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Acid Reflux Disease (ARD), which is also called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD) is a medical condition that occurs when stomach acids flow back or regurgitates back into the esophagus causing it to irritate, and causing what we are now very familiar with – heartburn. Acid Reflux occurs mainly because the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach and which is supposed to open and close when necessary is weak, possibly due to aging, smoking or hormonal changes as what happens during pregnancy. Contributing also to the problem are wrong eating habits and unwise food choices.
Signs and Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Besides heartburn, among other things to watch out for when you have ARD are:
· Regurgitation– that’s when the acid goes back to your throat or mouth, producing a sour taste.
· Dyspepsia – it’s the uncomfortable feeling in your stomach that often comes with nausea, bloating, and burping.
These signs and symptoms, if they do occur, are usually expected after eating and when lying down almost immediately after eating.
Medications for Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is normally managed with:
· Antacids.Antacids, such as Gaviston and Chooz neutralize stomach acids, so they are not likely to cause heartburn episodes.
· Histamine (H2) Receptor Antagonists. H2 Receptor Antagonists such as Axid and Pepsid work by reducing the production of stomach acid.
· Proton Pump Inhibitors. Proton Pump Inhibitors such as the likes of Aciphex and Nexium prevent acid reflux by decreasing the production of stomach acid.
The Consequences of The Use of ARD Medications
But these medications are not supposed to be used on a long-term basis because:
· Doing so can eventually send the wrong signals to the stomach, increasing production of gastrin, a hormone which in turn increases the production of stomach acid which can make one prone to cancer of the digestive system.
· Not enough too much acid in the stomach (which can occur with the excessive use of medications for acid reflux disease) makes the different organs of the body vulnerable to infection as this encourages the growth and proliferation of bacteria. Low levels of stomach acid can also result to ulcer and stomach cancer, among others.
· Increase the risk of food poisoning.
· Calcium-based, magnesium-based, sodium bicarbonate-based, and aluminum – based antacids can cause headaches, loss of appetite, and feelings of discomfort, among others.
Home Remedies for Acid Reflux
But there are home remedies for acid reflux, surely. So before you think of downing an antacid, try these first:
· Drinking apple cider vinegar in water. You’re probably thinking, isn’t apple cider vinegar an acidic drink? Well, it is, but it just happens to be the “good” kind of acid, the kind that benefits the body. It’s also rich in fiber and antioxidants which help enable a healthy digestion. Prepare one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in half a glass of water and drink it while eating your meal.
· Taking Ginger root capsules. Ginger root absorbs stomach acid, reducing its capability to cause ARD symptoms.Ginger root is available in capsule form, which makes taking it more convenient.
· Chewing on fennel seeds after eating meals. Fennel seed has Anethole, a compound that tames the stomach, thereby preventing spasms. To prevent and/or control acid reflux disease, it is best to chew on half a teaspoon of the seeds after meals.
· Drinking lavender and anise tea after meals. Make your own concoction by mixing aniseed and lavender in equal amounts. Take 1 teaspoon of the mixture and mix it into 2 and a half cups of boiling water. Let it stand for 3 minutes, then strain. Add honey to sweeten the taste naturally. Drinking this concoction in the morning and in the evening brings relief to acid reflux disease symptoms.
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Source by Alyna E. Roberts