Acid Reflux Disease Symptoms
Acid reflux disease, often referred to as heartburn in the early stages with less severe symptoms, is a very unpleasant ( and today in the USA very common) complaint. It is generally thought to be caused or at least aggravated by many different things, including a bad diet, stress or anxiety, or perhaps a genetic inheritance (ie you simply have a stomach that normally produces too much acid). Basically, Acid reflux happens when stomach acid is too strong or too large in volume and manages to bubble up into the upper chest/throat area, this causes pain and a burning sensation ranging from mildly unpleasant to severe pain and distress. over the long term the constant exposure of the esophagus and its walls to strong stomach acids can cause some serious damage and is really dangerous and potentially life threatening.
The way acid reflux disease is normally treated is with a drug that reduces stomach acidity, causing the pain to dissipate. Generically these drugs are referred to as “anti-ulcer” drugs and include brand names such as Zantac and Nexium.
Many experts also suggest that dietary changes will reap most benefits for patients as these anti ulcer drugs are simply masking symptoms and easing pain - not curing the illness. Giving up coffee, orange juice, and other acidic foods and beverages has reduced the effects of the disease on many sufferers, as has giving up smoking (smoking has been shown to aggravate ulcers and cause excess stomach acid production)
For many people, changing their diet and avoiding spicy or acidic foods is simply not enough on its own, medication obtained at the local pharmacy in conjunction with a healthy diet is the most effective remedy for the majority of sufferers. Although drugs won’t cure the underlying condition they will lessen or stop the symptoms as they suppress the stomach’s natural acid production and in conjunction with a healthy diet can actually result in complete elimination of symptoms over time.
Unfortunately some of the medications available may present minor side effects, however there have been no serious side effects reported despite the fact that Americans consume tons of these remedies every day and have been for many years. Despite this many heartburn sufferers resort to alternative treatments in a bid to reduce stomach acid and discomfort. There are many such remedies available, the most popular being
Detoxification - drinking only water and taking probiotics. This allegedly helps to restore the correct pH levels in the stomach.
Herbal teas - made with peppermint, ginger or liquorices is another recommendation by many.
Artemisia Asictica - found in health food stores as Wormwood herb.
Papaya enzyme - can be taken as a capsule and is said to help with heartburn and digestion problems in general.
Ginger - Can be crushed and sprinkled into food, taken in tablet form( if you dont like the smell or taste) or even made into a soothing ginger tea.
Garlic - chewed or crushed Garlic.
The author has suffered from heartburn and reflux for many years and now researches latest developments in the industry and impartially reports on their safety and effectiveness. To find out what remedies are best and which alternative treatments actually work, please check out acid cure reflux or authors new free squidoo acid reflux resources page at Acid reflux cures and resources