Acid Reflux

If you have harsh and constant heartburn 2 or more days of the week, and despite treatment and change of eating habits, it could be more than just hearburn. It could be acid reflux disease "GERD." GERD is gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is a condition that affects several different people.

GERD can happen when a valve doesn't close quite right. There is a valve at the lower end of the esophagus (the tube that conects the mouth to the stomach) that opens to let food and liquids enter into your stomach. This valve des not always close as tightly as it should, or it relaxes too much. This allows stomach acid to get into the esophagus over and over again. The stomach handles acid much better than the esophagus. Frequent exposure to stomach acid can irritate and possibly damage the esophagus. This becomes yet another condition known as erosive esophagitis.

No one is exclusive from GERD. Frequent heartburn is the most common symptom, but not for everyone. Some other common symptoms are: stomach acid rising, sour taste in the mouth, burning in the throat, restless sleep, and burning or pain in the chest.

Certain foods can trigger these symptoms and stress can even inflict symptoms. A few things that may help you are -avoiding tight clothing or belts -eat smaller, healthy meals - try not to smoke -use an extra pillow when sleeping so your head is resting higher than your feet -learn what foods trigger your GERD and avoid them -eat atleast 2 to 3 hours before bedtime.

Foods and drinks that commonly trigger GERD are -onions -garlic -peppermint or spearmint -spicy foods -alcoholic beverages -drinks wih caffeine -chocolate -foods containing tomatoes -coffee -orange and grapefruit juices and - fried/fatty foods.

If you suffer from these symptoms you may want to try some over the counter medications. If after sufficient time , they fail you, perhaps it's time to see the good ole doc. A tried and true medication that works immediately is Aciphex. Ask your doctor for a sample if available, you'll know the difference the next day and you can even have those foods that are so full of acid that you like again and your stomach won't even back talk you.