Understanding Acid Reflux

Tea has been used for thousands of years to soothe and ease a variety of health problems. In fact, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world, aside from water. Herbal teas have also proven to be a good choice for those searching for a natural acid reflux herbal aid.

Some herbal teas (these aren’t really teas but are infusions called “tisane” that are made from various herbs, flowers, roots, and other parts of some plants) are more helpful in easing acid reflux symptoms than others. In fact, some teas may aggravate an acid reflux condition rather than relieve it.

Here are a few herbal teas you may want to consider trying:

Chamomile Tea
This is a very popular herbal tea used to treat a variety of health concerns such as indigestion, heartburn, anxiety, PMS, sleep disturbances and easing anxiety. It also helps to relieve the inflamed or irritated mucus membranes of the digestive tract (good for acid reflux sufferers) and helps to promote normal digestion. Used topically, it can also promote the healing of minor skin irritations and scrapes. However, since chamomile is found in the ragweed family, it could cause a reaction to anyone who has allergies to ragweed.

Marshmallow Tea
No, not the big fluffy things you roast over the fire. In this case, it is the root that is used in herbal medicinal products. When taken internally, such as in a tea, marshmallow is known to ease bladder infections, and coat and soothe the gastrointestinal tract, sore throats, ease respiratory problems and promote healing of the urinary tract. It can also be purchased as a topical formula for use on burns, scrapes and inflammatory skin disorders.

Peppermint Tea
The mint leaves are used to brew a delightfully refreshing herbal tea that contains no caffeine. However, there are conflicting reports on whether to use peppermint in any form when suffering from heartburn and/or acid reflux.

For someone who has found that antacids or prescription drugs aren’t helping their acid reflux, there is another alternative (besides the natural approach): acid reflux surgery. As with any form of surgery, this is an alternative reserved for those with a severe condition. It’s not to be taken lightly.

An Intraluminal Endoscopic Procedure is an alternative to laparoscopic and open surgery. It involves strenghtening the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the lowest portion of the esophagus, preventing the rise of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. The procedure is accomplished using small incisions that allow the insertion of a tiny video camera so the surgeon can see the entire process in action without having to open the patient.

The procedure is quick (it may last several hours, under general anesthesia), doesn’t required any post-operation treatments, and carries minimum risks for the patient. Most likely you’ll have an overnight stay in the hospital, and additional days in rare cases. Pain experienced after the surgery is generally mild, although some patients may require prescription pain medication.

Acid reflux surgery is considered only when other options are exhausted. In some cases, it becomes necessary in order to avoid further complications of acid reflux. Once surgery has been performed, it is a good idea to stick to a healthy eating plan that cuts out those foods that aggravate your acid reflux.

Surgery is very effective in treating GERD.

There’s a reason that we tend to lend toward natural approaches to ending your acid reflux. It’s because antacids only treat the symptoms. They don’t end the problem. In fact, once you start taking antacids, it’s likely you’re going to have to take more and more to received the same level of relief. In addition, they rob your body of vital nutrients.

The same is true of acid reflux drugs such as Prevacid, Prilosec, Aciphex, Protonix, and Nexium.

Your natural stomach pH level is 3.0 or less. Taking acid reflux drugs or antacids will raise your stomach pH above 3.0 and often maintain that high level. This high level causes the stomach to secrete additional acid and this additional acid interferes with your body’s ability to properly absorb vital amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Your stomach begins to create chemical combinations that affect the function of subsequent processes in the duodenum and colon.  It causes these body organs to malfunction and they fail to digest and absorb the nutrients from the food you ate.

This is why we suggest you first turn to natural solutions if you’re dealing with acid reflux.

While some recent research has indicated that the type of foods you eat may not be a primary factor in aggravating your acid reflux, most doctors still feel there are some basic acid reflux foods to avoid. With that in mind, here’s a list of the most common foods to fall onto the list:

Acid foods such as tomatoes and citrus fruits. These include oranges, lemons, grapefruits, tangerines, and cranbereies, as well as juices derived from these fruits.

Some vegetables, such as potatoes (mashed potatoes, french fries), raw onions, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and peppers.

Spices such as red pepper, black pepper, chili powder, and garlic.

Caffeine, primarily coffee, tea, and chocolate.

Dairy (milk, for instance, is highly acidic), including sour cream, ice cream, regular cottage cheese, and milk.

Fried and fatty foods such as fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, and most fast foods.

Alcoholic beverages, including liquor and wine.

Not all of these foods will trigger acid reflux. Everyone reacts a little differently. If you’re experiencing regular episodes, however, we recommend that you keep a food diary to track what you eat and which foods appear to trigger reactions.

Many people who suffer from daily heartburn may not realize they can stop heartburn holistically. In fact, it’s also possible to holistically treat acute cases (commonly referred to as acid reflux or gerd).

The traditional approach to treating this condition is to prescribe certain drugs such as H2 receptor antagonists, which include Tagamet and Zantac, or PPI drugs (proton pump inhibitors) like Nexium and Prilosec. These medicines slow down the production of stomach acid and are the two main types of pharmaceutical acid suppressors.

The alternative way is to stop heartburn holistically. By definition, holistic means considering the whole or in this case treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms of a disease. This form of approach is natural, has no side-effects and treats the condition instead of the symptoms.

Acid reflux is the result of an acidic system. What you eat and drink determines the PH of your body. Vegetable juices, such as raw potato, celery and cabbage are alkaline and helpful in correcting an acidic stomach.

Papaya juice contains the digestive enzyme papain, which has a soothing effect on the stomach and aids in the breaking down of protein.

Slippery Elm, bladderwrack and marshmallow belong to a category of herbs called demulcents. These herbs aid digestion by decreasing inflammation and by soothing the affected areas. They form a protective barrier against stomach acid and other digestive irritants.

There are many ways to stop heartburn holistically.

Meditation can help. Yoga can also be very beneficial to the body. Losing weight and exercising regularly are also important. Drinking copious amounts of pure water not only flushes the system of toxins, but dilutes stomach acid during periods between meals.

These are all powerful approaches to help you stop heartburn holistically.

When most of us think about heartburn we rarely consider acid reflux infants, but this condition (heartburn, acid reflux, gerd) is quite common in babies. In fact, more than half of all infants experience acid reflux within the first three months of their lives. The good news is that only a small number of infants experience the more serious symptoms.

Here’s what to look for if you suspect your infant might have acid reflux:

• Is your infant experiencing sleeping problems?
• Is your infant coughing even though there’s no evidence of a cold?
• Has your infant experienced weight loss?
• Has your infant exhibited a lack of appetite?
• Does he or she spit up frequently?
• Does he or she exhibit unusual irritability?
• Is there chest pain?
• Is there a sore throat?
• Does your baby have bad breath that’s reminiscent of vomit?
• Is your baby crying for no apparent reason?

People who have mild or moderate acid reflux symptoms may be able to manage their symptoms natural acide reflux remedies. The live cultures found in yogurt seem to help many people control their symptoms. The cultures can also help cool the acid reflux burn. In addition, many health professionals recommend eating yogurt daily to help maintain a normal ph level.

Apple cider vinegar is another product that seems to provide relief of the burn. If this sounds gross to you, try mixing it with a little water. As little as two tablespoons after a meal can be highly effective in reducing acid reflux symptoms. This is an inexpensive way to treat the symptoms without having to go to the doctor. In addition, a small amount of cayenne pepper with the apple cider vinegar works quite well. Taking this mixture just before bedtime may insure you a good night’s sleep, free of pain.

Another well known home remedy is mixing baking soda with water. A couple of teaspoons mixed in a few ounces of water will usually provide immediate relief. This also has a dual purpose. Baking soda helps to relieve symptoms of gas which can be trapped in the stomach. Having less gas will usually mean having less heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms. You can try sipping a carbonated beverage to achieve the same results.