Sleep Aides – Acid Reflux Or GERD

[ad_1]

Acid Reflux also called heartburn and acid indigestion is also known as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. GERD is the result of acid in the stomach backing up into the esophagus causing a burning feeling in your chest. Burning in your chest is just one symptom of GERD, it could also cause chest pain, burping, dry cough, hoarseness, earaches and difficulty swallowing because you feel as if something is stuck in the back of your throat.

Acid reflux most commonly occurs at night when you are in a prone position which causes you to wake during the night. Many people with sleep problems may actually have undiagnosed GERD. Sleep medication only camouflages reflux and may cause more damage than good.

Reasons people are susceptible to GERD is due to stress, smoking, alcohol, caffeine or being overweight. Also certain foods cause reflux such as fried food, spicy foods, chocolate, onions and peppermint.

How can you treat your GERDS?

1. Eat smaller portions or more frequent meals. Stop eating the foods listed above for two weeks than add them back into your diet gradually so you can determine which foods are causing you to have reflux. Keep a food journal.

2. Try Aloe Vera Juice, it heals the stomach and esophagus from damage caused by acid reflux. Flax Seeds neutralize acid directly and it may be advised to do a liver cleanse. If the liver is not producing sufficient digestive fluids or enzymes, incomplete digestion can lead to GERD.

3. Eat at least three to four hours before retiring. This allows the stomach to fully digest the food.

4. Prop your head up at night, using extra pillows or putting boards under the head of the bed.

5. Is you are overweight; try to loss at least 10-20 pounds. GERD is also known to be related to hiatal hernia.

6. Learn some relaxation techniques to overcome your stress. Self hypnosis tapes, meditation, sleep music, warm bath before bed are a few ideas you can try.

7. Make an appointment with your doctor. He may suggest over-the-counter medications, a prescription drug or other tests to check and see the severity of your acid reflux. Acid reflux can turn your esophagus brown which is called Barrett’s Esophagus a precancerous condition.

[ad_2]

Source by Kitty Katherine

Leave a Comment