Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a digestive disorder that is most often characterized by a burning pain in the center of the chest just below the breastbone. Acid reflux is commonly called heartburn and most adults, even babies or children, suffer from heartburn at sometime during their lives. If heartburn occurs two or more times a week, it may be acid reflux disease which can be a serious medical condition.

Acid reflux is also called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, and the causes are not fully known, but there are many causes, symptoms, treatments, and remedies adults should learn about in order to get relief, starting with the right acid reflux diet.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Food passes down the throat to the stomach through the esophagus, which has a valve comprised of a ring of muscles called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES muscles). In acid reflux disease, the sphincter valve does not close properly or opens more often than it should, allowing stomach fluids like acid, pepsin, and bile to back up (reflux) into the esophagus, causing discomfort, heartburn pain, and even damage to the lining of the esophagus. GERD is a chronic condition, typically a life-long medical issue, and over time, acid reflux can lead to more serious medical conditions.

If not treated, acid reflux can lead to Barrett’s esophagus (a pre-cancerous change in the lining of the esophagus), esophageal ulcers, gum and dental disease, narrowing of the opening between the esophagus and the stomach (stricture), asthma, chronic cough, bronchospasm, laryngeal inflammation, and sinuses. A doctor may perform an endoscopy to diagnose Barrett’s esophagus and a biopsy may be performed to rule out cancer. If acid reflux persists with treatment, a follow up endoscopy may be needed.

Acid reflux may be treated with diet and lifestyle changes, including avoiding foods that cause acid reflux, antacids like Alka-Seltzer, Maalox, Rolaids, Mylanta, or Riopan, histamine antagonists (H2 blockers), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), foam barriers, surgery, and/or endoscopy. After learning what acid reflux is, the next important step is diagnosing whether you suffer from acid reflux symptoms.

GERD Symptoms

The most common symptoms of acid reflux are heartburn, regurgitation, dyspepsia and dysphagia, but other frequently reported symptoms include bloating, bloody stools or vomit, burping, hiccups that continue for long periods, nausea after eating, a dry cough or irritated sore throat. Dyspepsia is medical terminology for general indigestion and discomfort. Some adults may feel full after a small amount of food is consumed and some may lose weight with no apparent explanation.

Acid reflux symptoms may be worst in the morning since acid and stomach fluids may have refluxed into the esophagus or throat at night while the adult or child has been sleeping. Only a doctor can diagnose acid reflux disease and prescribe an effective treatment regime; however, adults may pinpoint what causes acid reflux on their own by observing the foods they eat and determining foods that cause them acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Causes

Acid reflux can be caused by a variety of factors, such as pregnancy, obesity, smoking, stress, and certain foods.

Acid Reflux During Pregnancy. Many women have described symptoms of acid reflux during pregnancy, but have not had a history of heartburn prior. What causes acid reflux in women usually stems from two factors, beginning with hormones secreted during pregnancy that relax the LES muscles and allow the reflux of stomach fluids and acid, as well as the larger uterus that puts pressure on the internal organs, specifically the stomach and bladder. Women experiencing acid reflux and pregnancy should not worry, since GERD does not pose a threat to your or your baby’s health, and usually subsides after giving birth. Learn more about acid reflux in babies and children.

Smoking, Obesity, and Acid Reflux. Smoking and obesity have not been known to cause acid reflux, but can aggravate symptoms. Smoking can irritate the throat and esophagus, whose lining may be thinned and inflamed, causing increased sensitivity and heightening the pain of heartburn. Obesity and excess weight around the stomach may put additional pressure and strain on the stomach and abdomen, increasing the chances of regular acid reflux symptoms.

Acid Reflux Foods To Avoid

Obesity may also be linked to a bad acid reflux diet. After having acid reflux symptoms repeatedly, most adults begin to realize that certain foods cause acid reflux while others foods can be good for acid reflux. The following is a list of acid reflux foods to avoid:

Coffee, tea, alcohol, liquor, energy drinks, carbonated beverages, cranberry and orange juice
Citrus, tomato, garlic, onions, mint, lime, lemons, strawberries, chocolate, French fries, oil & vinegar, etc.
Full-fat dairy products, such as sour cream, whole milk, and ice cream
Processed meats
Fatty, fried, or spicy foods
Large meals, overeating, and lying down or bending over after a meal
Eating or snacking close to bedtime

Lastly, wearing tight clothing, pants, or belts, can put additional pressure and strain on the stomach and cause acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Treatment & Remedies

Individuals who suffer from acid reflux and heartburn two or more times a week should consult a doctor to seek treatment options, remedies and find relief. If heartburn is eased by antacids but returns later, it may be a symptom of GERD. Heartburn that is worse at night is another indicator of acid reflux, since during the day the upright position of the body, constant swallowing and saliva ease symptoms. Medications which inhibit the production of stomach acid, neutralize stomach acid, or increase the speed of the digestive process can ease the symptoms of acid reflux and offer a remedy.

Acid Reflux Diet

In addition to medication, changes in lifestyle and diet can reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Smoking and obesity contribute to the condition, and certain foods, including caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, citrus fruits and tomatoes, will trigger acid reflux and should be avoided.
Adults and pregnant women should wear loose pants, dresses, and clothing, especially around the waist.
Bending over or lying down after eating can interfere with digestion and keep stomach acid trapped in the esophagus, resulting in heartburn.
If adults must sleep, nap or lie down, elevate the head 6 inches to maintain an incline and keep stomach contents from pushing up.
Five or six small meals rather than three large meals a day are recommended to control acid reflux symptoms.

Natural home remedies for acid reflux do exist, but results and efficacy vary depending on you. Lifestyle and diet modifications are the best and cheapest acid reflux remedies.

Most people have some acid reflux, but for those whose reflux causes recurring symptoms, treatment is vital to avoid complications. Self medication with over the-counter-antacids does not take the place of lifestyle changes, prescribed medication, and the proper acid reflux diet. Doctors can offer acid reflux treatment options which can control symptoms, but there is no cure for acid reflux and GERD usually recurs when patients suspend treatment.