and long term use has shown no ill effects. They are so effective that most GERD patients that were unresponsive to ranitidine were effectively treated with omeprazole.
5. A complication of GERD is bleeding from esophigitis. This can lead to anaemia especially in children. Stricture is a distressing complication. It can cause pain and difficulty on swallowing. Barrett's esophagus, experts think, develop after damage to the mucosal lining by acid reflux.
6. Most infants reflux, and conservative measures such as thickened feeds help. Reflux generally subside before the end of the first year. In the past Barrett's esophagus was thought to be confined to adults but with the introduction of smaller fibreoptic endoscopes, more biopsies are done and Barrett's esophagus are being diagnosed in children.
7. Surgery for acid reflux is very uncommon since the advent of effective acid suppressant medical treatment. Today stricures are not common and there are only a rare few that do not respond to omeprazole as acid reflux treatment.
The commonest procedure is Nissen Fundoplication. Today laparoscopic fundoplication is popular.
8. Smoking makes acid reflux symptoms worse, especially in children. Nicotine relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter allowing acidic stomach contents to reflux up into the esophagus. In addition deposited nicotine in the back of the throat when swallowed is corrosive to the esophageal lining. Stop smoking if you have acid reflux.
9. Raising the head of the bed is an effective acid reflux treatment. It is useful for nocturnal acid reflux symptoms and reduces sensitisation that results in problems during the day. Tests have shown that adding additional pillows is ineffective.
10. Do not ignore your symptoms. Lifestyle changes may be all that is necessary to control your symptoms but if, in addition to over the counter medications ,your symptoms persist see your family doctor. If you have GERD, complications can be severe and the symptoms very distressing.
Both Awallad & Dr Phil Hariram 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.
Awallad has sinced written about articles on various topics from Panic Attacks, Recreation and Sports and Payday Loans. Aron Wallad created better health in his life using natural herbs...He has dramatically decreased his blood sugar level by more than 35% using a 47 year old remedy that consists of over 250 natural herbs. He also stopped smoking cigarettes using Chinese h. Awallad's top article generates over 27100 views. to your Favourites.
Dr Phil Hariram has sinced written about articles on various topics from . Dr.Phil Hariram is a retired General Practitioner. He has treated Acid Reflux for 27 years.Find out more about Acid Reflux at