I am sure you are here because you feel a nagging burning sensation on your chest.
I know it makes you feel so uncomfortable, it destroys the complete joy of the celebratory meal.
Most of the acid reflux strategy program these days relies solely on lifestyle, diet, and symptoms, rather than what is causing acid reflux.
If you are experiencing heartburn for quite some time now, it’s time to see your doctor to rule out this issue.
If you are having the following symptoms, it is very crucial to talk to your doctor.
- Having heartburn many times a week
- Terrible heartburn that keeps you up at night
- Heartburn that comes back soon after your antacid wears off.
- Having difficulty in swallowing food
- Having black stools
- Losing weight unintentional
Acid reflux and heartburn can often be confusing at times. It is imperative to know the difference between the two, as they both may need different medical treatments.
So let’s discuss what is acid reflux.
Acid reflux is associated with Gastrointestinal disease.
In this condition, your stomach acid provokes the food pipelining.
When you eat food, there’s only one way that your stomach acid goes, which is- downward.
But when you have acid reflux, it goes in the opposite direction (upward), which sometimes leads to a sour taste in the mouth.
What is Heartburn?
When you have heartburn, you feel a burning sensation in the middle of the chest, behind your breastbone.
However, you should know that it’s not your heart, but it’s your esophagus that suffers.
What is the esophagus then?
The esophagus is the tube or food pipe that connects your throat and stomach.
Here is what it looks like…
Source: Wikipedia
Heartburn is mostly caused by stomach acid; it creates a burning discomfort in your upper belly region or below your breastbone.
According to some studies, heartburn can also be the result and symptom of acid reflux. But how?
The acid reflux can excite the esophagus and produce cytokines. It is a type of cell signaling molecule that is key in immune response and stimulates the cell to focus on sites of inflammation and infection.
What Are The Causes Of Acid Reflux?
One of the most common causes of acid reflux is stomach abnormality, which is sometimes referred to as hiatal hernia.
Here are a few risk factors of acid reflux:
- Eating certain foods, such as citrus, spicy or fatty foods
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Drinking certain beverages like alcohol, excess tea, and coffee
- Eating close to bedtime
- Eating heavy meals or lying down right after eating
What Are The Causes of Heartburn?
As we discussed earlier, heartburn can be a result of acid reflux. And it could also be the symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Here are some risk factors that can cause heartburn.
- Acidic juices such as grapefruit, orange or pineapple
- Acidic foods such as tomatoes
- Chocolate
- Carbonated beverages
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
Acid reflux should be taken care of in due time; if it is left untreated, it can cause cancer of the esophagus. Therefore it is necessary to treat as early as possible.
According to researchers at the Department of Gastroenterology, Coimbatore medical college, India, the risk of esophageal cancer is 3.5 times higher with alcoholic consumption.
And 2.8 times for each betel nut chewer and smoker and 2.5 times higher for tobacco users.
If you are suffering from heartburn often, it is vital to understand what is acid reflux and how to eliminate it.
Heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux.
There is a specialized muscle called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), which is located at the lower end of the food pipe ( esophagus).
The LES opens up when you swallow food, to allow it to pass into your stomach, and then it quickly closes to prevent the movement ( reflux ) of food and your stomach acid back into the esophagus.
Steps You Can Take To Reduce the Heartburn or Acidity
- Do not lie down right after you eat food; wait for at least two to three hours before bedtime.
- Raise the head of your bed by at least four to six inches ( 10-15 cm). You can easily do this by simply placing wooden or cement blocks under the feet of the head of your bed.
- If you are overweight, aim to lose weight.
- If you an alcoholic and smoker, try to avoid it.
- Do not eat large meals, but instead try to eat smaller in more frequent meals.
- Try to limit foods like chocolate, fried and fatty food, carbonated beverages, and citrus fruits or juices, and excess tea or coffee.
If your acid symptoms do not improve by healthy lifestyle changes, you may be required to take medication such as antacid preparations.
This medication is designed to neutralize the acid in the stomach.
How Can You Avoid Acid Reflux?
Well, there are many ways to this annoying condition,
You can choose to eat certain food items over others. Some foods can worsen heartburn.
Foods such as chocolate, coffee, tomatoes, and citrus fruits, and makes make the acid reflux even worse.
Eating green vegetables such as spinach, green beans, and broccoli is a great way to avoid heartburn, as they are low in acid.
Do lie down when you are suffering from heartburn and reflux; it can make worse your symptoms since it tends to go up to your throat.
According to experts, an overweight person is more prone to acid reflux.
What Is The Acid Reflux Strategy Program?
Acid Reflux Strategy is a guidebook (ebook) to help eliminate acid reflux and heartburn naturally.
It discusses a healthy lifestyle, diet, sleeping position, stress, and food combination.
It shares some useful natural tips and home remedies that you can apply to your life right away to help tackle acid reflux issues.
What you’ll learn from the Acid Reflux strategy
- Simple and effective home remedies to stop the acid reflux
- A dangerous side effect of acid reflux drugs
- A quick step to ease the symptoms quickly
- 11 herbs that kill heartburn
- You’ll also learn some food and food combinations that cause acid reflux
- Tips on how to eat properly to prevent getting heartburn when eating from outside or in restaurants
- Basic rules to get rid of annoying heartburn
- Simple ways to relieve stress and anxiety
- A 7-day hearty meal plan for heartburn
- Recipes for Kids with acid reflux
- Grocery Shopping list
Conclusion
If you are having abdominal bloating, a nagging cough, the feeling of a lump in the back of your throat, postnasal drip, or shortness of breath, the chances are that you are experiencing acid reflux.
If not treated in time, it can lead to serious long-term health issues, including esophageal cancer.
The Acid Reflux Strategy has a 60 Money Back Guarantee, which means, if it doesn’t lessen your symptoms, you can get a full refund.