What is heartburn?

Heartburn is a symptom experienced when stomach Acid makes its way up the esophagus. The backing up of stomach acid into the food pipe causes Acid Reflux or GERD. These conditions can become life-threatening in the absence of proper Acid Reflux Treatment. However, acid reflux symptoms may include a burning sensation in your chest, sour taste in your mouth, racing heart, or trouble swallowing. When heartburn becomes chronic, it may lead to ulcers. Moreover, it may also cause inflammation in your esophagus. .

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a severe health issue. Under this state, stomach contents seep out into the esophagus. Eventually, it results in heartburn. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is an area of muscle. It locates at the bottom of your food pipe, which opens to allow food and liquid to pass into the stomach. Furthermore, LES closes to prevent these contents from flowing back up (refluxing) into the esophagus. In people with GERD, the sphincter doesn’t close properly. As a result, stomach acid and sometimes bile back up into the food pipe. When this happens, burning pain in the chest may radiate up to the neck and throat.

What are the symptoms of GERD?

Some of the symptoms are-

• Burning pain in your chest. It can radiate up to your neck, throat, or jaw.
• Sour taste in your mouth.
• Difficulty swallowing. You may also feel like food is getting stuck or blocked in your throat.
• Belching.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.

If you experience such symptoms, consult your doctor for effective acid reflux treatment.

What are the causes of GERD?

Acid reflux occurs when the ring of muscle does not close properly. Usually, a ring of muscle at the bottom of your esophagus acts like a valve. It closes tightly when the food reaches the stomach. Eventually, it keeps stomach contents where they belong. In people with GERD, this valve relaxes when it should not.

What is the role of the stomach valve?

The LES is supposed to prevent the contents of the stomach. It includes acid and enzymes that digest food from refluxing into the esophagus. However, if the reverse happens, you might feel a sour or bitter taste in your mouth. At the same time, the presence of stomach contents in your esophagus can irritate and inflame the lining of your esophagus. Eventually, it causes heartburn symptoms.
Your doctor may conduct a diagnosis before prescribing you acid reflux treatment.

What can trigger acid reflux?

The most common cause of heartburn is when stomach acid regurgitates into the esophagus. The food you eat may cause this to happen. Other triggers can be lifestyle habits, diet, and medications.
Foods that can cause heartburn are-

• Chocolate
• Peppermint candy and gum
• Oily or fried foods such as French fries, fried chicken, or doughnuts
• Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks
• Some medications for treating headaches, colds, allergies, and hay fever can also trigger heartburn
• Lying down shortly after eating, especially if you’re overweight

What medications can treat acid reflux?

Some medications can help ease GERD symptoms. However, it’s important to remember they are not cures. If you have been prescribed medication, make sure to take them as directed by your doctor.

• Antacids

Antacids like Tums may relieve your symptoms. However, do not use them for a long period. If you use them for too long for acid reflux treatment, they will stop working.
Medications that fight stomach acid directly, such as Zantac or Pepcid, can also help. They work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach drips into your esophagus. Nevertheless, these tablets also cause some side effects. Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks involved.

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

These medications help treat moderate to severe heartburn symptoms. They stop acid production altogether. Moreover, PPIs include Prilosec and Prevacid. They stop acid production in your stomach. Eventually, PPIs can provide long-lasting relief.

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• H2 Blockers

These medications are also known as H2-receptor antagonists. This acid reflux treatment reduces acid production in your stomach by blocking histamine. It is the chemical responsible for stimulating parietal cells to produce gastric acid. Moreover, common h2 blockers are cimetidine and famotidine.
These medications work best when they are used every day for long periods. Moreover, they may also prevent future esophageal damage.

Do these medications cause side effects?

Take antacids only when you suffer from heartburn on a very occasional basis. On the other hand, PPIs should be used under the supervision of your doctor.
Typical side effects of PPIs include-

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea

These can also interact with other medications. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your doctor before using any drug for acid reflux treatment.
In rare cases, H2 blockers may cause liver problems. Therefore, make sure you get checked for changes in your liver function as needed during treatment.

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What foods can relieve heartburn?

Some foods can give you quick relief from GERD. Therefore, add the following foods to your diet-

• Bananas
• Almonds
• Watermelon
• Ginger Tea
• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
• Baking Soda
• Aloe Vera Juice

How can you prevent acid reflux?

• Avoid carbonated drinks

Drinking carbonated or caffeinated beverages may make acid reflux worse. Moreover, these drinks increase the production of stomach acid. Eventually, it causes discomfort. For that reason, avoid them to support your acid reflux treatment.

• Do not eat late at night

Avoid eating heavy meals before bedtime. Eating earlier is one of the most effective ways to treat acid reflux. In addition, avoid lying down immediately after you eat. The combination of food in your stomach and gravity makes it almost impossible for food to remain where it should be.

• Exercise regularly

Exercise daily. It does not have to be for a long time either. Just fifteen minutes each day should be enough. Moreover, just getting moving can do wonders for your health. For that reason, it is a good idea to form a habit of exercising daily.

• Reduce stress

Stress is another factor that can cause acid reflux. Therefore, be sure to relax as much as you can. You can also look for a way to manage your stress. Meditation is an excellent solution. Nevertheless, if you have trouble meditating, try doing some yoga. Going for a walk in the park may also help. In addition, getting over stress can help with your acid reflux treatment.

• Keep a check on your eating habits

Switch up your eating habits. Add more raw foods to your diet. Raw produce contains enzymes. They help break down food easier. Moreover, raw foods improve motility in the stomach. Eventually, you digest it better and get rid of acid reflux before it becomes a real problem.

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