Sunday, February 12, 2012

Heartburn 101 - Meds and Remedies to Treat Acid Reflux

Heartburn 101 - Meds and Remedies to Treat Acid Reflux

Acid Reflux Food To Avoid
There are many remedies, both over-the-counter and prescription, that are used to treat heartburn and GERD, and many people find helpful. For others, they want an alternate, natural way of treating their heartburn. These range from folk and homeopathic remedies to healthy diets to lifestyle changes.

Proton Pump Inhibitors[ br] Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of prescription medications that prevent the release of acid in the stomach and intestines. Doctors prescribe PPIs to treat people with heartburn (acid reflux), ulcers of the stomach or intestine, or excess stomach acid (Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome).

H2 Blockers
H2 blockers, also called H2 receptor agonists, are medicines that reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. They treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD.)

Antacids work by neutralizing acid in the stomach. Antacids neutralize acid on contact to provide heartburn relief.
Acid Reflux Food To Avoid:foods-to-be-consumed-with-discretion

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Top Heartburn / Acid Reflux Prevention Tips

Top Heartburn / Acid Reflux Prevention Tips

There are simple lifestyle changes you can make and tips you can follow that will help you prevent heartburn.

1. Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

A full stomach can put extra pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which will increase the chance that some of this food will reflux into the esophagus.

2. Avoid foods and beverages that can trigger reflux of stomach contents.

Some foods and beverages increase the risk of reflux by relaxing the LES. These include alcohol; beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea and cola drinks; carbonated beverages; citrus fruits and juices; tomatoes and tomato sauces; chocolate; spicy and fatty foods.

3. Don't eat within two to three hours before bedtime.

Lying down with a full stomach can cause stomach contents to press harder against the LES, increasing the chances of refluxed food.

4. If you're overweight, lose the extra pounds.

Obesity increases abdominal pressure, which can then push stomach contents up into the esophagus.

5. Elevate your head a few inches while you sleep.

Lying down flat presses the stomach's contents against the LES. With the head higher than the stomach, gravity helps reduce this pressure. You can elevate your head in a couple of ways. You can place bricks, blocks or anything that's sturdy securely under the legs at the head of your bed. You can also use an extra pillow, or a wedge-shaped pillow, to elevate your head.

6. Don't wear belts or clothes that are tight fitting around the waist.

Clothing that fits tightly around the abdomen will squeeze the stomach, forcing food up against the LES, and cause food to reflux into the exophagus. Clothing that can cause problems include tight-fitting belts and slenderizing undergarments.

7. Stop smoking.

The chemicals in cigarette smoke weaken the LES as they pass from the lungs into the blood.

8. Avoid alcohol.

Alcohol relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. It also increases the production of stomach acid. If you want to consume alcohol, follow these tips: Dilute alcoholic beverages with water or club soda, drink moderate amounts of alcoholic beverages -- the suggested amounts are 1-2 mixed drinks, 12-16 ounces of wine, or 2-3 beers, drink white wine instead of red, choose non-alcoholic beer or wine whenever you can.

9. Keep a heartburn record.

Record what triggerd your acid reflux episodes, the severity of each episode, how your body reacts, and what gives you relief. The next step is to take this information to your doctor so the both of you can determine what lifestyle changes you will need to make and what treatments will give you maximum relief.

10. Take your medication at the same time every day.

It is very important to take your medication every day. If you are prone to forgetting, leave yourself a note to remind you or take your medication when you do another daily activity that you don't forget doing, such as brushing your teeth or washing your face.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Tips on what to avoid and what to eat on your acid reflux diet

Acid Reflux Food To Avoid
Just as at home, eating certain foods in restaurants can trigger heartburn.
There are methods you can use to limit heartburn. These methods include food choices, knowing how the food is prepared, beverage selection, and portion sizes.

When you eat out, you need to inquire as to how different dishes are prepared. You can also ask that if the meat fried, if you can have it grilled instead. Many dishes include high-fat gravies and sauces. Asking for a low-fat substitute served on the side may be a good idea. And before ordering, it is important to ask yourself if the meal you want to order contains any foods that are your trigger foods. If you aren't sure what these foods are, keeping a food record can be a good way to find out what foods trigger your heartburn.

The following recommendations on what to avoid and what is better to eat will help you make smart choices that will allow you to have a heartburn-free dining experience.

Acid reflux food to avoid:

* Fried foods, such as burgers, fried chicken, fried fish.
* Sandwich melts
* Club sandwiches
* Foods prepared in butter or oil.
* High-fat side dishes, such as french fries.
* High-fat sauces, salad dressings, gravies, mayo.
* Creamy soups.
* Chili.
* Dishes with lots of citrus fruit.
* Peppers
* Onions.
* Foods with a lot of extra cheese.
* Tomato-based foods, including catsup.
* Citrus drinks such as orange juice and lemonade.
* Caffeninated beverages such as coffee, tea, iced tea and cola.
* Alcoholic beverages.
* Chocolate.

Your acid reflux food to eat:

* White meat.
* Lean cuts of meat.
* Sandwiches with turkey, chicken, or roast beef on whole grain bread.
* Grilled foods.
* Broth-based soups.
* Steamed vegetables.
* Baked potatoes topped with low fat salad dressing.
* Low-fat or no-fat salad dressings.
* Lighter desserts, such as angel food cake.

Acid Reflux Food To Avoid: Top-heartburn-acid-reflux-prevention.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

What Can Cause Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

What Can Cause Heartburn / Acid Reflux?

Acid Reflux Food To Avoid

* Heartburn Triggers
Heartburn can be caused by a number of factors. These include certain foods, and others are factors such as being overweight or lifestyle habits, such as smoking.

* Mechanisms of Acid Reflux
There are three disturbances in the normal gastrointestinal (GI) function that can lead to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).

When It's More Than Just Heartburn - Acid Reflux Disease

* Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - What is it?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and stomach contents leak back, or reflux, into the esophagus.

* Gastroesophageal Reflux in Infants
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) occurs often in normal infants. One of the most common symptoms is spitting up. More than half of all babies experience reflux in the first 3 months of life. Only a small number of infants have severe symptoms due to GER. Learn the sypmtoms and how is it diagnosed.

* Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children and Adolescents
Almost all children have a little bit of reflux, without being aware of it. For some children and adolescents, however, this reflux may be chronic. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) often begins in infancy and then subsides, but for a small number of infants, GER continue as they grow older. Learn the symptoms and how it's diagnosed.

Other Conditions Cause Heartburn

* Peptic Ulcers
A peptic ulcer is a sore or lesion that forms in the lining of the stomach or duodenum. Ulcers in the stomach are called gastric or stomach ulcers, and those in the duodenum are called duodenal ulcers, and both are usually referred to as peptic ulcers. Understanding the causes and symptoms of peptic ulcers, and then getting a diagnosis and proper treatment, most people can find relief.

* Hiatal Hernia
Some people suffer from Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because they have a hiatal hernia. What is a hiatal hernia?

* Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. Several things can cause gastritis, one of which is chronic bile reflux. Although it doesn't cause heartburn, some of the symptoms are similar to those produced by heartburn, and it's treated in a similar way to GERD, by taking medication to reduce stomach acid.

* Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis, also called delayed gastric emptying, is a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. It often occurs in people with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. This can lead to more pressure against the lower esophageal sphincter, forcing it to relax prematurely, which can then lead to more reflux.

Acid Reflux Food To Avoid

Monday, December 19, 2011

Acid Reflux Recovery - Simple and Easy!

Acid Reflux Recovery - Simple and Easy!

Acid reflux is a condition that plagues millions of people worldwide. It is caused by stomach acid splashing up into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a ring-like valve at the bottom of the esophagus. It opens to allow food to enter the stomach and then closes to keep it there. When the LES becomes damaged and, or relaxed, stomach fluids are refluxed up into the esophagus and throat. The hydrochloric acid in this fluid has been compared to the corrosive acid in a common car battery.

It is important to remember why this condition usually exists in the first place. In most cases it is due to a damaged esophagus and LES. These can easily be scratched by eating foods with jagged edges like corn chips or crackers. Even crusty bread which has not been chewed properly can cause this type of damage. These little lacerations can then be irritated by acidic foods which are spicy or fried. Before you know it, you have a full fledged case of acid reflux. Once this cycle begins, it is not that easy to get rid of.

Let the esophagus heal by not eating the same foods in the same manner that caused the damage in the first place. Loosing weight, exercising, chewing properly, drinking sufficient amounts of water and eating in a pleasant atmosphere are all simple things that anyone can do to improve this condition.

There are also many natural ingredients found in any grocery market or health food store, which can help during the acid reflux recovery period. Herbs, like slippery elm and marshmallow have wonderful healing properties. Aloe vera juice, licorice and natural honey can sooth the esophagus and assist in the healing process.

By eating dinner at least three hours before retiring, one can drastically reduce the chances of acid reflux. Chewing gum between meals actually reduces stomach acid. Saliva is extremely alkaline in nature and chewing stimulates its production causing the system to be more alkaline.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Forget the "Three Big Meals" we have been taught to indulge in. Try eating four or five little meals each day. Start the day with Kukicha Twig tea instead of acidic coffee. This tea has been used for hundreds of years to make the body more alkaline. For breakfast, banish that cereal and instead eat fruit, like bananas and melons. Have several snacks of walnuts, almonds and more fruit during the day. For lunch have a salad, made with grilled chicken breasts, or tofu, mixed with hearts of romaine tossed with a little lemon juice and olive oil. Lemon juice is preferable to vinegar, as it is more alkaline in nature.

During this acid reflux recovery period, eating anything which could irritate or damage the esophagus must be avoided. Until the lacerations have had a chance to heal, spicy foods, such as acidic tomato products, hot peppers, raw garlic and raw onions should be eliminated from the diet. They just further irritate the condition. Eating chocolate, smoking and drinking alcohol relax the LES, allowing stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus, thus impeding the healing process.

The key to acid reflux recovery is to eat only mild, easy to digest food until the esophagus has healed. Eat early and slowly, chewing your food completely. Last, but not least, try to eat in a relaxed, pleasant and stress free environment.

There are many things one can do to improve the chances for success in defeating acid reflux. The choices in behavior that we make like exercising, loosing weight, wearing loose clothing, eating and chewing properly and avoiding carbonated drinks are all very important. There is another very potent technique for managing this condition. It is called meditation.

Meditation has the power to eliminate any unpleasant side affect of our stressful lives, including acid reflux. Try this out; in a quiet place, sit erect with your hands at your side and take a long deep breath. Close your eyes and look up toward the space between the eyebrows, without straining. Continue to breathe deeply. You will soon find yourself in a very relaxed state with no particular thoughts in mind. Now visualize yourself eating beautiful food slowly and carefully. See your mouth, throat, esophagus, LES and stomach all pink, young and perfect. Feel all the parts of your body working in complete harmony. Look at yourself. You are smiling. You are enjoying perfect health.
Acid Reflux Food to Avoid: good-foods-to-eat-with-acid-reflux.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Herbal Remedies For Acid Reflux

Herbal Remedies For Acid Reflux

There are many different kinds of herbal remedies for acid reflux that you can try in order to help treat the problem and which you can purchase either from a health food store or online.
Generally acid reflux remedies come in the form or either capsules, pills or solutions. But what is important is that if you are someone who is already suffering from acid reflux and is being treated by their doctor, then you should discuss the issues with your doctor as to whether you can consume the herbal remedies together with what your doctor has prescribed.

In most cases people who suffer from acid reflux find that they suffer with a burning sensation in both the chest and stomach area. Generally people who are found to be overweight, who smoke or who drink too much alcohol (are alcoholics) will suffer more from this particular problem.

Acid reflux is caused when acids found in the stomach are able to gain entry into the esophagus and is often a sign that most people commonly associate by
stomach indigestion.

A lot of the herbal remedies for acid reflux will often contain such natural herbs such as :
  • chamomile,
  • slippery elm,
  • chicory root,
  • peppermint,
  • lavender and
  • ginger.
These particular herbs have been found to help protect the lining of a person’s stomach as well as helping to strengthen their digestive system. But in order to ensure that they are effective a person will need to be using them for long periods of time.

The main reason why these remedies have become so popular today is that they contain only natural ingredients and the chances of them causing any kind of side effects (compared to prescribed medications) are very few if any at all. They are especially effective for treating infants and young children when it is sometimes very difficult to actually provide a diagnosis that they are suffering from acid reflux.

However for adults the best way to treat acid reflux naturally is by making changes to your lifestyle and the kinds of foods that you consume. So you should start to decrease or eliminate the amount of alcohol you drink and if you smoke you should try to quit.

Plus you need to reduce the amount of acidic and a fatty food that you consume includes chocolates, tomatoes and coffee all of which can cause acid reflux.

But as well as making changes to their diet and lifestyle, if you also use herbal remedies for acid reflux, you will soon find that you are able to treat the problem much more easily and will suffer less from the symptoms caused by acid reflux.
acid reflux food to avoid: what-can-cause-heartburn-acid-reflux

Sunday, December 4, 2011

List of Foods to Avoid With Acid Reflux

List of Foods to Avoid With Acid Reflux

There are some foods which can trigger or can contribute to acid reflux condition. So, following are some of the foods to avoid with acid reflux disease.

Fatty and Fried Food
When we eat fatty food the digestion becomes very slow and the food remains inside our stomach for a prolonged period of time. This increases the pressure inside the stomach which forces the food to enter the food pipe and hence result in acid reflux.
Spicy Food
Pepper, chili and other spices can contribute to the heartburn causes. Some people may have problem with ginger, garlic and onion also. So, better to avoid such food or minimizes its intake.

Citrus Fruits
The fruits containing citrus acid adds to the problem of acid reflux. Orange, tomato, grapes and cranberry are some of the fruits which have high citrus content. Some fruits make the lower esophageal opening over relaxed and this results in the back flow of acid to the food pipe.

Some people are crazy about chocolates, so let me tell you one thing, this can also add to your acid reflux problems. Chocolates have theobromine content which occurs naturally in the coffee, tea plant and cocoa. This content relaxes the lower part of the esophagus known as sphincter muscle which further allows the acid to flow back to the food pipe. So, better add this to the list of foods to avoid with acid reflux in children. If they are really crazy about chocolates then go for a dark or organic chocolate but limit the consumption.

Alcohol Consumption
Any type of alcohol consumption can lead to acid reflux. These slow down the digestion process and relax the esophageal opening and hence result in the acid reflux. Smoking can also be one of the factor responsible for acid reflux.

In hotels and even at home, many people have the habit of eating peppermint after the food. It can be good as a mouth freshener but is harmful if you are prone to acid reflux. So avoid spearmint and peppermints as it triggers acid reflux conditions.

Avoid the intake of meat such as ground beef, chicken nuggets, buffalo wings, etc. as they can be a cause of acid reflux conditions which can further result in heartburn and other indigestion causes.

Dairy Products
It is advisable to avoid some of the dairy products such as sour cream, cheese, ice creams, yogurt, etc. Many people have the habit to drink milk in the night before going to sleep but drinking milk after a heavy or rich meal can add to your acid reflux problems. So drinking milk in the night should be avoided.

Some deserts like brownie, butter cookie, doughnut etc can add to your acid reflux problems.

Other Foods
Other foods that can cause acid reflux are high-carbohydrate foods like bread, macaroni and spaghetti, potato and corn chips and fast foods items like burgers, etc. You should also avoid red sauces to get rid of acid reflux.