Acid reflux - any cures/hints to help with it?

Answer 1

I don’t think giving money to the big pharmaceutical companies to pop some ineffective pill for the rest of your life is the answer. There are some easy (and cheap) ways that I’ve found to get rid of heartburn.

First off, lets take a look at what heartburn is. Despite what the commercials say, it is not a disease; it is when concentrated stomach acids reach your esophagus. There are some simple techniques that I’ve found that help:

There are essentially two ways for stomach acid to reach the esophagus. 1) something has bumped the stomach and acid has jumped up onto the esophagus or 2) pressure (from either outside or within the stomach) has forced stomach acid into the esophagus. Sometimes it can be a combination of both.

Immediate relief:

Drink water. (that means water, not soda, not juice, but pure water) I know it sounds too easy but it helps a ton, both as prevention and immediate relief. Water will wash any acid off of your esophagus and will dilute the acid, which will make it less harmful in the event that it does reach your esophagus (which will happen, it is not avoidable). Water will also give your food more viscosity (the ability to flow), which will help it exit the stomach faster.

Prevention:

Obviously, you want to stay away from high fat and deep fried foods (basically any thing that comes from a fast food joint). These foods take longer to digest and require more acid; which means a much higher chance for heartburn.

Eat more fiber. Among other benefits, fiber helps food go through the digestive system faster, which means its not in the stomach as longer and reduces the chances of stomach acid reach the esophagus.

Get rid of body fat. Body fat pressing up against the stomach can force acid out of the stomach and into the esophagus.

Stay upright. When your upside down or even sideways gravity will pull acid the wrong way, and into your esophagus. This would include when your sleeping, try putting bricks or something under two of the legs to get gravity on your side; on the same token, no waterbeds either.

Don’t eat three or four hours before bed because that’s about how long it takes for the stomach to empty. Plus anything digested while your asleep is going to be turned into fat.

No smoking. Nicotine and other chemicals found in cigarettes irritate the valve between the stomach and the esophagus, not to mention every other organ in your body.

No painkillers. Stay away from Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and anything their in; they will burn your esophagus. if you really need painkillers go for acetaminophen

Other foods to stay away from: peppermint, for some people it causes heartburn; coffee, that includes regular and decaf; soda, anything carbonated can causes stomach distention and that makes the acid rise; black pepper or spicy foods, these trigger stomach acid; alcohol, like smoking it can irritate the stomach/esophagus valve.

Even with all these preventive tips you can still get heartburn, that’s why its important to drink water right after a meal

hope these help,

NathaN210

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Hi I'm a Pharmacist. I think I can help.

There are many reasons why people suffer from reflux, hence, there are many lifestyle changes you can make before you try medications.

The best way to find out what is causing the problem is to look back at when you experience the symptoms. Some things we consume, such as spicy foods, alcohol and caffeine, can precipitate symptoms. Avoiding these 'triggers' may help.

The way you eat can also help. Smaller, regular meals are less likely to cause reflux than one or two large meals a day. Staying upright 30-60 mins after meals, and not going to bed with a full stomach is also a good tip.

If none of this helps, pharmacological treatment may be necessary. A variety of over-the-counter drugs are available, such as Zantac and Gaviscon, as well as some drugs that need to be prescribed by the doctor.

If lower GI symptoms occur as well, it is a good idea to make a visit to the doctor, as a peptic ulcer may be an underlying problem, which OTC medication wont help with too much.


Hope this helps!

Answer 4

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Answer 5

Did you want to treat it with conventional medicine or more naturally? My husband and daughter have severe GERD (gastro esophagial reflux disease) we have tried both types of attacks! Really depends on your thinking and coverage.... Zantac, Prevacid, Emoprazole....are all conventional types of GP prescription types of way to handle the reflux. Naturally you can obviously first off....avoid trigger foods...typically spicy, acidic juices, beer and alcohol.... avoid smoking...try and sleep slightly upright...put phone books under the head of your mattress. Apple Cider Vinegar taken a half hour before every meal can naturaly settle the acid in your stomach and that way you can avoid the stronger pills all together. Really depends on how you look at treating medical ailments....conventional or naturally. How long have you had acid reflux. Have you been for a PH probe test...to determine how much acid you have and at what times of day? A 'cleanse' is also a good idea and can help with acid reflux. My advice....try to treat it naturally....especially if its to be a long term problem.. Oh another piece of advice....try to keep your weight down, exercise daily...and avoid caffeine...all coffee and coke etc.... changing your lifestyle can be your best bet to help you overcome you reflux . Good luck, God Bless....Take care.... L.Butler

Answer 6

Raw potatoes,pure honey (2 tbl spoons ) grated potatoes in the morning, or when you feel acid reflux/heartburn coming on. (2 tbl spoons ) honey before bed. and yes it will also help if the head is elevated higher when laying down to sleep or rest...

Answer 7

Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey - 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider vinegar a couple tablespoons of honey every morning

Answer 8

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Answer 9

well first off stop eating the things that make you feel bad and then go to a doctor to get some pills, they will tell you what you will need. After that just try and stay away from the food that makes things worse.

Answer 10

Prevacid works really well, but it requires a prescription in the US. It is available over the counter in Europe, or at least in Italy.