Acid Reflux

Poll

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Author:
Patsy Hamilton

The first choice for acid reflux relief is usually an antacid or a proton pump inhibitor. The first neutralizes excess stomach acid, while the second prevents the stomach from producing excess stomach acid. But, some people look for alternative medicine and acid reflux relief. And, in fact, for long term acid reflux relief, a complete treatment plan which includes dietary and lifestyle changes may be the most effective.

When looking for alternative medicine and acid reflux relief, you may find references to herbal and botanicals and some people find that these are effective. Herbal remedies for acid reflux may include chamomile, meadowsweet, slippery elm, cancer bush, fennel, catnip, angelica root, gentian root, ginger root or other botanicals. Slippery elm was used historically by native peoples to treat stomach upset, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn and other digestive complaints. Fennel and gingerroot were also common “folk remedies” for the relief of indigestion. Modern herbalists have found that a combination of several of the herbs that had been used for indigestion could be effective for acid reflux relief.

Alternative medicine and acid reflux relief usually includes recommendations for lifestyle changes. Tobacco use relaxes the sphincter muscles that prevent stomach acid from coming back up into the esophagus. It also dries out saliva in the mouth and throat which would normally neutralize some of the stomach acid and also begins the digestive process. Stop using tobacco products and you may find acid reflux relief.

Other alternative medicine and acid reflux treatment plans may include changes in eating habits. Eating large meals can cause stomach acid to leak back up into the esophagus. Eating smaller meals more frequently has provide acid reflux relief for some people. Lying down immediately after eating allows more stomach acid to leak into the esophagus. Eating your last meal at least two to three hours before bedtime may provide acid reflux relief, particularly if you have nighttime symptoms. Raising the head of the bed is also recommended for nighttime acid reflux relief.

Another alternative medicine and acid reflux treatment plan may include a weight loss program. Obese and overweight people are more likely to suffer from acid reflux than are those who are at their ideal weight. The extra weight puts extra pressure on the stomach, particularly when lying down, causing symptoms of acid reflux. Losing weight may provide acid reflux relief and typically provides other health benefits as well, such as improved quality of life, improved energy and improved mood.

Alternative medicine and acid reflux treatment plans may include changes in what you eat and drink. Spicy foods, fried foods, fatty foods, onions, garlic and peppers can all increase stomach acid. Coffee and other caffeinated beverages increase stomach acid and may worsen symptoms of acid reflux. Alcohol, particularly when consumed at night is another product to avoid for acid reflux relief. Cooking with ginger and fennel for flavoring and baking rather than frying may all provide acid reflux relief.

For more information about acid reflux relief and relief from other digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com

Patsy Hamilton has more than twenty years experience as a healthcare professional and currently writes informational articles for the Digestive Disorders Guide. Read more at http://www.digestive-disorders-guide.com

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Acid Reflux... What are the Best Natural Cures for Acid Reflux? Acid reflux is quite a serious condition that must not be overlooked. Many people experience heartburn from time to time, but those suffering from acid reflux feel it a few times a week, and eventually the esophagus can get too erroded and stomachal acids can leak into the lungs and into the mouth. Many things can cause acid reflux, from drinking too much alcohol and eating too many acidic foods to too much stress. Acid reflux can be treated with medication prescribed by the doctor or with natural remedies. Since medication can have side-effects many people prefer the natural cures for acid reflux. But if both natural cures and prescribed medication fails to give any results then surgery is required before acid seriously damages the esophagus. The first symptoms of acid reflux are a sensation of heartburn that keeps appearing more and more often and stomach content coming back inside the mouth. These symptoms get worse when you lie down right after eating a meal. There are a lot of natural cures for acid reflux, and many have reported that these natural cures gave good results in the treatment. You shouldn't lie down right after eating a meal, because this can help what's inside the stomach leak back. You should also elevate the side of the bed where you put your head. Digestion is usually done in 2-3 hours, so you can lie in bed all you want after this time passes. It's also better to eat more small meals instead of few beg ones, to keep the stomach from filling. Then you should avoid certain types of foods that stimulate acid production, like chewing gum and chocolate. Cut down alcohol and smoking because these irritate the esophagus' walls even more. Some natural substances are recommended in the heartburn and acid reflux condition. These can relieve the...