Acid reflux or GERD is an important health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. It is regurgitation of stomach content high in acid into the esophagus. Reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which remains tightly closed and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the LES becomes incompetent acid reflux will result. This is called gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD.

So can you cure your acid reflux? If there is true lower esophageal incompetence, then there is no cure. You will need maintenance treatment with acid suppressants like omeprazole, or surgical treatment like fundoplication will relieve your symptoms if very severe or you develop secondary problems.

There are, however, various factors that can affect the efficiency of the LES and acid reflux. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on acid reflux before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. A lifestyle change is sometimes all you need.

A contributory cause of GERD is obesity. It is more likely in the apple type distribution of weight. The extra weight increases bulk in the upper abdomen and makes it difficult for the esophagus to discharge food effectively into the stomach. In addition hiatus hernia is more common in obese individuals. The LES can be weakened by a hiatus hernia. An important aspect of acid reflux treatment is losing weight.

Wearing tight fitting clothes can cause acid reflux especially if it is two sizes too small. The increased pressure on the stomach may trigger back flow into the gullet. Your acid reflux will improve if you wear loose clothes.

A large meal entering the stomach will increase the pressure on the LES and can trigger acid reflux. We all experience this at some time or other. Gastric clearance time is also increased by large volume increasing the risk for reflux. To counter this problem, eat smaller portions.

GERD can be affected by certain foods. Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis is an inflammation caused by cow’s milk intolerance. This is controlled by removing cow’s milk protein from the diet. Other foods that can affect the LES include fats, coffee, tea, alcohol, and some spices.

The lower esophageal sphincter can be affected by some drugs and result in acid reflux. These drugs include broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease.

Female hormones can affect acid reflux. Women on hormones, in a Scandinavian Study had showed a greater risk. These drugs include the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The peristaltic waves in the esophagus can be slowed down by sedatives and tranquillisers and can affect proper discharge of food from the esophagus.

If you have GERD, opt for liquid medication. Certain drugs ie tetracycline are corrosive to the lining of the esophagus. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can lodge in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water after medication to wash it down. Try not to take medication while lying down. GERD patients should always take drugs standing or sitting up and avoid lying down immediately after.

Smoking relaxes the LES and nicotine is corrosive to esophageal lining. GERD symptoms improve when you give up smoking.

GERD risk is increased by certain exercises. This is the case in competitive weightlifting and cycling. Acid reflux symptoms can develop in joggers.

If you have acid reflux symptoms, look at all the potential risk factors and eliminate them. If by doing so, your symptoms disappear, you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.

 

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