Acid reflux defined
Acid reflux is known by many names, like heartburn, indigestion, bloating, borborygmus and dyspepsia. It’s experienced as a vague chest or abdominal discomfort, usually suffered after consuming food or liquids.
Symptoms of acid reflux
The symptoms of acid reflux are hard to ignore! They may manifest themselves in many ways. Your stomach may growl or you may excessively belch. You may experience a burning sensation, pain or pressure behind the breastbone. This pain may even be felt between the shoulders or in the neck, while swallowing. In some, this burning sensation may be replaced by pain or pressure. Other symptoms are excessive gas, upper abdominal fullness or heaviness and acid taste in the mouth.
Causes of acid reflux
Although, the causes of acid reflux are related to excessive smoking, eating, drinking, swallowing air and emotional upset, the exact cause remains unknown. However, you can prevent this condition to a great extent by modifying your eating and other habits.
Preventing acid reflux
Heartburn can at least be minimized, if not completely prevented. Let’s see how:
a. Stop smoking, especially before or while eating. Smoking makes you swallow small amounts of air, which form air pockets in the digestive tract, slowing food digestion.
b. Avoid deep fried and fatty foods. Also restrict gas forming foods, like beans, cabbage, cucumbers and onions. Identify foods that aggravate your condition and avoid them.
c. Stop having your meals reclining on the sofa or propping up in bed. This is known to cause acid reflux. Eat sitting on the dinner table in an upright position and chew the food thoroughly and slowly. And don’t consume alcohol with food.
d. Go for a small walk after eating to stimulate the digestive system after a meal. However, never exercise following a large meal.
e. A tight belt or jeans not only restricts circulation, but can cause heartburn too. So, avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing.
Home remedy for acid reflux
Where heartburn is concerned, antacids have practically ruled the world. However, it’s becoming clearer now that these common medicines can leave you with certain side effects. Thus, people the world over are turning to natural remedy for acid reflux disease. These acid reflux remedies include: Read more at Natural Remedies
