Acid Reflux Disease
| Acid reflux disease or GERD can cause a great deal of discomfort for anyone diagnosed with it. Some people will only suffer occasional episodes of it, while for others it turns into a chronic state. Acid reflux disease starts when the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus becomes weak, and does not properly work. Generally, it functions as a one-way valve- allowing food to pass through into the stomach, then closing to prevent stomach acid from splashing back up.When this valve malfunctions, stomach acid can back up into the esophagus,irritating the lining, and causing a persistent burning sensation. Left untreated, the damage can develop into complications such as hoarseness, coughing, asthma-like symptoms, and even pre- cancerous conditions due to cell damage. |
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Acid reflux symptoms
There are various acid reflux symptoms and treatment plans. Some people have found that a home remedy for acid reflux is effective. However, it is important to have your symptoms evaluated by a doctor, especially if chest pain is present, to rule out more serious conditions.
Heartburn, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth or back of the throat and difficulty swallowing are the most common acid reflux symptoms and treatment may include prescription and over the counter medications, dietary and lifestyle changes or botanical and herbal remedies. As you can see, acid reflux is more than just occasional heartburn, which almost everyone experiences at one time or another. As opposed to treating occasional heartburn, a home remedy for acid reflux will almost certainly include changes in diet. A food and symptoms diary is often helpful for identifying foods, beverages and other things (like cigarette smoking) that may trigger symptoms.
Persistent cough, hoarseness and upset stomach are examples of other problems that may be acid reflux symptoms and treatment, once the diagnosis is made, often begins with a group of prescription drugs called proton pump inhibitors. The coughing and hoarseness are caused by stomach acid leaking up into the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Unlike a typical home remedy for acid reflux, these are taken daily and actually prevent secretion of stomach acid. Like all prescription drugs, proton pump inhibitors may cause unwanted side effects, which may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain,fatigue and dizziness.
What Foods to Avoid to Relieve Acid Reflux Disease
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The first step in solving the puzzle of what foods to avoid is to keep a food diary. Track which foods trigger symptoms in your own digestive system. Often, identifying your personal food triggers and avoiding them is all that is needed to relieve the problem. Common food triggers include acidic fruits and juices, such as orange and grapefruit, strong spices, tomato sauces, dairy products, coffee, alcohol and tobacco.This list may appear to include all of your favorite foods, but not all foods are triggers for all people. You might find that eliminating only one or two foods from this list will bring you relief. |