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Acid Reflux – Common But Dangerous
Aren’t afflicted with acid reflux? GREAT!!! But you’re a minority.
It is estimated that sixty million Americans have acid reflux. (GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease or GERD)
Heartburn, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth or back of the throat, and trouble swallowing, are the most
common acid reflux symptoms.
Basically, acid reflux disease is a result of inflammation in the esophagus. The pain is caused by liquid from the
stomach working its way backwards into the esophagus. Acid reflux symptoms may even feel like a Heart
Attack and they are frightening. There are some indications that over time, this continued inflammation can
lead to cancer of the esophagus.
Many believe that acid reflux symptoms affect the heart or mistakenly
diagnose acid reflux as a heart problem. In fact, acid reflux has nothing to do
with the heart - it is a digestive problem.
Some people really do suffer from acid reflux disease for reasons other than
poor dietary habits. If you are one of these people, and are simply the victim of
overactive stomach acid, then the advice we are giving in this article is even
more important crucial for you because your symptoms are constant and there
are all kinds of other health problems caused by excessive stomach acid.
Although there are various causes for acid reflux, the good news is that there is a safe, simple way to
alleviate the symptoms….and a safe, simple relief. You do not have to silently suffer with the painful, burning
sensation that accompanies this chronic disorder.
There are many acid reflux remedies available – both over the counter and prescription drugs but
remember….they are DRUGS and have side effects. Acid reflux medications are a dime a dozen but they are
extremely dangerous. Although taking antacids is very common, that doesn’t mean it is safe. I was once
prescribed a medication to alleviate acid reflux and after researching the side-effects, found that it could
possibly cause stomach cancer if taken an extended period of time. OH GREAT…..and NO THANKS!!!
It’s better to choose a natural alternative treatment. It works better and there are no side effects. The main
thing is get relief from the pain….no need to continue suffering.
There are some things you can do to alleviate symptoms in the long run. They are:
1. EAT A HEALTHY DIET and AVOID OVEREATING
A healthy diet is the best cure of all as eating more healthy foods will creates less stomach acid. This is yourace
in the hole - don’t create the problem in the first place….then you won’t have to treat it.
Eat a lot of grains, fresh vegetables and a few fruits, and little fat and meat. This method will do wonders to
treat heartburn. Making sure that you do not overeat, and that you have several small meals over the course of
the day rather than just having one great big one can also work well to avoid symptoms.
2. AVOID COFFEE & CITRUS JUICE
Although I love them both…..coffee and citrus juice should be avoided). They are both acid in nature so
they will trigger and amplify an acidic condition.
3. GIVE UP SMOKING
If you are a smoker, nicotine relaxes the muscle that normally prevents acid from backing up into the
esophagus and dries out saliva in your mouth and throat which generally helps neutralize stomach acid. Keep
in mind, smoking increases your risk of developing esophageal cancer. So anyone who suffers from severe acid
reflux should give up the smokes. THIS IS ONLY ONE of a gazillion reasons to quit…..get the patch….it has the
best success rate.
4. SLEEPING
Another natural remedy of acid reflux we don't think about is gravity. Symptoms at night can be particular
disturbing causing loss of sleep. Try raising the head of the bed 6 inches above the foot of the bed, making it
harder for the acid to travel it's way up.
5. ACID REFLUX DISEASE FROM STRESS
Stress is a chronic contributing factor to many diseases of the stomach. Instead of worrying until your
stomach twists itself into knots and propels acid reflux disease upwards into your throat, stop and take several
deep breaths to calm yourself. Then try to think of something peaceful and relaxing. Meditation is an excellent
choice in this case. We will be glad to help you with an easy meditation that takes only a few minutes to calm
the mind. This exercise coupled with a healthy diet is your ticket to health and wellness
WHEN YOU HAVE A BOUT OF ACID REFLUX
Use this natural approach: Dissolve 1 Tablespoon of common baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) that your
mother used as an ingredient in home-made cakes into 6 ounces of water.
Drink it and you will find immediate relief. Not only will it cure the symptoms of acid reflux, it will also
begin to bring your body PH closer to normal. That’s a whole separate subject but it is very, very , very
important for health and wellness. Stay tuned for my article on BALANCING YOUR PH – out in May.
MOST IMPORTANTLY…..consider eating more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and unprocessed
foods.
We would be happy to help you put a healthy food plan together. Please contact us to get started.
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