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Help for Acid Reflux
By Robert Pillans
Acid Reflux If you suffer from acid reflux, then you will know just how painful it can be. Acid Reflux occurs when stomach acids escape into the oesophagus resulting in the painful burning experienced by sufferers. There are many drugs that can be prescribed to treat the condition, but many people are wary of possible side effects and prefer to seek out alternative remedies instead. These remedies are equally effective in treating acid reflux, but have the big advantage of no side effects. Because these remedies are natural they are safe to take during pregnancy, as there will be no harmful effects on either mother or child. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness of the some of the many alternative remedies available and to give people a choice in the way in which their acid reflux is treated. First, a bit about how this happens. Your esophagus is a continuation of your throat right down to your stomach. Just at the point where it joins to your stomach is the Lower Esophagus Sphincter (LES), put simply this is a band of muscle that normally squeezes around the esophagus to keep it closed at this point. When you swallow, it relaxes and allows the food to enter the stomach. It then tightens again to keep the food and stomach acid trapped in the stomach. This process continues all the time you are eating and swallowing food. However, if the LES doesn’t do its job properly, we are in trouble. Acid reflux occurs when some of the stomach acid escapes (“refluxes”) back up the esophagus.
The esophagus can cope with some contact with stomach acid; unfortunately some of us have an oesophagus that is more sensitive. Hence, some people suffer quite badly whilst others seem to be immune.
Some common symptoms of acid reflux
These include: - Heartburn, pain in the upper stomach and chest, feeling sick, belching, bloating, an acid taste in the mouth and a burning pain when you swallow hot drinks.
Other, less common symptoms are: - gum problems, sore throat, a cough and a feeling of something stuck in the throat.
That’s the end of the technical stuff for now. As I explained, the problems occur if the LES isn’t doing its job properly. Unfortunately, doctors are unsure as to why this may happen.
Sometimes the pressure in the stomach rises higher than the LES can hold back; common examples are eating a large meal, bending over and also (as any mother knows) during pregnancy.
Approximately, one in three adults suffers from heartburn every few days with one in ten adults suffering on a daily basis. At its worse, a sufferer may find that it affects every aspect of their life. Regular heartburn is more common in smokers, heavy drinkers, the overweight, pregnant women, and those aged between 35 and 64. It seems like it gets everyone eventually. Now for some good news, let’s look at some natural remedies. You will probably have some of these in the kitchen, and if not you should buy some and keep them handy. First off is a well known mixer, Dry Ginger Ale. The ginger absorbs the acid and helps to soothe the stomach. Next up seems strange, but it does the trick. Mustard, yep that’s right, strange though it seems a teaspoon of mustard will help. It seems that it balances out the stomach acids.
If you found that hard to swallow, then try Apple Cider Vinegar. Simply mix two teaspoons into a glass of water into a glass of water and sip it slowly during your meal. Apparently, acetic acid from the vinegar stabilises the stomach acid.
This one may be easier to stomach; it’s a bowl of rice. Use the ready meal packet variety; you know the one “two minutes in the microwave and onto your plate”. It’s a complex carbohydrate which actually absorbs stomach acid. Finally, if acid reflux strikes when you are out and about, then chew your favourite gum. The chewing action produces extra saliva that helps to neutralise the acid.
Here are a few herbal solutions to combat acid reflux. Add two teaspoons of Fennel seeds to a cup of hot water. Let it sit for a few minutes, then drink it slowly and by the time you have finished it your symptoms will be gone. The same can also be done with root ginger. Simply peel and shred a small piece and use it to make a tea. You should also add ginger to your cooking to help your digestion.
The herb peppermint is also a great help with acid reflux. You can purchase it fresh in pots from the supermarket, or grow it yourself. Just wash a few leaves and stems and chew on them when you feel heartburn starting. Rhubarb is equally effective, just chew a stalk or stew it first if you prefer. Try to eat raw vegetables at mealtimes and also try adding fresh pineapple or papaya. This naturally aids your digestion as well as helping to prevent an attack.
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This intel was contributed by robert1
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May, 2012
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