Understanding Acid Reflux

One of the main reasons that people experience the caustic fluid backup that is characteristic of acid reflux is improper functioning of the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES muscles. These muscles are found at the base of the esophagus and provide a method of opening and closing the passageway to the stomach. When the LES muscles are weakened, they are often unable to fully close. This can result in acid from the stomach finding its way up into the esophagus.

Abnormalities of the esophagus are another reason why people are afflicted with acid reflux disease. Several different parts of the esophagus may be malformed, but two of the most common abnormalities that lead to acid reflux are peristalsis and a condition known as adult-ringed esophagus. In an adult-ringed esophagus, there are small rings in the throat which can cause an inability to swallow properly. Improper functioning of the stomach is another factor that can be responsible for acid reflux. Over fifty percent of all acid reflux sufferers have impaired stomach muscles that have difficulty responding quickly to stimuli. This can cause an extended period of time before the stomach is emptied of its contents, often leading to an acid backup in the esophagus.

Hiatal hernias are another reason that one may experience acid reflux. The hiatus is a hole that is located in the diaphragm, helping to secure the passageway between the esophagus and the stomach. The hiatus is usually tight, keeping the organs separate. But, if the hiatus is weakened, it can loosen up and lead to a small part of the stomach really protruding through the hole. When this happens, a hiatal hernia is said to have occurred. While hiatal hernias are not fully responsible for acid reflux, they can lead to a lack of functioning in the LES muscles, which, as discussed previously, leads to acid reflux.

According to E-AcidReflux.com, there is an undeniable connection between the occurrence of acid reflux and diet. Everything in your body has a delicate balance. The human body is a miracle of systems that maintains just the right conditions to keep everything running smoothly. Therefore it’s the healthiest when there is an acidic balance or equilibrium. The stomach regulates acidic digestion with enzymes that convert acids into manageable alkaline or basal substances.

Fortunately, acid reflux and diet can be effectively improved by launching a few lifestyle changes. One of the most vital things you can do to cool heartburn down is to avoid certain foods. In many cases, just changing the diet is all that is necessary to control acid reflux. Most health care professionals recommend a low-acid diet consisting of more alkaline or basal foods.

So what foods are safe to eat? The key qualities in heartburn-friendly foods, for most people, are low stout and non-spicy. So, with that in mind you can probably guess that leafy greens and broccoli, lean cuts of grilled meat, egg whites, low-stout cheeses like feta, apples and bananas, multi-grain breads, and low-stout salad dressings are excellent choices. Junk food? Occasionally, but with caution, choose stout free cookies, baked potato chips, or red licorice.

E-AcidReflux.com also reminds us that overeating is another acid reflux aggravator. Exercise caloric conscientiousness and choose to skip that second helping or fatty side dish, eat slow and drink plenty of water. Living without heartburn is within anyone’s grasp, and shouldn’t require drastic medical treatment. Simple, reasonable modifications in your eating habits can do wonders for quelling acid reflux, not to mention improving overall health.

You may have heard something about apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy for acid reflux. There appears to be numerous success stories posted on forums throughout the Internet. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any studies so there’s no way to know if vinegar is effective at ending acid reflux or not.

In fact, logic seems to dictate that it shouldn’t work. Vinegar is an acid. So taking apple cider vinegar should simply add more acid to the stomach, thereby making the situation worse.

But let’s take a look at some possible reasons why it might work, with one caveat … if you decide to go down this path, be very cautious. In fact, it would be wise to discuss it with your physician first.

Okay, with that said, there is a controversial theory that acid reflux is the result of too little stomach acid. While no studies have been done, the theory goes something like this: undigested food actually ferments in the stomach, thereby causing your acid reflux. If this were the case, then drinking apple cider vinegar should aid digestion and reduce your symptoms.

Another theory is a rather common one when it’s difficult to explain medical results: the success of the vinegar is nothing more than the result of a convincing placebo. You feel better because you expect to feel better. It has nothing to do with the vinegar at all. Of course this could be said of any and all natural acid reflux treatments.

For most acid reflux sufferers, it isn’t important whether or not apple cider vinegar has been proven to work or not, as long the pain and discomfort of their acid reflux is reduced by taking it. Consumed in a reasonable quantity, vinegar shouldn’t be harmful, so you probably don’t need to worry about that.

However, it may actually make your acid reflux symptoms worse. So please use caution, and as previously mentioned, consult your doctor first.

If you’ve been suffering from chronic acid reflux, Prilosec may offer some relief. Usually recommended for heartburn sufferers experiencing two or more episodes a week, it works as a proton pump inhibitor to stop the production of acid in the stomach. It’s the first proton pump inhibitor approved for over the counter use and is safe provided it is used according to the instructions.

While Prilosec is designed for daily use, it should not be taken for more than 14 days in a row. After 14 days, you should wait four months before using it again. Repeated usage can damage acid creation, causing severe digestive problems.

There are some side effects. Check the warning label on the bottle. And if you’re taking other medications, check with your doctor before starting on Prilosec, even though it’s over the counter. Do not use it if you are allergic to omeprazole.

Prilosec does not provide immediate relief, though it should relieve your heartburn symptoms within 24 hours.

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.