Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Is There Anything That Can Help Acid Reflux Besides Medicine?

People who endure acid reflux have dealt with the burning and discomfort that it causes. Acid reflux is very common and may occur due to a poor diet, stress and unhealthy lifestyle. These conditions can lead to serious complications like scarring of the esophagus and respiratory troubles.

When the suffering becomes unbearable it is probably time to take some sort of medication to relieve the pain. Even though these drugs can be effective at relieving symptoms like heartburn and abdominal pain, they may have significant long-term side effects. One of the most common and dangerous potential side effects is diminution of bone density. It is important to note that over-the-counter and prescription medicines that suppress acid do not deal with the root cause of acid reflux which is the malfunctioning of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

One of the best and simplest natural cures for acid reflux is considered to be apple cider vinegar. Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it with your meal to get the best results. Regularly eating fresh apples, bananas and even dried figs are also effective natural remedies for acid reflux.

Along with improving your diet, you can also test any number of safe, natural ways to deal with acid reflux. For instance, ingesting calcium citrate. Generally this is considered to absorb excess acid or have an antacid effect. In fact, the calcium has the effect of tightening the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) positioned at the top of the stomach thereby limiting reflux. Ask your doctor with regard to the proper dosage, however a common preparation is 250 mg, dissolved in water, after every meal and at bedtime. The sap of the Mediterranean plant Pistacia lentiscus, has been used as a therapy for stomach problems for centuries. Try taking 250-500 milligrams of this extract twice a day after meals.

In addition to these potential natural remedies, don't forget the little--but very important--things such as:

- Be sure to exclude caffeine, spices, fatty foods and citrus fruits from your diet and restrict the consumption of alcohol.

- Don’t stuff yourself. When you eat a lot at one time it causes stomach distension, which triggers relaxation of the LES.

- Avoid smoking, as it can also aggravate the condition.

- Do not lay down immediately after eating. Remain seated for a while.

The natural remedies outlined above will, of course, be more helpful when combined with a sincere effort to improve your diet and adopt a healthier lifestyle. If you suffer with chronic acid reflux or GERD, you should try to discover which natural remedies might give you the most relief.

By: Richard Pagano

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