Acid Reflux (GERD) Remedies
Acid reflux occurs when the valve separating the stomach from the esophagus does not closecompletely, allowing digestive acids to travel upward. The result is an irritation of the esophageal lining, commonly referred to as heartburn. If these symptoms occur more than twice a week, an individual may be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin that are created by the stomach. Pepsin is an enzyme that starts the the breaking down of proteins in the stomach. GERD can cause a Hiatal Hernia where part of your stomach pushes food and acid upwards through the diaphragm’s opening (hiatus) causing heartburn and chest pain.
Though GERD is considered a chronic condition, there are a variety of preventative measures one can take to limit it’s effects such as weight loss, eating foods high in alkaline and low in acid (check out our acid reflux diets), avoiding substances such as alcohol andcoffee, getting exercise, and not eating late.
Causes of Acid Reflux
Lifestyle
A correlation between smoking and acid reflux symptoms has been found to exist as well. Individuals at risk for acid reflux disorder are those who are overweight, consume a diet high in fats, drink moderate to large amounts of alcohol and take certain medications. Generally, most people suffering from acid reflux obtain relief by adopting a healthy diet and getting more exercise to lose excess weight. However, when heartburn is severe and is accompanied by other problematic issues, surgery may be necessary.
Abnormal Pressure Placed On the Stomach
There are certain conditions that increase pressure on the stomach causing it to move upwards resulting in frequent acid reflux. Common conditions that can cause this include hiatus hernias when the hernia is located in the upper part of the stomach, obesity and pregnancy. During pregnancy as the uterus grows, it can push the stomach upwards, causing acid to flow up into the esophagus. During pregnancy, progestin hormone levels also become elevated, causing the normal pressure of the esophageal sphincter to decrease.
Abnormal Emptying of the Stomach
Individuals who suffer from certain medical conditions where the stomach does not empty at a normal rate are more likely to suffer from acid reflux. This is often due to the individual lacking the proper digestive enzymes to break down food, therefore causing the stomach to empty slower than normal. When this occurs, gastric acid accumulates in the stomach and can back up into the esophagus causing acid reflux.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking can stimulate stomach acid production, weaken the esophageal sphincter, slow digestion and cause intestinal bile salts to move into the stomach resulting in stomach acid that is more harmful. Research also shows that smoker’s saliva contains lower levels of bicarbonates that help to neutralize acids.
Asthma
Although experts are unsure whether asthma causes acid reflux or acid reflux causes asthma, they do know they are associated in some way. Some experts believe that during an asthmatic attack, the coughing and wheezing causes changes in the chest area, which triggers acid reflux. Others believe that acid reflux could be due to the asthma medications that cause the airways to dilate also relaxing the esophageal sphincter. Most individuals with asthma believe that acid reflux triggers their asthma from the acid that backs up into the esophagus causing the nerves in the chest and neck to become stimulated, producing constriction of the bronchial tubes and breathing difficulties.
Abnormalities of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter
New research has found that there are several different abnormalities that can occur with the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that can cause acid reflux. These include abnormally weak contractions of the sphincter, which impairs its ability to prevent acid reflux, abnormal relaxations of the sphincter, allowing acid reflux to occur easily and laxity of the sphincter, where it does not close properly, allowing acid to back up into the esophagus.
Weight
Obesity and having a higher than average body mass can play a role in GERD symptoms and onset. Excess fat around the stomach can put pressure on the abdomen. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006 showed that relatively small changes in weight can greatly increase the severity of symptoms of GERD. The study outlines a clear relationship between a persons Body Mass Index (BMI) and the presence of GERD symptoms.
Acid Reflux Symptoms
- Belching
- Chest pain
- Nasea
- Pressure in the chest
- Stomach fullness or bloating
- The sensation of acid coming up through mouth
Besides heartburn, sharp, stabbing pain is sometimes felt in the chest and the middle of the back. It can become so severe that a person may believe he or she is experiencing a heart attack. Other symptoms which are often experienced include nausea and vomiting.
Treatments
Some of the natural remedies include Weight Loss, changing your diet, acupuncture, stopping smoking, avoiding tight clothing, and changing other habits such as not eating late at night. See all natural gerd treatments here
Medications
Remedies and treatments for acid reflux may be found over the counter, as well as in prescription form. Medications used for existing heartburn symptoms work by neutralizing stomach acid and coating the mucosal lining. When symptoms occur at regular intervals, preventative medications may be taken an hour before a meal.
While occasional episodes of acid reflux may not have long-lasting repercussions, frequent symptoms which arise from GERD could result in complications. The continuous erosion of the esophageal lining could lead to ulcers or cancers.
If an individual is plagued by symptoms on a daily basis, it would be prudent for him or her to visit a doctor to determine the cause of them. The physician can then prescribe the best treatment plan for that person’s needs, as well as check for any abnormalities which may exist.
