What is Acid Reflux?
5040
Disease & Illness > Acid Reflux
Mar 1, 2007
Amanda Baker
What is Acid Reflux?
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.
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.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Amanda Baker writes for tobeinformed.com - a website for health, fitness and wellness information
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
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
Category:
When we her of llergy nd sthm studies, we often find them lumpted together. Is there relly connection between llergies nd sthm? To get to the nswer to this, we must first lern wht llergies nd sthm ctully re. Allergies
Category:
In these days of divorces, so many people would love to keep their marrie together forever. However, when marries begin to fall apart, divorces can often be messy. There is a way to make a divorce easier to work with, and that is with a separation
Category:
We've ll herd of ghostwriters. For some, ghostwriter is the ghostly ssistnt to junior detectives on PBS kids' show. For most, however, ghostwriter is someone who writes for nother, in the nme of nother. Mny celebrities use
Category:
One of the most common conditions in the United States today is a debilitating inflammatory disease that affects our joints. It is estimated that there are over 100 different forms of this disease and over 40 million people suffer from one form or
Category:
Other links at Disease & Illness > Acid Reflux
This article will help reveal the secret on how to avoid acid reflux with diet and nutrition. If you are a chronic heartburn sufferer, the correct term to use is acid reflux. Anyone who has suffered from acid reflux before, knows how
Category:
Acid eflux The formation of gases and acidic substances in the stomach and its backing up into the esophagus causes severe pain or burning sensation in the stomach and chest area that is clinically known as Acid eflux or Gastroespohageal
Category:
Acid Reflux or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach backs up or refluxes into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining of the esophagus. This regurgitated liquid mainly
Category:
Acid Reflux ? also known as Heartburn - is caused when acid from the stomach backs up into the esophagus, causing an uncomfortable burning sensation. Almost everyone experiences heartburn at some point in their life. However if these
Category:
Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, also referred to as acid reflux, is a physiological condition that causes the regurgitation of the stomach content into the esophagus and throat. Acid reflux is very common and may occur due to inappropriate diet,
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68200
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
