1. It's More Than Acid
Acid reflux disease occurs when stomach contents move from the stomach back into the esophagus and sometimes all the way back into the mouth. It is a problem that is both uncomfortable--no one likes heartburn--and dangerous. It can cause lung disease if reflux fluids enter the lungs, and persistent reflux can cause cancer of the esophagus. While reducing the acidity of reflux is important, even non-acidic reflux can cause symptoms and do damage. To completely cure reflux, the movement of ANY stomach contents backwards must be stopped.
2. Throw Away the Tight Bodices
The most common cause of reflux is also the simplest--at least in theory--to alleviate. The physical pressure of an obese abdomen forces stomach contents out of the stomach. Tight fitting and constricting garments do the same. So, lose weight and stop wearing girdles, lace-up bodices and corsets. The latter part is easy. Not a lot of people wear those now anyway. But the weight loss part is much harder.
3. Chew Your Food, Stop Slouching and No Late Night Snacks!
Some of the other treatments for acid reflux disease that are alternatives to medication sound like a grandmother's scoldings. Chewing food thoroughly, eating slowly, staying upright after eating a meal and not eating within 2 hours of going to bed for the night are all means of assisting the esophagus and stomach to function properly. The age-old adages regarding an ounce of prevention is certainly appropriate for acid reflux disease treatment.
4. Acid Makes it Worse
Acid reflux, also known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), can occur when stomach contents are not acidic, but it is always worse when they are. This is the reason medications that reduce the stomach's release of acid are so effective in GERD's treatment. Some of the medications, like Tagamet, Zantac, Axid and Pepcid are "H2 blockers" and work by suppressing acid secretion. Others, like Prilosec, Protonix, Prevacid, Aciphex and Nexium, are proton pump inhibitors. They turn off the stomach's proton pump and completely stop its acid production.
5. Spicy, Tangy and Hot--Also Bad for Reflux
A final means of reducing the bite of GERD is to avoid foods that cause it. These include tomatoes, significantly hot or cold beverages, large amounts of alcohol or caffeine, strongly spicy foods, peppers and red wines. If those foods look like they comprise the heart of some pretty tasty meals, they do. If you simply cannot tolerate the thought of never again enjoying the delights of a Southern Italian dinner, at least offer your esophagus a little help. Take an acid reducer 30 minutes before eating.
