The most commonly advised method of treating acid reflux is for the GERD sufferer to make lifestyle and health changes which will help reduce or eliminate the acid reflux problems. These include changes to your diet such as limiting your intake of acidic foods, and maintaining a reasonable body weight. Also, it may be recommended that the person suffering from GERD or acid reflux eat smaller more frequent meals throughout the day since overeating is often a cause of GERD. Also avoiding laying down for about 2 hours after eating because it will prevent gravity from taking over after you eat, and stop the stomach juices from flowing into the esophagus. When sleeping at night, consider elevating your head by raising up the front end of your bed, or use this specially-developed Wedge Pillow for Acid Reflux
as this will also prevent stomach juices from making a reverse flow to the esophagus. Cut down or completely eliminate smoking and drinking as these also can contribute to the health problems. Also, consider trying relaxation techniques, wearing looser fitting clothes, and keeping a record of when you get acid reflux to assist in finding the best treatment.Putting yourself on an acid reflux diet may be the best way to prevent or treat acid reflux or heartburn from flaring up. Because certain foods are more acidic in nature they will cause acid reflux to intensify leading to the problematic heartburn conditions. You'll want to avoid these acid reflux foods in your diet for that very reason. So what exactly is ok for you to eat? Consider incorporating these acid reflux diet foods and remedies into your eating habits as they will be less likely to cause acid reflux and even provide natural remedies to eliminate or soothe your symptoms.
Your physician may recommend you take certain types of medications for treatment of the acid reflux problem. Medications are usually in the form of over-the-counter antacids, Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI's) or in certain cases Promotility Agents. Some of the common proton pump medications you've heard about either by commercials or word of mouth include Prilosec, Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac and most recently Aciphex. Generally, these medications work by blocking the production of acid in the stomach, therefore eliminating the heartburn issue, as well as allowing the stomach and espophagus lining to heal. There are potential risks with these PPI treatments since stomach acid is a natural product of our bodies used in the normal digestion process. Promotility agents are used in patients who may not be responding to the other types of acid reflux medications. They work to speed up digestion in patients who have slower gastric emptying. This prevents acid from remaining in the stomach for too long. Promotility agents include Reglan (Metoclopramide), which is given by injection. Make sure to consult with your doctor before purchasing over-the-counter meds for your acid reflux issues, or if you are prescribed any of these PPI or Promotility agent medications and experience side effects.
If your acid reflux disease fails to respond to the various treatments above, it may be a severe, chronic case of the problem. In these cases which can seriously impact your overall health, your doctor may recommend a specific surgery to treat your GERD. Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery (or Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication) is one of the newest surgeries used to treat acid reflux or GERD. In this surgery, a procedure is used to reinforce the "valve" between the esophagus and the stomach by wrapping the upper portion of the stomach around the lowest portion of the stomach. This surgery while still new offers a shorter hospital stay, less pain after the operation and a quicker return back to work. Consulting with your doctor or specialist will help determine if you are a candidate for this procedure, and will help you evaluate the potential risks or issues with having the surgery done.
You now know that there are ways to get relief from your acid reflux disease. Sufferers of this condition don't need to let GERD keep them from enjoying life. If you have acid reflux disease, consider first changing your lifestyle to address the condition as well as your diet and health/fitness regimen. Next, consult with your doctor, family physician or a specialist in the case your acid reflux is not responding to the lifestyle/diet changes. Keep careful records of what works and what causes your acid reflux to worsen and keep an open dialogue with your doctor about what may be the best treatment if your acid reflux symptoms are severe.
