What is
acid reflux?
The
esophagus connects the mouth with the stomach and it has acid which is
necessary to digest food. The lower esophageal sphincter is a ring at the
bottom of the esophagus, where the stomach meets the esophagus. This ring
closes the opening that links the esophagus and stomach to prevent any acid
from splashing back into the esophagus. The stomach is made for carrying some
amount of acid, but the esophagus is sensitive and acid touching it would cause
pain and damage. Acid reflux can happen due to certain triggers and also when
the lower esophageal sphincter is not functioning well. Refluxmd is a dedicated
information source for acid reflux and can provide more details on it.
Acid
Reflux Home Treatment Remedies
Acid
reflux can be managed or reduced through home remedies. It is a common problem
but does not affect the lifespan of a human. Lifestyle and diet go a long way
in managing acid reflux. Certain foods cause
acid reflux symptoms and are known as triggers. These triggers must be
avoided or taken in limited quantities to manage acid reflux. Known triggers
for an acid reflux are:
·
Citrus fruit or juices like orange or
grapefruit have a high acid content that would aggravate the stomach more.
·
Tomatoes, raw or in the form of sauce
and juice are highly acidic.
·
Coffee and caffeinated drinks, with or
without caffeine, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and cause an acid
reflux.
·
Chocolate has a chemical called
methylxanthine, which is similar to caffeine. This relaxes the LES
leading to an acid reflux.
·
Spicy and fatty food can inflame the
stomach more and delay its emptying.
·
Carbonated drinks can cause bloating
that increases the chances of an acid reflux.
There are food items that are opposite of the triggers. Triggers
aggravate inflammation of the stomach and acidity, whereas some foods calm the
stomach and are alkaline based that neutralize stomach acid. There are foods
that control and manage acid reflux. There are also those items that relieve
heartburn, a common symptom of acid reflux. Following are food options in case
of an acid reflux problem:
·
Ginger - naturally good for the stomach it helps
in managing acid reflux.
·
Grains and potatoes - research says that grain
and potatoes lower the risk of GERD.
·
Oatmeal - has a lot of fiber and lowers the risk
of an acid reflux by absorbing the acid.
·
Green vegetables - Low in fat, sugar and acids,
green vegetables like beans, spinach, celery etc. are good for the stomach when
suffering from GERD.
The above paragraphs talked about the diet to manage acid
reflux from home. There are a few lifestyle changes that can bring immense
relief. These changes are simple and can make the symptoms
of acid reflux manageable. Try to do the following activities that
lessen the discomfort and sometimes even the onset of acid reflux.
·
Staying upright or walking for some time after
meals.
·
Chewing gum that is mint free, to avoid chances
of a reflux.
·
Eating more than two hours before bedtime.
·
Using wedge pillows to support and elevate the
head while sleeping.
·
Putting a stop to smoking and
drinking.
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