By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2010-10-27 10:03:02 | Word Count: 664
Acid Reflux Disease is a painful disorder where the sufferer encounters heartburn at least twice a week. Treatments for this problem are wide ranging, from over the counter medications to natural solutions, to changes in the sufferer’s daily routine.
Medications
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· There are several over the counter options that help neutralize stomach acid, like Tums or Mylanta.
· Prescription options can help target the specific cause of reflux.
o Proton pump inhibitors – like Nexium and Prilosec – and H2 blockers – such as Zantac and Pepcid – halt the production of stomach acids.
o Prokinetics – like Reglan – help push food through the system and strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle that moves food into the stomach and helps prevent it from backing up into the esophagus).
o Foaming agents help coat the stomach and prevent the onset of reflux.
Natural Remedies
· Warm chamomile or fennel tea, when sipped, can help soothe a stomach irritated by heart burn.
· Apple cider vinegar has also been helpful during heartburn and with prevention of heartburn. Take 2 to 3 tablespoons to help relieve reflux, and dilute the same amount in a cup of water for prevention.
· Ginger can help alleviate all kinds of stomach discomforts, including heart burn. It can be mixed with hot water in tea form, consumed in candied form, or taken in pill form. All help relieve and prevent heartburn.
· Drinking a quarter of a cup of aloe vera juice may also prove to be helpful. Be careful though, as aloe from a house plant contains a powerful laxative and isn’t recommended for consumption. Only drink aloe vera juice that is meant for drinking.
· Yogurt that’s unflavored has helpful bacteria that aide in tightening stomach walls, preventing acid from being allowed up into the esophagus.
· Milk has been shown to help soothe heartburn. Drinking a glass may help relieve symptoms.
· Drinking a glass of water may also help. It dilutes the stomach contents and flushes them through the system, preventing pressure and acid to build.
Daily Changes
· Quit smoking! Among other detrimental health problems caused by smoking, heartburn has been shown to be caused by it.
· Less is more! Eat smaller meals more often. Eating a few large meals a day has been shown to overload the stomach, creating pressure and acid buildup which results in reflux.
· Don’t be a Scrooge! Avoid eating right before bed. Gravity helps keep acid where it belongs and lying down right after eating allows it into the esophagus where it can cause irritation.
· Watch what you eat! Track the foods you eat to help pinpoint which specific foods are triggers for heartburn.
· Beware! Monitor your intake of certain over the counter pain medicines – like aspirin and ibuprofen – as well as vitamins – like calcium and potassium – as they’ve been shown to spur acid reflux.
Surgery
While rare, sometimes reflux is so bad surgery is necessary. The procedure involves wrapping a portion of the upper stomach around the lower esophagus. This solution aids in tightening the muscles located in the lower esophagus and prevents acids from migrating out of the stomach. This is often a last resort of treatment.
For additional treatment ideas, please see our Reflux Remedy Report.
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