Acid Reflux: Acid reflux is the condition where acids of the stomach and the other stomach contents come all the way up to the esophageal tract through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The main function of the Lower esophageal sphincter is to allow food to enter when we swallow and close to ensure that food contents don't show up. Acid reflux generally happens when the LES is weak or damaged.
GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux Reflux is commonly termed as GERD. When the symptoms of acid reflux intensify and start to recur within a short period of time like twice a week, then the condition is termed GERD. In simple terms, the severe form of acid reflux is called GERD.
Symptoms of Acid - Reflux, and GERD:
Heartburn is the most common symptom of Acid-Reflux. The esophageal sphincter prevents stomach contents and stomach acids. When this layer becomes weakened (or) damaged, there are chances of the stomach contents/ acids to cause a burning sensation in the chest. This burning sensation in the chest is called the Heartburn.
Regurgitation: Regurgitation is the feeling of liquid or food content moving inside the throat. This symptom is more prevalent in infants within 18months. Which is found to be a more common symptom in infants.
Dyspepsia: People with heartburn would mostly feel a burning sensation and discomfort in the stomach part which is generally termed as Dyspepsia.
Sore throat: Sore throat is yet another common symptom which may also accompany vomiting.
Chest pain: Chest pain is one of the symptoms in more severe cases. Repost states that nearly 20% of non-cardiac emergencies are due to acid reflux. This is often misunderstood/ mistaken to be a heart attack in most of the senior community.
Acid reflux and GERD can be cured with diet and certain minor alteration in your everyday food like,
Opt for non-citrus fruits: As we all know citrus foods are a source of acid content that needs to be completely avoided in people experiencing acid reflux. Choose non-citrus fruits like, bananas , apples, etc.
Choose healthy fat over saturated fats: Reduce the amount of trans fat and saturated fat content in your diet and start including healthy fats. Include egg whites rather than the yolk which is high in fat. Include avocados, walnuts which act as a source of healthy fat in your diet.
Include vegetables: Including vegetables like broccoli, leafy vegetables which are generally low in fat helps you to balance the acid content.
Including these in your daily diet and minimize the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. Here are a few drinks to avoid in order to minimize the symptoms of GERD and Acid Reflux like,
Avoid Citrus Drinks: These citrus juices are said to be high in acid content which aggravates acid reflux. Therefore avoid the citrus drinks like lemon juice, orange, juice, etc.
Avoid caffeinated drinks: Coffee has a tendency of increasing the gastric acid secretions in the stomach which is a major precursor of acid reflux therefore avoid caffeinated drinks.
Alcohol consumption: Alcohol is yet another precursor of acid reflux therefore it is important to avoid alcohol consumption to minimize the effects (or) symptoms of acid reflux.
Treatments of Acid reflux and GERD:
Antacids: Antacids are the first-line drugs involved in acid reflux treatment. These antacids help to reduce the acid secretion in the stomach which helps to relieve the condition.
H2 Blockers: H2 blockers help to minimize the acid secretion in a person's stomach which in turn helps to relieve acid reflux. H2 Blockers along with antacids are said to produce an additive effect in curing acid reflux.
In the above-discussed contents we came to know about GERD and Acid Reflux - its symptoms, How to prevent them, and what are the treatments for it. Hope this valuable information would have helped you clear your doubts and queries about GERD and Acid Reflux.
Keywords: Acid reflux, heartburn, GERD, stomach,diet,antacid
Tags: #acidreflux #heartburn #GERD #gastroesophagealrefluxdisease #stomachacid #antacid #diet
Catchphrase: “The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.” Here is what and how to treat Acid Reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). For more information about GERD and Acid Reflux Check this blog.
