How to Treat Acid Reflux

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Acid reflux occurs when the digestive system is unable to cope up with a high level of acid content, which bounces back into the esophagus and causes pain and discomfort. The primary causes of acid reflux are food and drinks high in fat and acidic content. The digestive system encounters difficulty when faced with the hard-to-digest fat components. As a result, the digestive system elevates acid formation, flooding the stomach with more acid secretions in an attempt to digest the fat components more effectively. However, too much acid secretion can cause a rebound of fluid to the esophagus. This fluid is made up of bile, pepsin, and digestive acid. This mix of digestive components can scar the esophagus, which is not equipped to handle high levels of acidity. The acid reflux causes discomfort and pain.

Food which is primarily responsible for causing acid reflux includes those high in fat and oil. Beef and pork steak consumed frequently and in large amounts is a surefire way of triggering acid reflux. Drinking carbonated beverages induces acid formation. Alcoholic beverages are dangerous because aside from gradually destroying the liver, it also attacks the stomach lining and encourages acid production. Milk, which was previously thought of as a purely nutritional beverage, may in fact cause acid reflux when taken after meals.

Because of its chronic nature, acid reflux may affect a person for life. Even though it may be cured at times, continued intake of fatty and acidic food and beverages will always trigger a new acid reflux attack.

Even though there are medications which can alleviate acid reflux, such treatment may be expensive, and may require daily intake in order to take effect. There are more practical, home-based treatments which help resolve acid reflux attacks. Eating fruits and vegetables greatly reduces the acidity of the digestive system, resolving any ongoing acid reflux and preventing future refluxes from occurring. Examples of fruits include pineapple and papaya. Pineapple acts as a natural antihistamine, lowering down the body’s inflammatory reaction to acid reflux. Papaya, on the other hand, cleans the digestive tract and provides enzymes which can counteract high acid content. Chicory root and salad may also serve as alternative approaches to ward off acid reflux. Chicory root which has been properly boiled and served can prevent the painful symptoms. Salad can also prevent pain during an acid reflux attack.

For severe cases of acid reflux however, home and alternative approaches may not alleviate the symptoms at all. Severe cases of acid reflux develop after several acid reflux attacks, when the esophagus has already incurred much scarring. Severe cases are accompanied by intense pain, loose bowel movement, and sometimes may lead to complications in other body organs. In order to prevent mild acid reflux from progressing into the severe form, one should always be mindful of his or her diet. An initial attack of acid reflux should always be treated as soon as possible by resorting to either home-based or prescribed treatments. Discipline regarding frequency and type of food intake is also recommended for overcoming acid reflux.