Acid reflux is a chronic condition that occurs when the stomach acid that mixes with the contents of the stomach goes up into the esophagus. The acid then travels back to the stomach and refluxes into the esophagus where it causes burning, pain, and coughing.
It has been estimated that in the United States, more than 50 million people suffer from chronic heartburn at least once a week. The symptoms are typically indigestion and other types of symptoms, but people who have had heartburn for a long time often have no idea what they’re experiencing. The constant vomiting of heartburn does not help, either.
People who have food allergies or intolerance can have symptoms of heartburn. These people are always on the lookout for any signs of heartburn or discomfort that might be related to their food allergy. They avoid or simply avoid eating certain foods because of these signs.
People who have a tendency to develop heartburn may also suffer from GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. This condition occurs in one’s esophagus and can make their heartburn feel more severe than it really is. If a person develops any type of heartburn at all, it should be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible.
Some foods that can contribute to acid reflux include garlic, citrus fruits, onions, chocolate, spicy foods, alcohol, and any type of fruit or vegetable that contains raw watercress. Drink plenty of water during the day, and never eat a large meal before going to bed. Eating late in the day is good for you, but eating before going to bed will result in a heavier appetite and therefore more acid production in the stomach.
Processed and canned foods may also be a culprit in contributing to acid reflux. Bananas, for example, should be eaten in moderation and should be eaten as part of a healthy diet. On the other hand, sweet potatoes should be eaten very sparingly as well. Oats and oat bran should be consumed in moderation, and watercress should be eaten sparingly as well.
There are many types of medications that people take for the treatment of acid reflux, but most have negative side effects, such as blood clots, stomach ulcers, and ulcerative colitis. Instead of using prescription drugs, many people have found a healthier alternative called Coumadin.
Coumadin is an oral medication that has direct antidote for the acids produced by the stomach. Other side effects of Coumadin include nausea, dehydration, and vomiting. To avoid this side effect, Coumadin is only prescribed for moderate to severe acid reflux.
There are many non-prescription acid reflux medications available as well. Natural and herbal products are commonly used as alternatives to the harsh and expensive prescription drugs. Many people have found relief by using natural and herbal remedies to treat acid reflux.
One such herb that is known to help lower the amount of acid that flows into the esophagus is Arctostaphylos uva ursi. Another herb is Allium cepa, which is one of the best herbs that can help reduce the amount of acid that travels through the esophagus.
A simple and natural approach to treating acid reflux is by using a herbal or natural acid reflux medication, as opposed to using prescription drugs. Often, these herbal and natural medicines are found in a pill form, rather than an injection or nasal spray. As you can see, there are several things that you can do to relieve your heartburn and prevent it from recurring.
