How to Naturally Get Rid of Acid Reflux
Do you frequently get heartburn? If you do, it is important that you realize it could be acid reflux. Acid reflux can lead to asthma like symptoms, a sore throat or cough, and has been linked to esophageal cancer known as Barret's esophagus. It will not be easy, but some dietary and lifestyle changes can naturally get rid of reflux.
Instructions
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Understanding the Cause of Reflux
Reflux is caused by stomach acid coming up into the esophagus where it does not belong. The lining of your stomach is designed to handle stomach acid, but the lining of your esophagus is not.
There are two reasons that the acid leaks up into the esophagus. Too much acid and pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES).
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If your body is over producing stomach acid, your doctor may prescribe proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), or H2 blockers, to neutralize the stomach acid. This will resolve the problem, but you will need to rely on the medications to prevent recurrence of reflux. The underlying problem is that your body is over producing stomach acid. Why?
Your body needs stomach acid to help digest food. Often, your body will over-produce stomach acid if you have a diet high in foods that are difficult to digest. Fatty meats, dairy products and processed foods are very difficult to digest and will increase your body's production of stomach acid to digest them.
To naturally get rid of reflux, change to a diet that is low in fatty foods and processed foods. Eat more raw fruits and vegetables that contain digestive enzymes, which help break down food also. Juiced raw vegetables are a wonderful way to naturally get rid of reflux because they are high in digestive enzymes and will assist your body in digesting food without extra production of stomach acid.
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The LES and Stomach Acid
Some people have a weak LES. This is the place where your stomach connects to your esophagus. Being overweight, having low muscle tone, and drinking alcohol can weaken the LES causing the "flap" that normally keeps stomach acid in it's place to leak acid into the esophagus.
Your doctor can do surgery where the top of the stomach is literally wrapped around the lower part of the esophagus to tighten the LES. This is a very common surgical procedure in the US, as reflux is a common problem for Americans.
To naturally get rid of reflux caused by a weak LES, lose weight, limit alcohol consumption, avoid tight fitting close around the middle, and sleep with the head of your bed elevated. Losing weight is the most effective natural treatment for reflux. Also, a tight belt or tight wasted clothes creates unnecessary pressure on the area of the LES. To prevent night-time leaking of stomach acid through the LES and get rid of night-time reflux naturally, elevate the head of your bed or use plenty of pillows.
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