Sunday, November 2, 2008

Why Anti Acid Drugs Are Not a Long Term Solution to Acid Reflux

By Lorna Bresko

Acid reflux is also known as heartburn; a condition increasing numbers of people in the western world suffer from. Many similar conditions exist but they all exhibit pretty much the same range of symptoms but all fall under the umbrella of gastrointestinal disorders. The problem arises from an upset in our stomach's digestive fluid (hydrochloric acid). When stomach contents try to go back up the esophagus, it causes the feeling of heartburn.

When food enters your stomach, a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter opens to allow food into the stomach which normally remains closed so that stomach food and acid do not flow back up into your esophagus area. The esophageal sphincter should close and trap the acid but when this doesn't happen and the acid escapes back up the digestive tract the condition of acid reflux or heartburn is the result. Doctors abbreviate the condition to GERD or gastro esophageal reflux disorder. Although the real cause of acid reflux disorder has not yet been found, it is thought that eating the wrong foods could be to blame; unfortunately, overeating and junk food can also overload the digestive systems ability to digest food adequately.

When anyone eats a large amount of food it creates an additional burden on the stomach muscles. Something has to give; this being the acid which returns or refluxes back up the esophagus bringing with it the very unpleasant heartburn. Since this valve protects your esophagus from your stomach acid, you need to take care this valve does not allow digested acidic food to pass back into the esophagus. This can be achieved by consuming smaller meals, the incidences of heartburn should reduce. This situation can be a problem for the health of the body as the stomach, esophagus and mouth all need to be in good working order. The stomach carries out not only the breaking down of food but processing it into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body.

A short term solution may appear to be the drugs that are easily purchased over the counter but guidance is needed. However, these can interrupt natural body processes and cause other health problems. The long term approach to reduce the stomach problems and acid reflux is to adjust how you consume food and drink. This will then allow your stomach to settle down and regain its strength. It may take a while but if the number of times you experience heartburn reduces, you may be able to enjoy some of the foods you stopped eating; all the while remaining conscious of the need to take things slowly and not place stress on your stomach again.

Whilst eating is probably the largest factor in acid reflux disorder, other substances can also contribute; a few of these are listed below:

Being a smoker

Having allergies to particular foods e.g. peanuts

Prescription medication

Higher than normal alcohol consumption

Having a sleep after eating a meal

Surely a few changes in the way you live your life aren't too much to ask. If you need an incentive to stop the occasions where you suffer with heartburn then this should be it! All that is required is a little dedication on your part to be careful about what you eat and drink to possibly clear up your acid reflux problem. No-one can convince you that you need to change, but these life enhancing improvements are within your control. - 16004

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