Understanding Acid Reflux

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.

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.