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How to get rid of stuff » Health Problems » How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux
 

How to Get Rid of Acid Reflux

November 21st, 2009 by admin
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1. What is Acid Reflux?

acid refluxAcid reflux is a painful condition that affects millions of people all over the world. It is caused when your stomachs digestive acids make their way up into the esophagus. If you suffer from acid reflux on a regular basis, there is a chance that it may be the result of another more serious condition called gastroesophogeal reflux disease; also known as GERD (For more information on GERD, read The guide to Gastroesophagal Reflux Disease).

 

GERD is common in people of all ages. As you swallow something, it passes through the esophagus to a ring of muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which separates the esophagus from the stomach. These muscles normally open to allow the swallowed food to pass and then close immediately after its passage. In people with GERD, this muscle is weak or otherwise impaired and does not close like it should once the food has passed. When this happens acid is likely to force its way up into the esophagus and cause heart burn. This is a destructive pattern that can actually lead to some pretty serious complications beyond the painful symptoms of heartburn. (Tips on how to get rid of heartburn)

 

2. What are common acid reflux symptoms?

Besides the obvious dull, burning sensation in the chest, there are other conditions that can happen as a direct result of acid reflux. These are:

Ulcers

Patient suffering from ulcer Your esophagus is covered in a special protective lining. When the acids from your stomach back up into it on a regular basis this lining will eventually get damaged causing painful ulcers in your esophagus. If the reflux is allowed to continue you could even find yourself facing erosion of the esophagus blood vessels which results in serious bleeding. If this happens you may need surgery to repair the damage so see your doctor the instant you think you may have an ulcer.

Coughing and asthma attacks

CoughMost people are surprised to learn that you can have an asthma attack due to GERD and heartburn. It is well known that asthma sufferers are more prone to acid reflux than non-sufferers and there are currently many studies underway to determine why. Some of the more popular theories suggest that acid in the esophagus can stimulate the nerve endings that trigger coughing (Learn how to get rid of coughs), or that the acid itself gets aspirated into the lungs. While anyone may find themselves coughing due to GERD, in most cases only people with a preexisting asthma condition will have an actual asthma attack (Tidbits on asthma, see Asthma) .

Barrett's esophagus

esophagus In some people who suffer regularly from acid reflux disease, the cells in the lower esophagus will respond to repeated exposure to digestive acids by growing into a completely different type of cell! In most cases, these new cells are similar to cells located in your stomach or intestines in that they are better able to withstand the acidic environment they have been exposed to. While this may sound like a useful adaptation, Barrett's esophagus can often lead to cancer of the esophagus. Barrett’s can be detected with a procedure called an endoscopy – during which a small camera is passed through the esophagus and is used to visually inspect for abnormalities.

3. Getting Rid of Acid Reflux

heart burnWhile heart burn is the most common symptom of acid reflux disease, not all heartburn is a result of it. Heart burn is often caused by simple things such as a poor diet or eating too close to bedtime. You can often stop heartburn by avoiding certain foods which trigger highly acidic digestive conditions such as citrus fruits, spicy foods and heavy dairy foods. These are harder to digest and can lead to an over production of acid in your stomach. Eating late at night is also something that should be avoided, as the instant you lay down to go to sleep, the only thing keeping digestive acids out of your esophagus is your lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which will open to allow gases produced during digestion to escape (when you burp) and if you are lying down, this ‘burp’ will likely be an acid bath. Heartburn can keep you awake at night and make doing everyday things a miserable experience. The pain can be intense and at times accompanied by serious nausea.

Some popular solutions to stop heartburn:

Take an antacid

This is a good way to deal with heart burn, not necessarily with GERD. Most over-the-counter antacids are bases, which when consumed will neutralize your stomach acid. Though convenient, these are short-term solutions that will stop the pain at the expense of reducing your body’s digestive efficiency.

Tums and Rolaids

These are the most commonly used over-the-counter antacids on the market. They are calcium tablets that neutralize your digestive acids and can be effective in treating heart burn for very short periods of time. Overuse of these products can cause your stomach to adapt and produce even more acid than it normally would, creating an even worse case of reflux than you had when you started taking them.
Antacid anti acid products

Pepto Bismol

Pepto Bismol's active ingredient is Bismuth subsalicylate which is used as an anti-inflammatory, antacid, and mild antibiotic. This often lasts a little longer but can lead to constipation in some patients (Bismuth subsalicylate is also the main ingredient in Kaopectate – an anti-diarrhea medication). This over the counter medicine can be used to treat other illnesses as well, such as indigestion, nausea and diarrhea.

Gaviscon

Currently, the most commonly doctor recommended product for dealing with the symptoms of heartburn. Gaviscon contains “alginate” (alginic acid and sodium bicarbonate). When consumed these two chemicals interact to form a foam ‘raft’ that floats on top of your stomach acids acting as a barrier between them and your esophagus. It works fast and keeps working for some time.

Maalox and Mylanta

Both of these antacids contain Magnesium Hydroxide (milk of magnesia) and aluminum hydroxide. Milk of magnesia is normally used to treat constipation but is also effective against heartburn. The addition of magnesium hydroxide counteracts the unwanted laxative effects making these products effective antacids.
Gaviscon pepto bismal Alka Seltzer Medicine

Alka-Seltzer

Alka Seltzer's active ingredient is sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). It works by increasing the alkalinity of your stomach's contents.

4. Getting rid of GERD

You can’t really get rid of GERD, but you can certainly manage it. Here are some good options to review with your doctor:

H2 antagonists

Do not confuse these with antacids; they work in an entirely different fashion. These are drugs that work to block the normal function of histamine in the stomach – reducing total acid production. H2 antagonists should be taken before meals and can prevent heartburn for nine to twelve hours at a time giving the esophagus some time to heal itself even after it has been damaged by previous acid reflux. Use of H2 antagonists had been steadily declining in favor of more effective drugs called proton pump inhibitors (Next section). These are the most common H2 antagonists in use today:
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet, Dyspamet)
  • Ranitidine (Zantac)
  • Famotidine (Pepcid)
  • Nizatidine (Axid)
  • Ranitidine bismuth citrate (Pylorid)
    • Tagamet Zantac pepcid

Proton Pump Inhibitors

The cells in your stomach that produce digestive acids are called gastric parietal cells. The part of these cells that excretes acid is the proton pump. Proton pump inhibitors (in case you haven’t guessed already) work by disabling the proton pumps directly, stopping acid production by the gastric parietal cells that have been infiltrated by the drug. These drugs often need to be taken for 2-3 days before results can be seen and are available by prescription only. Proton pump inhibitors to ask your doctor about are:
  • Omeprazole (Losec)
  • Esomeprazole (Nexium)
  • Lansoprazole (Zoton and Prevacid)
  • Pantoprazole (Protium)
  • Rabeprazole sodium (Pariet)
Omeprazole Nexium esomeprazol

5. Preventing Acid Reflux

The healthiest way to avoid heartburn is to modify your diet for acid reflux prevention: By eating more of certain foods and less of others you may be able to control your heart burn and your GERD without the need for any drugs at all. Here are some guidelines to get your started. Experiment and discover what your triggers are.
  • Avoid citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. These foods are high in acids and can cause heartburn. More acid in your stomach means a greater chance of painful and debilitating heart burn. Tomatoes and cranberries should also be avoided for the same reasons.
  • Foods that are high in fat content should also be reduced, as should dairy. These heavy foods take much longer to digest, produce more gas during digestion and require more acid to do the job.
  • Avoid caffeine in all of its forms. This means no less coffee, tea and soda! Coffee and soda are especially acidic in nature and can lead to serious heartburn complications. If you have difficulties kicking this habit, learn how to stop drinking coffee.
  • Don’t overeat! More stomach real estate taken up by food means less room for digestive acids and a higher risk of reflux.

Visit the doctor!

If you have heartburn more than twice a week, it is time to see your regular physician for an examination. The doctor may be able to determine just what is causing your heart burn and help you choose an appropriate course of action.

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    1. Sophie Says:
      November 7th, 2009 at 7:08 am

      Well a few weeks before reading this I got sick and I puke pratically my whole stomach out. At the time I didn’t realize it but I started not to have all the symptoms of GERD. So then I look online and see if I can find anything about what was going on. I have had asthma attacks and heartburn and like the burning sensation for a few years now. Noe sinsemilla reading l this I am pretty sure I have it but I want a home remidy for it. What should I use?

    2. Rachel Says:
      August 12th, 2009 at 8:21 pm

      I eat only 1000 calories a day and I still feel puke come up (it doesn’t reach my mouth) and I have heartburn. How do I have acid reflux if I only eat 1000 cals per day? Do I really need to see my DR, I’m only 15.

    3. Jen Says:
      April 16th, 2009 at 7:49 pm

      The brand of apple that works best is red delicious.

    4. Ray Fitz Says:
      March 18th, 2009 at 7:43 am

      I tried many different treatments, including: fiber, probiotics of different kinds, d-limonine, antacids, etc.

      Nothing really worked.

      But I noticed that it got worse when I was constipated, so I started taking triphala for constipation.

      It worked for the constipation, but when I stopped taking it the constipation returned.

      So I started taking it every day - two pills in the morning and two in the evening (the brand I use is called “triphala gold”).

      After 2 or 3 weeks something amazing happened… NO MORE GERD!!!!

      My reflux was GONE. For the first time in over a year.

      Now it’s been a year and I sometimes get a tiny bit of reflux, but it’s still basically gone. Triphala is keeping it entirely under control.

      I’m so happy and I hope it keeps up!

      Best of luck to everyone.

      Ray

    5. Wiola Says:
      February 16th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

      water is #1

    6. Rand Says:
      November 19th, 2008 at 3:58 pm

      You could do all of those things….or simply take Apple Cider Vinegar 3 times a day for two weeks to either get rid of it all together or put it into remission

      the vinegar portion of the product is an amino acid and acts as fuel for your body to balance out your PH and your stomach acids correctly…and also fuel for your body that is used to correct complications in the body…acid reflux isn’t permanent just a condition just like having a cold, headache, or fever.

    7. Al Says:
      November 17th, 2008 at 7:04 am

      I have now been sufering from acid Reflux for 2 months and and it is really distrubing my life. what i want to know is why is there no 100% cure for it and if i have the surgery, will it get rid of this acid reflux for good or not?

      also what si the main cause as i know a lot of other people with a lot wrost lifstyles than me and why arent they suffering from this

      To be honset i enjoy drinking and smoking shisha every now and again and will i ever be able to enjoy these again?

    8. CINDY Says:
      September 20th, 2008 at 7:09 pm

      ALOE VERA JUICE WORKS WONDERS, 30 CC TWICE A DAY FOR A MONTH THEN ONCE A DAY, CHEAP AND EASY

    9. Justin Says:
      August 27th, 2008 at 10:28 pm

      All of those listed medicines for treating Acid Reflux are not treating the condition at all. They are only treating the symptoms and not the cause of it. For anyone who experiences acid reflux often, I recommend that you do the following. First, start taking a colon cleaner such as a fiber supplement to clean out your colon. Secondly, do not eat fruit and fruit products with any other types of food. Eat them as snacks at least 2 1/2 hours after a meal or 1 1/2 hours before a meal. Absolutely, never eat fruit right after a meal, and yes this includes pie and juice! Now, thirdly, do your best to stop eating protein foods and starched based foods at the same meal. When your body is trying to digest these two types of food together, the enzimes/acids needed to break down proteins interfere with the enzimes/acids needed to break down starches and vice versa. This creates excess acid which leads to heartburn, aka acid reflux. Protein foods are all animal products and nuts. Starch foods are all grain products, potatoes, yams, carrots, beans, except for green beans, corn, and peas. Not only will your acid reflux disappear, but as many as a hundred other health problems that you may be suffering from will likely also improve. I personally only eat meat at one meal a day and usually have two suppers so that I can enjoy meat and vegetables for one them and grains and vegetables at the other supper. Make sure the two meals are at least 2 1/2 hours apart. Our bodies are better designed to eat about 6 small meals a day, anyways.

    10. Barbara Says:
      August 6th, 2008 at 9:15 am

      I suffered from severe acid reflux; meds were not giving much relief and my doctor was suggesting an endoscopy. Then someone suggested that wheat was a trigger. Made sense to me: when my tummy hurt, I would crave white bread toast or cream of wheat. I would feel better for awhile; then the symptoms would return, often even worse. This was a classic allergy/sensitivity pattern. I cut out wheat; the reflux improved and I lost 5 pounds (even though I replaced the wheat with other grains). I then when to a chiropractor who tested for food sensitivities using kinesiology. I cut out a long list of foods and this completely took care of the reflux — I even stopped my maintenance dose of zantac. I lost about 30 lbs. over 6 months without trying to lose weight. I’ve been able to add some foods back over time (but not wheat). It has also been helpful to pay attention to food combining; I do not eat animal protein with grains or legumes in the same meal. (See Jeanne Marie Martin’s Complete Candida Guidebook for food combining rules and other suggestions for healthy eating.) If I seriously provoke my system with a huge fatty meal before bed, I do experience some reflux, but otherwise I’ve been reflux-free for years.

    11. dee Says:
      July 25th, 2008 at 6:38 pm

      my acid reflux came on suddenly 10 months ago.An improper diagnosis of pleurisy led me to lung dr. who diagnosed the acid reflux.Prilosec brought little relief but icouldnot keep food down without it.It also was causing my stomache to feel like it was caving in. Gastro dr. prescribed prevacid.I eat only very lean meat,bland vegetables,apples, bananas and things like plain rice cakes.I try not to smoke much as this makes it much worse. I have gotten alot of relief from the chest and throat pain,Ibelieve diet is large cause.however,I am now experiencing horrible stomache pain.Today I read to sprinkle gelatin on food,eat alot of bananas,and raw potato. Start with an undercooked baked potato,gradually work tour way to a raw potato in the blender.I tried the blender potato today,but my stomache is not ready for that yet.Good luck!

    12. divers Says:
      June 28th, 2008 at 8:38 pm

      i had really bad heartburn for years and taking omeprazole daily but still get heartburn once in a while ,so when that happen i get rid of it really quick by mixing a full teaspoon of baking soda in about an inch of water in a glass and mix to dissolve and drink quick in one shot,doesnt take long and its gone.hopefully it works for you as well.

    13. Ilona Says:
      June 28th, 2008 at 12:32 am

      I want to know what kind of food to eat because i suffer stomach ache & how many times per day should i eat. Thank u in advance! Regards,ILONA

    14. phyrux Says:
      June 13th, 2008 at 5:25 pm

      Actually ACID will kill us all. cux there’s no CURE. I’ve already suffered 5 years and still its there. I’ve been to a thousand doctors, wasted more than $50000. FINALLY I’m willing to commit SUICIDE now. wish u all luck! BYE BYE.

    15. vicky Says:
      May 27th, 2008 at 9:20 am

      Hi, i dont really have any tips as im still trying to find one myself that works…. i am 25 yrs old and first got heartburn when i was carrying my 1st child at 21 since than i have had it everyday for the last 4 yrs and was drinking pints of milk and gaviscon only for all of it to fail, i was than put on omeprazole but that didnt work either… im now expecting my 2nd child and i am 4 months pregnant, so have pretty much hit a dead end with treatment as nothing stays down with the heartburn… was suppose to have the camera down my throat but thats on hold till after the birth and was prescribed lansprazole but told not to take them while pregnant….. have since seen another doctor who is thinking of doing triple therapy during pregnancy, im not sure what this is and if anyone had any advice for me…

    16. yvonne biro Says:
      May 17th, 2008 at 12:49 pm

      I would like to know which brand of apple is supposed to really help acid reflux

    17. jigar Says:
      April 25th, 2008 at 5:31 am

      If u have a heart burn or acid reflux it is a nature of pitta in ayurveda you should eat less spicy food, drink lots of water another prescription mentioned below:-
      Triphala is an excellent Ayurvedic remedy for regulating the bowels is a combination of three fruits that tone the muscles in the large intestine. It should be used on a regular basis, however, and not just when temporary constipation occurs.

      Amla powder 3 grams mixed with 3 grams of powdered mishri (rock candy) is very helpful solution for acid reflux. Total 6 grams is dose of one time.

    18. latawn Says:
      April 4th, 2008 at 1:45 pm

      I heard about the apple a day cure for acid reflux but i also heard it has to be a certain brand of apple. What brand do you use?

      Thanks

    19. kate Says:
      March 23rd, 2008 at 2:48 pm

      Anyone reading this would be completely confused by all the apparrent tips to cure acid reflux and the criticism of them from others. The fact is that if you have this problem your body is out of balance. The body’s ph neutral is slighly alkaline- alkaline forming foods are vegetables, and fruit (if it is not picked before it is ripe, which it is in this country- so avoid it) avoid the known triggers. but bear in mind that acidic foods, such as vinegar aren’t always acid forming when in the body. although lemon, for example is an acid fruit, it is alkali forming in the body- it wouldn’t cause indigestion. you need to alkalise your body by eating plenty of veg and no sweets. that tip about a tsp of sugar is a total load of rubbish, it’s simply a guess.

    20. jen Says:
      March 19th, 2008 at 11:18 am

      papaya extract it’s like 4 bucks a bottle for 100 tablets, i am having a baby and wanted a natural fix, my midwife suggested this and it worked!

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