What is GERD? Acid Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly referred to as GERD, or acid reflux, is a condition in which the liquid content of the stomach backs up into the esophagus. The liquid can inflame and damage the lining of the esophagus although this occurs in a minority of patients. The regurgitated liquid usually contains acid and pepsin that are produced by the stomach causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. Occasional heartburn is common but does not necessarily mean one has GERD. Common signs of GERD are chest pain, especially while lying down at night, difficulty swallowing, coughing, wheezing, asthma, hoarseness, sore throat, and regurgitation of food or sour liquid. Anyone, at any age can have GERD including infants, children, and pregnant women.

What Causes GERD?

The cause of GERD is complex. There probably are multiple causes, A small number of patients with GERD produce abnormally large amounts of acid, but this is uncommon and not a contributing factor in the vast majority of patients. The factors that contribute to causing GERD are: the lower esophageal sphincter and hiatal hernias. GERD is caused by reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. In most sufferers this is due to a relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that opens to allow food and liquids to pass into the stomach, and closes to prevent food and stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. The esophagus lining isn't the same as that of the stomach and isn't able to cope with acid as well as the stomach and is easily injured. It is this reflux of acid into the esophagus that produces the symptoms and potential damages to the esophagus. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest. The diaphragm helps the LES keep acid from coming up into the esophagus. When a hiatal hernia is present, it is easier for the acid to come up. In this way, a hiatal hernia can cause reflux. Other factors that may contribute to GERD include: alcohol use, overweight, pregnancy, and smoking.

How is GERD Diagnosed?

If your symptoms do not improve with AMP Floracel or self help options, you may need additional tests.

Usually a description of your symptoms will be all your doctor needs to determine the diagnosis of GERD. However, if your symptoms are particularly severe or don't respond to treatment, you may need to undergo other tests such as a Barium X-ray, an Endoscopy, Ambulatory Acid (pH) probe tests, or Esophageal impedance.

Treatment:

Self-Help Options:

If you are suffering from GERD, you may way to control your weight. Excess weight put pressure on your abdomen, pushing up your stomach and causing the acid to back up into your esophagus. Try to raise the head of your bed; an elevation of about six to nine inches puts gravity to work for you. Eat smaller meals; this reduces pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, helping to prevent the valve from opening and acid from washing back into your esophagus. Loosen your belt, Clothes that fit tightly around your waist put pressure on your abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter. Don't smoke. Smoking may increase stomach acid. The swallowing of air during smoking may also aggravate belching and acid reflux. Eliminate heartburn triggers. Everyone has specific triggers. Common triggers such as fatty or fried foods, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, garlic, onion, caffeine and nicotine may make heartburn worse. Be sure to consistently take Amp Floracel, it has natural healing and detoxifying powers and works gently within the intestinal tract to help break down impacted food residues to help prevent heartburn.

Over-the-counter remedies:

If you experience only occasional, mild heartburn, you may get relief from an over-the-counter medication. OTC remedies include: Antacids, such as Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids and Tums, neutralize stomach acid and can provide quick relief. But antacids alone won't heal an inflamed esophagus damaged by stomach acid.

Foods and GERD

Certain foods can be associated with reflux events, Try to Avoid:

• citrus fruits
• chocolate
• drinks with caffeine
• fatty and fried foods
• garlic and onions
• mint flavorings
• spicy foods
• tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizza

What "Triggers" GERD?

If you think you may have this condition, you may want to avoid: citrus fruits, chocolate, drinks with caffeine, fatty and fried foods, garlic and onions, mint flavorings, spicy foods, and tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizza. These foods are known to "trigger" symptoms of GERD. Smoking may increase stomach acid. The swallowing of air during smoking may also aggravate belching and acid reflux. Clothes that fit tightly around your waist put pressure on your abdomen and the lower esophageal sphincter which may cause heartburn. We have received several testimonials that show Amp Floracel can be of help when everything else has failed.

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