Acid Reflux: Can it be cured?
Acid reflux or GERD is an important health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. It is regurgitation of stomach content high in acid into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which remains tightly closed, prevents reflux and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the LES becomes faulty acid reflux will result. This is called gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD.
Is it possible to cure your acid reflux? If it is due to true LES incompetence, then there is no cure. In LES incompetence, you need maintenance acid suppressant treatment such as omeprazole, or if very severe or you develop secondary problems then surgical treatment such as fundoplication will relieve your symptoms.
There are, however, various factors that can affect the efficiency of the LES and acid reflux. Eliminating these factors may avoid a trip to your doctor or taking over the counter medication. A lifestyle change is sometimes all you need.
Obesity can cause or contribute to acid reflux. This is especially so in the apple type distribution of weight. The increased bulk in the abdomen makes it difficult for the esophagus to discharge food effectively into the stomach. In addition hiatus hernia is more common in obese individuals. The LES can be weakened by a hiatus hernia. An important aspect of acid reflux treatment is losing weight.
Wearing tight fitting clothes can cause acid reflux especially if it is two sizes too small. The pressure exerted on the stomach may trigger back flow into the esophagus. Wear loose clothes and your reflux symptoms may go away.
A large meal entering the stomach will increase the pressure on the LES and can cause acid reflux. We all experience this at some time or other. Gastric clearance time is also increased by large volume increasing the risk for reflux. To counter this problem, eat smaller portions.
Acid Reflux can be affected by certain foods. Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis is an inflammation caused by cow’s milk intolerance. Removing cow’s milk protein from your diet will control this. Other foods such as fats, coffee, alcohol, tea and some spices can affect the lower esophageal sphincter.
The lower esophageal sphincter can be affected by some drugs and cause acid reflux. These drugs include broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease.
GERD symptoms are affected by female hormones. In a Scandinavian Study, women on hormones had increased risk of GERD. These drugs include the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The peristaltic waves in the esophagus can be slowed down by sedatives and tranquillisers and can affect clearance of food from the esophagus.
If you have GERD and you are on medication, opt for liquid medication. Tetracycline and certain other drugs are corrosive to the esophageal lining. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can get stuck in the esophagus. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water after medication to wash it down. Try not to take medication while lying down. GERD patients should always take medication sitting up or standing and avoid lying down immediately after.
Nicotine in corrosive to the esophageal lining and also relaxes the LES. Stop smoking and your acid reflux might improve.
Acid Reflux risk is increased by certain exercises. Competitive weightlifting and cycling can do this. Joggers can develop acid reflux symptoms.
If by eliminating all the risk factors, your symptoms disappear, then you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.
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Tagged with: acid reflux • acid reflux treatment • Health
Filed under: Diet
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I found your blog really helpful in finding a solution to the acid reflux problem I have. Will follow the advice given and keep you posted on how I get on, keep up the good work.