How To Naturally Over-Come Heartburn

Most of us get heartburn at least on occasion. It can be quite unpleasant and even scary as it can imitate a heart attack. However, it's usually nothing to loose sleep over unless it happens on a chronic and consistent basis. If you get it often, it could be caused by acid reflux disease in which case, it would need to be investigated.

Acid reflux is formally known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD. It is identified as chronic abnormal reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, and is caused by the dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This is a small flap of muscle at the opening of the stomach. When it doesn't remain shut as much as it should, it allows acid to come back up out of the stomach and into the esophagus. This can eat away at the lining of the esophagus, causing ulcers to form. Ulcers can then lead to scar tissue and strictures, making food difficult to swallow and occasionally "sticking" in the esophagus. It can also amplify the odds of esophageal cancer. GERD is something to take seriously, try to thwart and ultimately treat to resolve.

If you have any of these symptoms, you could have acid reflux and thus GERD:

* Frequent, Persistent heartburn - This is the most identifiable symptom, as well as the most common. Most acid reflux sufferers have heartburn many times a month or more. But some do not have heartburn at all. Heartburn is classically depicted as a burning or pressure sensation located over the lower sternum and upper abdomen, the epigastrium.

* Regurgitation of acid - Many people with GERD report regurgitation of acid into the back of the throat, and sometimes all the way into the mouth. It may or may not be accompanied by food from the stomach. This can even occur at night while sleeping causing coughing and wheezing as the stomach acid aggravates the throat and vocal cords.

* Unrelenting cough - Some people with acid reflux have a dry cough. This usually happens when particular nerves in the lower esophagus are stimulated by the refluxed acid. But it can also be caused by acid reaching the throat and irritating it.

* Choking sensation – Those with acid reflux often feel like there is a piece of food stuck in their throats, when truly there is not. The feeling may simply be inflamed esophageal tissue or actual scar tissue and strictures.

* Wheezing or hoarseness - This is caused by the damage done to the throat and esophagus. It is particularly common in the morning. Acid reflux can aggravate existing asthma, and in uncommon cases it has been known to cause it.

Lifestyle Changes to Stop Acid Reflux

If you suffer from of the symptoms above, you may need to see a doctor. If you are diagnosed with acid reflux, there are a number of medications (known as proton pump inhibitors) that your doctor could try. There are also supplements and herbal remedies that can aid as well. But more importantly, there are also some lifestyle changes that can provide help and go a long way to eliminating the problem as an issue at all. These include:

* Avoiding alcohol and tobacco – Both of these can aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux. Alcohol causes the stomach to create more acid and relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter that prevents reflux of stomach acids. Smoking does the same thing, and it also decreases the production of saliva, which provides a natural defense against refluxed acid.

* Losing weight – Being overweight can make acid reflux worse. This is because of increased pressure on the stomach which in turn causes greater acid refluxing into the esophagus.

* Avoiding certain foods - Foods that worsen acid reflux include fried or fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, and anything spicy. High glycemic impact foods also contribute to GERD by keeping the tissues of the esophagus inflamed as a reaction to the blood sugar spikes and fat storage of the body. So a low glycemic impact anti-inflammatory diet will often improve symptoms of GERD as well. It's also a good idea to eat smaller meals, as large meals can increase abdominal pressure and thus contribute to GERD.

* Elevating the head of your bed - Acid reflux often worsens at night because it's easier for acid to escape the stomach when you're lying flat. Raising the head of your bed can help. Sitting up for a few hours after a meal is also helpful.

Natural Treatments for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux can range in severity]has a wide range from a minor issue to a debilitating situation. Again it is a potentially dangerous condition, as it has been linked to cancer of the esophagus as well as erosions and strictures of the esophagus itself. That's why it is so imparative to prevent it and treat it fast when it occurs.

There are numerous prescription and non-prescription drugs available for acid reflux. They have given relief to many sufferers, but some do not respond to them. And they're not without side effects, either. Some studies have linked proton pump inhibitors, the type of drug typ[ically prescribed for acid reflux, to an increased occurance of pneumonia. Some of these drugs can also create other gastrointestinal problems, and they may get in the way with the absorption of vitamins such as calcium as well as other drugs. Additionally, a little known fact supports the idea that once a person starts a course of proton pump inhibitors, the stomach acid adjusts so that when you discontinue the drug, your stomach rebounds with a surge of acid, effectively beginning the cycle once again. This keeps people married to their stomach medicines indefinately.

These fears lead many acid reflux sufferers to seek more natural treatment choices.options. Here are some things you can do to eliminate acid reflux naturally.

Herbs

* Aloe vera juice - Aloe is best known as an excellent treatment for sunburn and other skin irritations. But it has also been shown to be beneficial for acid reflux. It can be consumed in juice form two or three times a day. Mixed with kiwi and strawberry or pomegranite, it makes a delectable drink. Adding concentrates of Complete Greens is also helpful in lowering the ph of the body, shrinking the acidity of the stomach.

* Digestive enzymes made from plant enzymes aid in the digestion of foods so your stomach doesn't need to work so hard.

* OPC and ORAC rich concentrates of foods such as grape seed extract, pycnogenol or pine bark extract and the concentrates of many of the berries are powerful anti-inflammatory supplements to soothe the esophagus. Just use the aloe initially in order to not cause pain from the ph effect of the isotonic nature of these OPC and ORAC supplements before the mucosa has had a chance to heal a bit. These supplements give you the equivalent of several cups of these specific anti-inflammatory foods without the amount of food that is required when eaten as the food.

* Licorice - Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been studied for use in the prevention of ulcers and gastritis. It is also a natural antacid. It may be taken in tea, or you can buy chewable deglycyrrhizinated licorice tablets. These are best if you are anxious about blood pressure or water retention.

* Ginger - Ginger is one of the most well-liked herbs for digestive problems, and it can be very effective against acid reflux. Think ginger ale. It helps by easing pain and inflammation and killing bacteria that aggravate the condition. It is important to use it in moderation, however, because overdoing it could make your heartburn worse. And it is best taken as a tea, not a carbonated beverage with sugar.

Foods

* Sweet foods – Excessively sweet foods will produce inflammatory actions and thus contribute to GERD. However, some low glycemic impact carbs can gradually release glucose and help keep inflammation at bay. Whole grain breads work best for this.

* Vegetables - There are also some vegetables that have antacid properties. These include potatoes (sweet), broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens, and avocado.

* Foods to avoid – Eliminating certain foods can help prevent acid reflux symptoms, or at least reduce their severity. Some of these are citrus fruits, sour berries, fermented foods, alcohol, caffeine, tomatoes, mustard, and spicy foods.

Acid reflux can be treated naturally. These treatments are often just as good as prescription drugs, and they have a much lower risk of negative side effects. Still, it is best to check with a healthcare professional for guidance. Some herbs can interact with other herbs or medicines, and they may not be right for people with certain health issues.