What is Acid Reflux?
Acid Refux is a common condition cause when the valve separating the esophagus and stomach does not close completely. The liquid content of the stomach then backs into the esophagus causing a burning sensation. A more serious condition called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is caused when you experience frequent acid reflux and the esophagus becomes irritated or inflamed.
Symptoms
Symptoms include chest pains, trouble swallowing, choking sensation, bad breath, and dry cough; however the most common symptom is frequent heart burn.
Causes
Although it is still unclear what the main cause for Acid reflux, there are many factors that are known to contribute to acid reflux such as smoking, obesity and pregnancy; however foods and lifestyle also have a significant impact as well. Alcohol relaxes the lower muscle in the esophagus called the esophageal sphincter, which allows the flow or acids and liquids back in. The stomach also becomes irritated when alcohol is consumed which increases the amount of acid produced.
Drinking Coffee is also know to contribute to acid reflux. Coffee also lowers pressure in the lower Esophageal Sphincter, which as know by now allows acids back into the esophagus. It also has high acidity levels, which are known to irritate the stomach, and accelerate the process of gastric emptying. Cigarette smoking also has the same properties as alcohol and coffee; it softens the Esophageal Sphincter and increases acid levels in the stomach. Drinking milk before bed, eating chocolate, peppermint, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, and brussel sprouts all contribute to the production of acids in your stomach that can cause acid reflux.
Treatment
Diet:
About 94% of people who suffer from acid reflux link it to the types of foods they consume. A small change in your normal diet can reduce and even sometimes elimianate.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural remedy reported to have a substantial relief for those who suffer from acid reflux. The acid in ACV may reduce the amount of acid that is produced in the stomach and by doing so will prevents acid and liquid washing back into the esophagus. ACV also helps you digest food properly which aids the burning sensation caused by Acid Reflux.
Apple cider vinegar specifically has been cited as a remedy for acid reflux, or gastroesophegeal reflux disease (GERT). The D.C. Jarvis bestselling book Folk Medicine promoted its use in 1958, and the remedy has been popular ever since.
Author: Kathryn Whittaker
http://ezinearticles.com
The older you get the more your stomach weakens which inhibits the amount of hydrochloric acid to digest protein. This undigested protein often leads to acid reflux, however Papaya digestive enzymes, which contain papain is useful for just this, protein digestion. Peppermint is also known for doing the very same thing, in addition it aids in stomach distenstion, cramps and ulcers.
Author: Rudy Silva
http://ezinearticles.com |