Acid Reflux Disease
There has been a great increase in the number of people suffering from acid reflux disease. This may be attributed to our change in diet to more carbohydrates and fatty foods. Many of the fast foods contain a lot of fat and sugar. Plus, many people do not get the exercise needed to keep their body in a healthy state. The calories are not being burned off and obesity is now being classified as a disease itself.
The symptoms of acid reflux disease are caused when there is a regurgitation of some of the hydrochloric acid in the stomach backing up into the esophagus. The official designation for this disease is: GastroIntestinal Reflux Disease (GERD).
The acid is necesary for the proper digestion of your food. However, if the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach does not close tightly, the acid can escape upwards and may cause damage to the esophagus.
Many people experience this acid burning effect during the night. This is partly because, during the day, gravity assists to keep the food down in the stomach. When you are lying down it is easier for the acid to flow back into your esophagus.At night, raising your upper body with pillows can help to alleviate the possibility of an episode.
Some of the things which cause this acid reflux condition to happen are: over-eating in the evening, particularly eating fatty or spicy foods and foods with a lot of sugar. Certain foods and vegetables can irritate your digestive system as well. Smoking and drinking alcohol can also increase the chance of an acid reflux episode.
It is best to eat smaller meals several times a day, rather than three big meals. People who are over-weight, and women in their last 3 months of pregnancy, are more likely to suffer from acid reflux symptoms. This is simply because of the increased pressure on the stomach.
Here is a holistic approach to get rid of acid reflux.
Here you can find the foods to avoid to eliminate acid reflux.
Obviously, you should first take a look at your lifestyle to see what may be causing the acid reflux. Do you tend to eat a large meal in the late evening? Do you prefer spicy foods? Do you drink a lot of alcohol in the evening? Do you smoke? Even excessive stress and worry can contribute to this problem.
It is important to keep a diary of the foods you eat to try and pinpoint the ones that seem to cause the symptoms. You are an individual and what is not good for someone else may be fine for you. You need to be able to plan your own diet - your GERD diet. You need to know what you can eat and what you should avoid or only have in limited amounts.
If it continues after you have eleminated the items mentioned above and by changing your lifestyle, then you may have a situation that requires more than over-the-counter medication or lifestyle changes can handle. Consult your doctor.
Your doctor will ask you about your diet and lifestyle first. You may require prescription medication as well as a change in diet and eating times. Surgery would the last choice to correct the problem.
Be aware that this acid burning can cause damage to your esophagus. The damage done by the acid can lead to further complications. Do not delay going for a doctor’s diagnosis.
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An Overview of Acid Reflux Disease
If you are having symptoms consistently over a period of two or more weeks it may be a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the possibility that you have acid reflux disease. .
To relieve acid reflux, begin by understanding the condition and considering a diet full of low fat foods. ..
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