If you suffer from acid reflux disease, don't despair...
Though there are a number of acid reflux symptoms, there are also a variety of effective treatment plans for this condition.
Some people have found natural remedies that are effective for the control of acid reflux disease. However, it is important to have acid reflux symptoms evaluated by a doctor, especially if chest pain is present, to rule out more serious conditions. Self-diagnosis is not recommended.
Heartburn, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth or back of the throat, and difficulty swallowing, are the most common acid reflux symptoms.
Treatment may include prescription and over-the-counter medications, dietary and lifestyle changes, or botanical and herbal remedies. We will discuss these below.
Before we do, however, keep in mind that acid reflux disease is a more serious ailment than just occasional heartburn, which almost everyone experiences at one time or another.
Dietary changes are almost always necessary for the control of acid reflux disease, but some people have found that a health drink made from mangosteen juice, taken before meals, can effectively control acid reflux symptoms.
Persistent cough, hoarseness and upset stomach are examples of other problems that may be acid reflux symptoms. Treatment of acid reflux disease often begins with a group of prescription drugs called proton pump inhibitors.
The coughing and hoarseness are caused by stomach acid leaking up into the esophagus, which is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Proton pump inhibitors are taken daily to prevent secretion of stomach acid, but they were not intended for long term use and can have adverse side effects, which may include headache, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue and dizziness.
Two ounces of mangosteen juice, on the other hand, taken before meals, may effectively dilute stomach acid and has no known adverse side effects.
Drinking a mangosteen health drink for the control of acid reflux disease may be considered a “folk” remedy, since no prescription is necessary. But, remember: herbs and botanicals were the first medicines of mankind, and the mangosteen was used historically by the native peoples of Southeast Asia to treat many conditions, including heartburn, indigestion and upset stomach.
Prescription drugs, on the other hand, are a recent addition to the healthcare scene when put into proper context, and the reality is that they often may cause more harm than good.
In order to control acid reflux disease, it may still be necessary to make changes in eating habits, such as reducing the number of fried, fatty and fast foods, as well as eating more slowly and in a stress-free environment.
Many people will swear that adding mangosteen juice is even more effective than a prescription drug for the prevention of acid reflux symptoms. People who use the drink regularly rarely complain of acid reflux disease.
Keep in mind that this is not scientific proof, just anecdotal evidence.
Avoiding coffee, alcohol, spicy foods and even losing weight can also help control or prevent acid reflux symptoms. Smoking cigarettes has been shown to relax the muscles in the esophagus that normally prevent stomach acid from reaching the throat.
So, if you have acid reflux disease, then you have another reason to quit smoking. Uncontrolled acid reflux disease can eventually lead to damage to the lining of the esophagus and has been noted as a major risk factor for esophageal cancer.
It is believed that mangosteen juice prevents inflammation of the esophagus and has also been studied as a cancer preventative.
It is important to treat acid reflux disease seriously and visit your doctor regularly. Not taking acid reflux symptoms seriously is a risk you do not want to take.
Mike Leuthen is chief editor of http://www.restore-your-health.com. Visit us to learn more about acid reflux disease and how to overcome it.
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