| Everytime you turn on the television
these days, there is a downpour of over-the-counter and
prescription medications for the relief and prevention
of acid reflux. As with medications for any ailment,
there are theories regarding the disease and how well
the medications work.
From a medical point of view, acid
reflux is a condition caused by acidic contents from the
stomach moving upward into the esophagus, which results
in a burning sensation. When the valve found at the
lower end of the esophagus is dysfunctional, it allows
the acidic content of the stomach to be regurgitated,
where it would block this behavior when functional.
Another belief is that acid reflux is
caused by an individual's eating habits. As the
civilized world eats more and more junk and processed
foods, the majority of the food ends up in the stomach
undigested. This undigested material turns into acidic
waste, which causes stomach spasms. These spasms create
stomach gas which pops open the valve between the
stomach and esophagus, allowing the acidic content to
return to the esophagus.
Others believe that acid reflux is
related to aging. As we age, the activity of the stomach
is reduced. This also reduces the ability to produce
hydrochloric acid. The result is the stomach turning
into a breeding ground for infection which can cause
stomach pain and acid waste irritation.
Whatever the cause behind acid reflux,
it is often a chronic disease. Therefore, most
medications for the disease merely relieve the burning
and other symptoms and cannot actually cure the
condition. As medications relieve the symptoms caused by
acid reflux, they can cause several undesirable side
effects due to the fact that they cut down the acid
production in the stomach, leading to a reduction in
ability to digest food. These medications can make you
more susceptible to diseases and microbes transmitted
through food. This may increase your risk for food
poisoning and a host of other problems.
Before you choose a medication or a
natural method to rid yourself of the burning that
accompanies acid reflux, you should first make a
thorough assessment of the food you eat and your
lifestyle. Studies show that foods such as citrus,
chocolate, garlic, onions, spicy, fried and fatty foods
all contribute to and can aggravate acid reflux.
Limiting your intake or avoiding such foods as much as
possible is a good first line of defense against future
acid reflux bouts.
Lifestyle modification, such as losing
weight, cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, sleeping
with your head raised six to eight inches, and waiting
three hours after eating before going to bed can assist
in reducing the number of acid reflux episodes you may
have.
Though you should discuss your options
with your physician, something as simple as lifestyle
improvements and dietary changes can help to keep you
from adding an acid blocker or acid reflux medication to
your daily diet.
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