Relief and preventive remedies for acid reflux disease

Relief and preventive remedies for acid reflux disease

Do you always feel a burning sensation near your chest, especially after a meal? If you do this, you may have acid reflux disease. This disease, also called heartburn, is the backflow of stomach acid up to the esophagus and sometimes the mouth. Almost every American adult experiences this acid reflux.

The general cause of reflux disease is the person's lifestyle and diet. The obese population regularly experiences acid reflux. The same applies to smokers and alcohol drinkers. This is because of the type of food and lifestyle they have.

Fatty foods play a big role in the development of this disease. Fats are very difficult to digest and therefore contribute to the delay in gastric emptying, making the person more at risk of acid reflux.

Smoking and alcohol both have properties that cause the stomach to produce higher amounts of stomach acid. In addition, both cigarette and alcohol relax the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing the reflux of stomach acid from the stomach to the esophagus. If you are a smoker and alcohol drinker, acid reflux disease is undoubtedly an impending condition.

In addition to smoking, alcohol and fatty foods, drugs and other types of foods also trigger increased acid production and relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. But don't worry because there are medications and natural remedies that can help you relieve the pain of acid reflux disease.

Lifestyle and diet changes and natural remedies

1. Wear loose shirts and pants.

2. Do not lie down, exercise or bend over after eating.

3. Don't eat large meals. However, you can eat small but frequent meals every day.

4. When sleeping, adjust the headboard of the bed in inches height.

5. Avoid smoking, caffeinated drinks, alcohol and fatty foods at night or even during the day.

6. Drink warm fluids.

7. Drink a mixture of apple cider in water after or during each meal.

8. Relax your body and mind to reduce stress by doing yoga and/or meditation regularly.

Over-the-counter medications

1. Antacids

Antacids or antiacids have long been very effective in relieving the pain of acid reflux disease. Taking Maalox or Mylanta helps neutralize the acidity of stomach acid to relieve the pain and burning. Antacids should be taken during attacks of reflux disease or after meals.

2. H2 receptor antagonists

H2 receptor antagonists or H2 blockers reduce the production of gastric juices. Examples of H2 blockers are ranitidine and cimetidine. Unlike antacids, H2 blockers should be taken before meals.

3. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs are commonly used by patients with ulcers. PPI works by antagonizing the acidic properties of gastric juice and also reducing the production of stomach acid. Examples of PPIs include omeprazole, esomeprazole and lameprazole. Just like H2 blockers, PPIs should be taken before meals.

If these remedies are not enough to relieve heartburn, it is best to consult a doctor. Acid reflux can also be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition.

Inspired by Richard Jarvis