EMMA WANJIKU

What is Acid Reflux?



Posted: Saturday, November 21, 2009

by EMMA WANJIKU
EMMALIFETIPS.com

Heartburn is common and it affects a lot of people. Many times when you eat a heavy meal, you will definitely find yourself asking for antacids due to the chest and throat pain. It happens once in a while. However, if heartburn persists for weeks and refuses to go away, you might have acid reflux. This is because heartburn that persists is the main indicator of the condition. In a nutshell, acid reflux occurs when the tube connecting from your throat to your stomach is not strong enough to handle acid produced in the stomach. The acid flows from the stomach and causes pain in your chest up to your oesophagus.

The acid normally does not harm the stomach wall lining because they are build to withstand the acid. Acid reflux is a condition also known as GERD and the backflow of acid happens for unknown reasons. There is need for you to seek help to deal with this problem and it is best to see a doctor. You will be advised on what to do and what not to do when you have this condition. The following are some of the top recommendations that will help you overcome the problem.

First, experts advise that you try to sleep on your left side of the stomach rather than the right side. This will greatly reduce the effects of the heartburn and will do you so much good. Another thing to do while sleeping is to elevate your head in your bed. You can do this using an extra pillow. This will also go a long way in reducing the heartburn as you sleep.

Eat every time you feel hungry. This will help you avoid taking food in bulk just because you skipped meals.  Eating at once is the perfect recipe for heartburn and you should take in small meals during the day to evade this problem. Between meals, chewing some gum will do you good. This way, plenty of saliva will be created and this will wash away some of the acid that might do harm. Keep in mind that saliva is alkaline and will work to neutralize the acid.

However, make sure that you do not chew mint gums because they will make acid reflux worse. Another thing you can do is to drink water which will help dilute the acid reducing the extent of the heartburn. You are advised never to eat a meal and then sleep. You need to eat at least 4 hours before bed time. Meanwhile, you can walk around to give the food some time to digest.

If acid reflux is not treated for a long time, you will end up compromising the lining of your oesophagus. When harm is done, the condition will be called erosive oesophagitis. Through an endoscopy a doctor can determine whether you have the condition. The good news is that there is treatment available and you should not suffer unbearably.
Emma Wanjiku is a trained journalist who has been researching on many categories for her work. She has vast experience which she packages to give people essential tips on topics of life. For more see www.emmalifetips.com
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