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Acid
Reflux Disease
and
GERD:
What is ACID REFLUX?
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 acid reflux. Common signs of acid
reflux 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 acid reflux including infants, children,
and pregnant women.
What Causes ACID REFLUX?
The cause of acid reflux is complex. There probably are
multiple causes, A small number of patients with acid reflux
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 acid reflux
are: the lower esophageal sphincter and hiatal hernias. acid
reflux 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 acid reflux include: alcohol use, overweight,
pregnancy, and smoking.
How is ACID REFLUX 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 acid reflux. 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 acid reflux, 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 ACID REFLUX
Certain foods can be associated with reflux events, Try to
Avoid:
o citrus fruits
o chocolate
o drinks with caffeine
o fatty and fried foods
o garlic and onions
o mint flavorings
o spicy foods
o tomato-based foods, like spaghetti sauce, chili, and pizza
What "Triggers" ACID REFLUX?
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 acid
reflux. 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.
RECOMMENDED ACID REFLUX DIET :
The following recommendations may be helpful in reducing symptoms:
* Eat small, frequent portions of food and snack if needed.
* Stop using tobacco in all forms. Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle.
* Elevate the head of the bed six to eight inches to prevent reflux when
sleeping. Extra pillows, by themselves, are not very helpful.
* Avoid chewing gum and hard candy. They increase the amount of swallowed air
which, in turn, leads to belching and reflux.
* Do not lie down immediately after eating. Avoid late evening snacks.
* Avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating.
* Lose weight if overweight. Obesity leads to increased reflux.
THESE FOODS SHOULD BE AVOIDED :
* peppermint and spearmint
* chocolate
* fatty or fried foods
* whole milk
* oils
* creamed foods or soups
* most fast foods
THESE FOODS SHOULD BE AVOIDED OR ELIMINATED :
* caffeinated soft drinks
* citrus fruits and juices (grapefruit, orange, pineapple, tomato)
* coffee (regular and decaffeinated)
* tea
* other caffeinated beverages
* Spicy or acidic foods may not be tolerated by some individuals.
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