Children with acid reflux on holiday

Here in Cyprus the holiday season is in full swing, the heat is tremendous and everyone is using the swimming pools to cool off. My acid reflux disease is just about under control although I do have frequent bouts of heartburn and sometimes wake up through the night with acid in the esophagus.

One big problem I was thinking of is acid reflux in children and how do they cope when on holiday. After all we do not want some kid throwing up in the pool because there Acid reflux is not under control.

So what can parents do for there children when on holiday to prevent acid reflux? How do they even know they have acid reflux? It’s not as if they can reach for the medicine cabinet for a cure, any medications would have to be brought with them.

Firstly they should watch what they are eating, stop feeding them things that can set off bouts of heartburn. (Very hard when you are on holiday)

Secondly they should try to stop the kids running around strait after meals, another thing that is hard to do while on holiday. . Does the child suffer from a burning sensation in the upper stomach or esophagus, especially after meals, if so medication may be needed but running around will definitely exasperate the condition.

Definitely stop them swimming, not only to save the pool but because lying flat when swimming will help acid to reflux.

If you are not sure that your child has acid reflux but suspect they might then you could read up on the full article “acid reflux in children” on my website.

acid reflux caused by stress and computers

Hi, it’s been a while since I wrote in my blog. The main reason is I bought an e-book on how to speed up my computer and started to implement the changes needed to make my computer super fast. The first three or four changes went ok, then I had to download some free software to help with cleaning up some files, this also went ok. In fact it was all good until the part where I could remove some files from my registry which would really quicken my computer. I removed the files and suddenly my computer went seriously slow. I couldn’t get into a lot of programmes, web browsers where knackered and lots more went wrong. What’s this got to do with acid reflux you might think? Well the stress that this caused seemed to aggravate the acid reflux. It is thought that 50% of acid reflux sufferers also suffer from stress and in my case with the computer it seems to be correct. Stress seems to trigger behavior which in turn sees your normal routine go out the window.

Anyway this was not the end of my problems. I spent weeks trying for a solution to get back into the registry to change the files back to the original. However some of the files I had been told to delete where files that would not let me back into the register. Stress levels rising steadily, acid reflux also on the rise. I eventually contacted an expert who said he would have a go but I should start to back up any files I had on the computer. Again the stress levels rose and heartburn was a daily occurrence. I used up all the space on my plug in device the all my cd,s and finally had nearly everything downloaded. My expert turned up about a week later and had a go at my registry. He also couldn’t get it right and told me that I would have to reinstall everything. So he went about wiping my hard drive and reinstalling Windows. We then proceeded to put my files and software back on the computer and found out that they were all corrupted and could not be reinstalled. Stress levels continuing to soar, acid reflux was now uncontrollable. Not to worry he took my files away and said he would play with them and see what he could do, however he was not able to do anything. A lot of my programs where downloaded from the internet so I used another month trying to get the people I have bought them off to let me download them again. Some did but some where not as accommodating (more stress, more acid reflux). I have now spent another month trying to get my computer back to normal. It is still not done properly yet.

So what can you do to reduce stress levels which in turn will lessen attacks of heartburn? Well first you should try to relax. Regular exercise will also help to reduce stress. I have started walking for a bit of exercise but I really wanted to do some strenuous exercise, like smash up my computer.

Check here for more information on Acid reflux causes.

Tips on Acid Reflux Diets

This is an article I have found on acid reflux diets.

Heal Your Heartburn Through Acid Reflux Diet

Acid Reflux, another term for heartburn, is a disease which is created by a simple imbalance of chemical make-up in the body--the attack of acid reflux in the esophagus when it is supposed to be in the stomach only.

The fact that Acid Reflux, the acid indigestion, affects not just adults but also infants and children, make it essential for everyone to be aware of its symptoms and how it can be prevented.

Since the Acid Reflux is triggered by various foods like chocolate, citrus fruits, spicy foods, including fried and fatty foods. Together with the time of day the foods are eaten and over eating which causes excessive weight. Therefore, the key to avoid the heartburning uneasiness brought by the Acid reflux also lies on the foods—a manage diet.

Truth in studies show that a specific food can head out acid reflux, so it is vital that everyone must take a careful observation of their eating habits.

Nevertheless, any person who is suffering from Acid Reflux needs a diet that would suit to treat the illness, the foods that should be taken and those which should not be.

Now, you might be wondering what could be the best diet to observe to avoid acid reflux, the heartburn-free recipes that are fitted to an Acid Reflux diet.

It was distinguished that drinking milk can be a speedy cure to alleviate acid reflux trouble. Although, milk produces an action and encourages discharge of more stomach acid, causing then acid reflux.

So, people affected by heartburn should follow a diet wherein they eat a small meal during dinner and follow it up with a small snack before they go to sleep, crackers for instance.

Likewise, they should make sure that they their meal are rich in complex carbohydrates. This includes breads, rice and pasta; this fixes the excessive acid in the stomach, hence, giving it an easy feeling.

Chew your foods well, do not rush on eating, 20 minutes for each meal will do. Extract all the nourishment that you can get in your food.

Along with the diet, it is also advisable to keep yourself in a straight position during and after eating, for least 45 minutes.

Remove from your diet high-fat foods, this will tend to stay in the stomach longer, with this, the stomach will be forced to produce more acids for digestion.

In addition, avoid eating large meals; this will also stimulate the stomach to produce more acids to digest them.

One the medical specialists’ recommendations is to add more plant protein in your diet, like beans and lentils, in this process the animal protein that you have taken will be replaced.

Also, try to observe in your diet the time you spend for eating, the amount of your meal, your relaxation when you eat, and how thorough you chew your food. It is advisable that you take several small meals in a day, than you take large meals regularly, for instance six small meals a day will do than having three large ones. The procedure is simply breaking up the meal.

If you want additional information regarding proper diet to battle Acid Reflux, you can visit a nutrition-oriented health care practitioner like a dietician, naturopathic physician, or nutritionist. They can give you accurate dietary schemes that will fit your private health needs and objectives.

For more infomation go to Acid reflux health check

Coping with acid reflux at Christmas

The Christmas and New Year season is well and truly over now especially for us acid reflux disease sufferers. I have been finishing off all the bad stuff you get at this time of year and I am definitely starting by acid reflux diet tomorrow.

If you are like me the amount of food and drink consumed over the holiday period can really make you Ill if you suffer constant heartburn.

There is nothing worse at the Christmas holiday period after all the build up than going out with your friends or work colleagues and having a severe bout of heartburn. The whole night can be ruined as the more you eat and drink the worse it gets. It can be even worse for someone who suffers from acid reflux disease but does not know they actually have it.

The best thing you can do if you suffered a lot of heartburn over Christmas is to get checked out by your doctor, who can advise you and send you for tests. If it is found you have acid reflux disease then you can be treated and there is really no need to suffer the constant pain of sever heartburn.

I have personally been trying to cut down on the amount of medication I take and have been seeking more natural cures. But over the holiday period I know that it is not viable in my own case so a couple of days before my first Christmas outing I started taking my acid reflux medication regularly again. I upped the dose from the 10 mg that I am supposed to be on to 20 mg and I have taken this everyday into the New Year. I must say that I never had any problems and saw in both the Cyprus and UK New Years in with coypus amounts of alcohol which did not affect my stomach. This is what I call good forward planning.

I am now back to taking my medication only when I need it and have had a couple of bouts of acid reflux since cutting back on the medication. When these have happened I have been taking Bicarbonate of soda which almost instantly stops the acid reflux for me.

The other night after stopping the medication I had to sit up in bed most of the night as I was still in holiday mode and ate too late. This is when I wish I had an electrical adjustable bed so that I can manoeuvre myself into the correct position with as little fuss as possible. Maybe I can get one in the future as they are great for stopping that night time acid reflux.

Of course I could practice what I preach and get myself an acid reflux pillow which is not as luxurious as the acid reflux adjustable bed but is a much cheaper option, although I have never seen any wedge pillows in Cyprus where I live.

Anyway I am looking forward to curing or finding better ways to handle my acid reflux this year.

Heal Your Heartburn with an Acid Reflux Diet

This is an article I received on acid reflux diets.

Acid Reflux, another term for heartburn, is a disease which is created by a simple imbalance of chemical make-up in the body--the attack of acid reflux in the esophagus when it is supposed to be in the stomach only.

The fact that Acid Reflux, the acid indigestion, affects not just adults but also infants and children, make it essential for everyone to be aware of its symptoms and how it can be prevented.

Since the Acid Reflux is triggered by various foods like chocolate, citrus fruits, spicy foods, including fried and fatty foods. Together with the time of day the foods are eaten and over eating which causes excessive weight. Therefore, the key to avoid the heartburning uneasiness brought by the Acid reflux also lies on the foods—a manage diet.

Truth in studies show that a specific food can head out acid reflux, so it is vital that everyone must take a careful observation of their eating habits.

Nevertheless, any person who is suffering from Acid Reflux needs a diet that would suit to treat the illness, the foods that should be taken and those which should not be.

Now, you might be wondering what could be the best diet to observe to avoid acid reflux, the heartburn-free recipes that are fitted to an Acid Reflux diet.

It was distinguished that drinking milk can be a speedy cure to alleviate acid reflux trouble. Although, milk produces an action and encourages discharge of more stomach acid, causing then acid reflux.

So, people affected by heartburn should follow a diet wherein they eat a small meal during dinner and follow it up with a small snack before they go to sleep, crackers for instance.

Likewise, they should make sure that they their meal are rich in complex carbohydrates. This includes breads, rice and pasta; this fixes the excessive acid in the stomach, hence, giving it an easy feeling.

Chew your foods well, do not rush on eating, 20 minutes for each meal will do. Extract all the nourishment that you can get in your food.

Along with the diet, it is also advisable to keep yourself in a straight position during and after eating, for least 45 minutes.

Remove from your diet high-fat foods, this will tend to stay in the stomach longer, with this, the stomach will be forced to produce more acids for digestion.

In addition, avoid eating large meals; this will also stimulate the stomach to produce more acids to digest them.

One the medical specialists’ recommendations is to add more plant protein in your diet, like beans and lentils, in this process the animal protein that you have taken will be replaced.

Also, try to observe in your diet the time you spend for eating, the amount of your meal, your relaxation when you eat, and how thorough you chew your food. It is advisable that you take several small meals in a day, than you take large meals regularly, for instance six small meals a day will do than having three large ones. The procedure is simply breaking up the meal.

If you want additional information regarding proper diet to battle Acid Reflux, you can visit a nutrition-oriented health care practitioner like a dietician, naturopathic physician, or nutritionist. They can give you accurate dietary schemes that will fit your private health needs and objectives. for more infomation on acid reflux you can visit my site at http://www.acidrefluxhealthcheck.com/

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Heartburn during pregnancy

Many women tend to experience heartburn symptoms when they are still carrying their babies. heartburn during pregnancy happens for several reasons.

One of these is that the placenta produces the hormone progesterone which relaxes the muscles of the valve which seperates the stomach from the esophagus. this valve is called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and normally stays firmly closed only allowing food to pass while you are eating. When the LES relaxes it allows stomach acid and food to reflux back to the esophagus and throat causing heartburn the acid reflux symptom.

One more reason of experiencing heartburn during pregnancy is because the changes in the body and the development of the baby creates more pressure in the women’s stomach. This also allows stomach acid and contents to be forced passed the LES, and into the esophagus.

However, there are several lifestyle changes that a pregnant woman can do to lessen the discomfort and alleviate the heartburn symptoms. The following are good tips which help when treating acid reflux disease, and can be used when pregnant although they may not remove the heartburn totally:

• Avoid the food that triggers heartburn. Examples of this are chocolates, spicy foods, citrus fruits and juices, mustard, tomatoes and tomato based products, fatty foods, fried foods, and highly seasoned dishes. Try to refer to medical specialists to know the complete list of foods to avoid Acid Reflux. Also, for foods that you may take which contains little danger of causing heartburn.

• stop taking drinks that aggrivate acid reflux symptoms such as tea, coffee, and soda. the caffine in these drinks can inflame the stomach lining and too much can also cause the LES to relax and let the acid reflux back into the esophagus.

• Stay away from alcohol beverages. This, like caffeine tends to relax the LES thus, creating the same effect—triggering heartburn.

• Avoid eating large meals. It is suggested that taking numerous small meals throughout the day will be better.

• Avoid rush in eating your meals. Chewing food thoroughly will really help in avoidance of heartburn, so better take your time in eating.

• Rest for at least three hours after having your last meal before taking your sleep.

• A pregnant woman is advised to take more glasses of water a day, at least 8 to 10 glasses, though this must be taken not just during meals. Through this, the stomach will expand, and then the LES will be given more pressure, obliging it to open inappropriately. Hence, it is really recommended to drink more water and other fluids in between meals.

• When sleeping elevate the head of the bed for at least six to eight inches. Try to sleep with an elevated head and shoulders through a wedge pillow. Through this, the gravity will work as much that it will keep the acids in your stomach in their place—in the stomach, not in the esophagus. Try to consult physicians to gain additional knowledge on how to relieve nighttime heartburn.

• Don’t wear tight fitting clothes. Tightness around the waist and stomach will trigger heartburn as it causes uneasiness.

• When bending, do it at the knees, not at the waist. This will avoid in creating too much pressure in the stomach.

• Don’t slouch; rather sit erect in a relaxing chair.

• Maintain a sensible amount of weight, too much weight and fatness will give more stress in your stomach. As a result, this will force stomach contents throughout the LES and to the esophagus. Stay with your doctors guidelines.

• Avoid smoking. Doctors stated that smoking could cause several effects to a pregnant woman, much that it can add to the possibility of experiencing heartburn.

Some lifestyle changes may be needed. for further information on lifestyle changes click here.

Acid Reflux Addressed

Below is an acid reflux article I received.

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is the medical term for “Acid Reflux” is defined as a condition in which food or liquid travels backwards from the stomach to the esophagus, it can create damage to the esophagus and is a chronic condition.

This disease strikes adult primarily, while infants and children can also be affected. It is normally brought on by eating certain foods, it can be on effect of pregnancy, and is also affected by taking a sleep right after eating a heavy meal. A large number of persons suffer from acid reflux at one time or another.

Heartburn or acid indigestion is another name that refers to acid reflux. Heartburn, is the major symptom of Acid Reflux in the esophagus, and is described as causing a burning uneasiness at the back of the sternum.

Acid reflux symptoms may include coughing, voice transformation, hoarseness, constant ear ache, or sinusitis. The complications brought upon by acid reflux may lead to esophageal ulcers or worse this can lead to esophageal cancer.

However, constant heartburn sensations do not necessarily mean that one has captured GERD already. The risk occurs when heartburn happened more than once a week. Heartburn symptoms more than once a week can possibly be a major contributor in developing GERD.

The usual cause of GERD is the increase in acidity or gastric acid production in the body, obesity, pregnancy, or tight-fitting apparels, these all can add to the problem. Yeast infections are also thought to be one of the causes that give GERD symptoms.

Another paradoxical cause of GERD symptoms is not enough stomach acid (hypochlorhydria). The valve that empties the stomach into the intestines is triggered by acidity. If there is not enough acid, this valve does not open and the stomach contents are churned up into the esophagus. There is still enough stomach acid to cause irritation to the esophagus which results in heartburn.

Meanwhile, there are already several treatments for GERD today, one of which is to have a balanced and healthy eating plan. And if proper diet fails to work, one can shift to medication therapy or surgery depending on your doctor’s suggestions. Below is a list of several different ways for Acid Reflux treatment:

• Proper Diet: One natural way to cure Acid Reflux is through change in eating habits. A good number of people affected by GERD found success in following an Acid Reflux Diet. By avoiding foods which can intensify heartburn such as caffeine, soft drinks, and tomatoes etc. Avoid eating two hours before sleeping; likewise, avoid lying down after taking meal. Stop smoking. These are some of the regular suggested changes in lifestyle which can prevent Acid Reflux Symptoms.

• Another easy way to treat GERD is to elevate the head of the bed. These holistic type therapies, the combination of prevention of food two hours before sleeping and the raising of the head of the bed, have a great chance for a patient to gain a 95 percent acid reflux relief. The raising of the head of the bed is suggested to be in the range of 6 to 8 inches or 20 cm.Using this method the backflow of gastric fluids will be hampered.

• Drug Treatment: Drugs reduce the secretion of gastric acid. Such drugs like famotidine and omeprazole inhibit stomach acid production and Antacids counteract and neutralize the stomach acid.

• Surgical treatment: Nissen fundoplication, is the standard surgical treatment for Acid Reflux, it is used usually when acid reflux medication has failed. First carried out in 1951 by a surgeon called Rudolph Nissen and hence bears his name. The function of this operation is to tighten the lower esophageal sphincter, the spherical bond of muscles that opens and closes to let food pass into the stomach, as well as stop Acid Reflux symptoms into the esophagus. This procedure is also to repair any hiatal hernias which are one problem that can cause heartburn.

Acid reflux medication- My holiday changes

Hi,

It’s awhile since I have posted because I have been away in the UK for a couple of weeks and have not been near a computer. I went, knowing that I would be eating and drinking quite a bit so I did not mess about with my acid reflux medication. I just doubled the dose back to the 20 mg of Omeprazole that I used to be on before my doctors cut it to 10mg and I must say I never had any problems with acid reflux. I did not have a sniff of heartburn the whole time I was away and I ate and drank what I wanted. I wish I could return to the happy days of ignorance when I did not know that taking the acid reflux medication can be bad for you long term.

Since returning to Cyprus I have reverted back to only taking the medication when I know in advance that I am going to upset my stomach with the wrong food or drink and of course I revert to the usual lifestyle changes that are required to keep acid reflux at bay. Of course this does not work all of the time and I often get heartburn with things like cereal and bread so I just take normal antacids on those occasions or if I want an instant cure I take bicarbonate of soda in some water. This seems to neutralize the acid immediately but it does not last too long and I have never looked at the side effects you can get by taking too much bicarbonate of soda. So if anyone out there knows of any problems with taking it I would appreciate hearing from you.

I also practice positional therapy when in bed by raising my head and torso to stop acid rising into the esophagus but wish I had the luxury of an electrical adjustable bed which is a lot easier to use and much more comfortable.

Links between Inflammatory bowel disease and acid reflux.

Two digestive problems are among the fastest growing medical problems in the western world.

Acid reflux disease (GERD) of which I suffer and Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are both very debilitating and have a great impact on your day to day lifestyle.

The way we live has a lot to do with both of these diseases and lifestyle changes are needed to combat both.

While acid reflux disease attacks the upper GI tract mainly the esophagus inflammatory bowel disease is a condition that affects the large intestine but can also be found in the small intestine.

Crohn’s disease is the main form of Crohn’s disease and in a lot of cases requires surgery to remove part of the gut. In some cases parts of the intestine have to be removed again and again.

Although there are no studies to link IBD directly to acid reflux disease many people who suffer from one also suffer from the other. Statistics have shown that someone who suffers from IBD is more likely to have upper GI problems like GERD. It stands to reason that someone suffering from one type of digestive problem can mean the rest of the digestive system may not be functioning correctly.

When we eat or drink our bodies release digestive juices into the stomach and the small intestine reabsorbs this liquid. But in the case of Crohn’s disease sufferers if part of the intestine has been removed they are in danger of becoming fatally dehydrated whenever they eat or drink and have to have fluid pumped into the bloodstream through a catheter. While in the case of acid reflux disease because the acid is not absorbed it is more likely that reflux will occur causing severe heartburn and damage to the esophagus.

Both problems can be controlled to some extent and if someone has both problems a special diet for Crohn’s disease can usually be just as beneficial for there acid reflux.

I have written more information about this on my article Links between Inflammatory bowel disease and acid reflux.

Lifestyle changes for acid reflux

If you suffer from acid reflux disease there are a few basic lifestyle changes you can make to alleviate heartburn symptoms.

Probably your diet will have a lot to do with how much stomach acid you produce. There are certain foods like peppermint chocolate, tomatoes which will give you problems. Acidic foods like pineapple, ad oranges are another problem. Also on the list of do nots are alcohol, coffee and fatty foods.

Foods you can eat include most vegetables and I find I never have problems with potatoes especially jacket potatoes.

But changing your diet is only part of what you do. You should also not eat large meals. Try to cut down on the size of the meals but eat more often if you are still hungry. Also chew your food. The digestion starts in the mouth so the more you chew your food the better. Also the saliva in your mouth will start to break down the food even before it reaches your stomach.

Other things to do include not lying down after a meal especially at night before going to bed. At bedtime you should eat at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down as acid reflux is at it most potent when you are asleep and unable to clear the acid from your esophagus.

Another thing to do at night is to elevate your head and torso. There are a number of ways to achieve this. You could prop up the end of your bed, but there are better ways. Wedge pillows are specially designed to help you sleep at the correct incline. Bed wedges can be placed under your mattress and inflated or deflated as desired. There is of course the electrical adjustable bed which can be also be raised and lowered as you desire. Because you spend quite a lot of your life in bed this may be a great option not only for acid reflux but for your comfort in general.

Other lifestyle changes include loosing weight which will reduce pressure on the stomach. Wear loose fitting clothing will also do the same thing. Smoking is another problem which helps promote acid reflux.

If you suspect that you are suffering from acid reflux you should always see your doctor for advice and tests. He will probably put you on a course of medication to alleviate your severe heartburn symptoms but you can still help yourself with lifestyle changes.

A week in the life of an acid reflux sufferer

I’ve been having a really hectic week and have been using a combination of acid reflux medication and more natural cures all week to try and curb my acid reflux.

My week started with a fishing trip on a boat. I did not take any medication for this but also did not eat any food that sets off my heartburn before the trip.

Next day (Saturday) was a football and rugby world cup semi final day so I had my Proton pump inhibitor that morning because I knew I would be spending the day in the pub.

Sunday was spent out on my friend’s boat so no medication was required but again I ate only food that I know does not set off my acid reflux. Avoiding fatty foods, caffeine, and the other usual suspects meant a good day was had without any sign of reflux. Of course the acid reflux medication taken the day before was still probably working as well.

Monday was spent with friends who where going home to the UK so medication was required.

Tuesday was a shopping trip to Ikea in Nicosia, no medication required.

Wednesday saw more friends departing to the UK, medication required.

Thursday was a party at our friends who live only a couple of doors from us, this needed lots of drugs to combat the heartburn.

Friday was a quiet day which gave us a chance to return to my normal acid reflux diet and no medication.

Saturday afternoon was spent with friends returning to Saudi Arabia and the evening was the rugby world final another big day and I had to take my Proton Pump Inhibitor.

Sunday we went on a bus trip to Nicosia race course. I was not sure about this on as we were on a coach without a toilet and no stops so the beer had to be curbed. I decided not to take anything and just watch what I ate. This turned out ok and I did not have any acid reflux symptoms.

Today we seem to be free from holiday makers and so I can get back to my diet in earnest.

But by planning ahead I have been able to only take the acid reflux medication on the days I really need it and then switch to my acid reflux diet on other days. It is much better and safer that taking conventional medication every day.

Acid reflux and holidays do not mix

The last few weeks have been very busy here in Cyprus and not very good for my acid reflux. There have been plenty of friends out on holiday so again much eating and drinking.

One friend has just received a container of household goods from the UK and we have been working on that. Of course every 10 minutes a beer is required to quench the thirst an it really has not been good and bouts of heartburn have been regular occurrences.

We have also helped the same friend put his new boat in the water and again every time we have gone onboard it had to include a good amount of beer. I really will be glad when all the holiday makers go home although I could try to say no to the beer (maybe not). Just have to take more acid reflux medication.

Not only is the reflux bad but my diet is also suffering and it seems I am putting on weight again. Gaining weight also does not help the acid reflux or health in general, so the vicious circle starts again.

Hopefully everything will be back to normal soon and we can get back on track and try some more natural cures for acid reflux. That is until Christmas which can be one of the most stressful periods for acid reflux sufferers. But that’s another story.

I must find a different cure for acid reflux

Things here in Cyprus are slowing down after the influx of tourists for the summer holidays and it should be better for us poor sufferers with acid reflux disease. But with the weather cooling down slightly the opposite is happening. A lot more friends seem to visit just after the summer and also lots of our friends who have been back in the UK to avoid the very hot summers out here are returning. What has this got to do with acid reflux you might ask, and the answer is that we seem to be doing a lot more entertaining, eating and drinking at the moment. This puts a lot of pressure on my trying to loose weight, and eating foods which do not give heartburn, also of course there is a lot more drinking to be done. If I am not careful the acid reflux will return with a vengeance.

The other problem is the sport. The football season has started and I have to go down the pub to watch my team ( Newcastle). Then there is the rugby union world cup, the European football qualifier games, a must drink situation also down the pub. Then there is also the cricket 20/20 at the moment. All have to be watched and celebrated down the pub. I can tell you it takes its toll.

To get over all this revelry I have to cut down on the amounts of food I take and up my doses of acid reflux medication just to survive.

Roll on the end of the football season when I can have a rest. Although that’s when the summer tourists start to arrive and it all starts again.

Must find a different cure for acid reflux.

Acid reflux- Things which work to bring heartburn relief

More than ever we see advertisements and information that tell us about the effect of acid reflux, the damage it can cause and the complications that can occur which may lead to cancer of the esophagus. Are these claims exaggerated and scaremongering or are they true. The problem is that there are so many causes of acid reflux disease (GERD) and the treatments you can use are also wide and varied. There have been many tests on the long term effects of heartburn and they also are not conclusive and many of the results disagree with each other.

The main symptom of Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is heartburn. It can be excruciatingly painful as the acid burns the lining of the esophagus or it can be just mildly discomforting, a burning sensation in the chest. It can also feel like pressure right through the chest and into the back and can be mistaken for a heart attack.

Acid reflux usually occurs due to a weakening of the Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) a ring of muscle between the stomach and the esophagus which is supposed to stop stomach contents from re-entering the esophagus. Another cause can be if the LES muscles relax at the wrong time allowing reflux. The result being that acid from the stomach can enter the esophagus. The lining of the esophagus has no protection from this and will literally burn. When this happens often the lining becomes scarred and can lead to further problems if not kept in check. So what can be done to prevent this?

Acid reflux medication

The main way we fight acid reflux is through acid reflux medication. You can buy antacids over the counter Rolaids tums and Maalox are but a few you can choose from. They work by neutralising the acid in the stomach. The problem with them is that there effect only lasts about one hour and you need to take more if the acid persists. This is ok if you only have mild bouts of heartburn occasionally. However people with GERD have heartburn regularly and need something stronger.

The next type of tablet you can take are called h2 antagonist receptors. Histamine is a chemical which stimulates the production of acid in the stomach. The histamine attaches to receptors on the stomach lining which stimulates the acid producing cells into secreting acid. H2 antagonists block the receptors and are very effective in stopping acid production but not for healing the inflammation of the esophagus. They last for up to 12 hours and are best taken about 20 minutes before a meal. Some to choose from are Zantac, Tagamet, and Pepcid.

The newest and strongest drug specifically designed for digestive problems are called Proton Pump Inhibitors PPI,s. These drugs are prescription drugs and are usually given by your doctor when you have been diagnosed as having GERD. PPI,s work by blocking the production of Gastrin a hormone produced in the stomach that also stimulates the cells of the stomach lining to produce acid. They are very effective and will stop stomach acid production from 24 hours and over. They are also very effective in healing the inflammation of the esophagus causes by reflux.

If you do not want conventional medication there are many natural cures for acid reflux available and coupled with lifestyle changes can be very effective in combating GERD on a daily basis.

Natural treatment for acid reflux

Almost everyone diagnosed with acid reflux disease takes the easiest solution which is either over the counter antacids or medicine prescribed by there doctor. Although these methods are very good for a while, they do bring problems and may be not the long term solution you should be after.

Another way is using natural cures for acid reflux. They are not as easy as just popping a pill and take more effort but in the long term they can have better results at healing the cause of acid reflux and not just treating the symptoms.

Herbal remedies for acid reflux have been around for a long time but also a change in what you eat and the way you eat it can also be very effective.

• First supplement your diet with a lot of alkaline foods. Soft foods such as eggs, soft vegetables and fruits, whole grain breads (with no nuts or seeds), breakfast bars made from whole grain, rice, potatoes, soy milk and a whole lot more are good.
• Things to avoid are carbonated drinks, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, coffee, spicy foods, fried foods, tomatoes and tomato based sauces and citrus fruits.
• You should eat small amounts every two to three hours as opposed to three large meals a day which produces more acid and is harder to digest.
• Drink plenty of water between meals which helps dilute any acid produced.
• One drink that naturally soothes and heals any inflamed tissue is Aloe Vera. About 40 to 60 mg a day taken first thing in the morning is very beneficial.
• Another natural healing agent is honey. Take a spoonful before meals in the beginning and then take a tablespoon when you feel heartburn symptoms returning.
• Liquorice root is very good for the stomach and can be taken as a tea or in a tablet form
• There are a variety of supplements that can also help. Look for ones that contain slippery elm and marshmallow.
• Another great drink for soothing the lining of the esophagus is cabbage juice. A glass per day is recommended.
• A table spoon of Flax oil two to three times a day is also excellent for the digestion or you can sprinkle flax seeds into meals such a salads.
• Another drink that is beneficial is Chamomile tea for soothing the digestive tract. Drink two cups daily.

Some other recommendations are; - loose weight. Being over weight adds pressure to the stomach which can promote acid reflux. Stop smoking, and do not wear tight clothing which also adds pressure to the stomach. Eat slowly and chew your food. Digestion is important and starts with chewing your food correctly. Do not lie down after meals and do eat early before going to bed. Leave about three hours for your food to digest properly.

Eating the correct alkaline foods will keep your body in balance and is healthier in the long term.

Please feel free to comment if you know of any other or better natural cures for acid reflux.

So what are the most common causes of Acid Reflux?

Here is my latest acid reflux information.

The cause of acid reflux disease is quite complex and cannot be pinned to just one symptom. In many patients there are multiple causes but not all patients have the same ones. It is quite common for different patients with GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) to have entirely different causes. You would think that excess stomach acid would be the main problem but this is only found in a small number of patients.

The main cause of GERD is found to be problems with the lower esophageal sphincter or LES for short. The esophagus is the muscular tube that extends from the throat and connects to the stomach. The esophagus is part of the upper gastro intestinal tract that delivers food from the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus is constantly in use; every time we swallow the esophageal muscles rhythmically push the contents down into the stomach. At the base of the esophagus there is the LES, a ring of muscle where it connects to the stomach.

The LES acts as a valve constricting and closing off access to the stomach, and works in conjunction with the esophagus. When we swallow the LES opens for a short time to allow the contents of the esophagus to enter the stomach. It then should close firmly to prevent any stomach contents from refluxing back up. If you suffer from heartburn it is because the LES has allowed stomach contents to somehow pass back into the esophagus. These contents contain acid and burn the lining of the esophagus which is where the pain comes from. For patients with GERD acid refluxing is pretty common and largely due to defects of the LES.

One of the problems is when the LES muscles are weakened, and this will decrease its ability to close off properly which will allow stomach acid to reflux. The second problem is abnormal relaxations of the LES muscles called transient LES relaxations. They are abnormal in that they do not work in conjunction with the esophagus when we are swallowing and happen at anytime. They can also last for much longer than normal up to a few minutes at a time. This allows acid reflux to take place easily and more frequently. After meals when the stomach is distended is usually the time when transient LES relaxations take place.

Another factor that can contribute to acid reflux is a hiatal hernia. Many patients with a hiatal hernia also have GERD but as we said at the beginning this symptom is not always present with patients who suffer from acid reflux disease. Also there are quite a number of folk with a hiatus hernia who do not have GERD. It is not known for certain how Hiatal hernias develop although it may be through bouts of coughing, retching, or lifting heavy objects. It could also be a weakness in the muscles lining the stomach. Having a Hiatal hernia can reduce the pressure the LES exerts an allow stomach contents to reenter the esophagus. A hiatus hernia can also protrude through the diaphragm and distort the LES therefore allowing reflux to occur.

Another problem can be with the contractions of the esophageal muscles. We have already said that the food we eat is propelled to the stomach through the esophagus through muscle contractions. This action is called peristalsis. Sometimes this wave like tightening and relaxing of the esophageal muscles die out or are too weak for food to reach the stomach. This can reduce the clearance of acid contents from the esophagus and can be worse at night when lying in bed due to the effects of gravity. This inability to clear acid from the esophagus is found frequently in patients who suffer severe acid reflux.

One more problem is slow emptying of the stomach. Slower emptying of the stomach after a meal prolongs the distention of the stomach when reflux is more likely to occur.

Patients with acid reflux disease can suffer from any one or all of the problems mentioned. You should consult your doctor if you suspect you are suffering it and he will probably prescribe some form of acid reflux medication.

Treating Acid Reflux naturally

I have had another weekend of eating and drinking and have not suffered from heartburn. By planning ahead and knowing I was going out for food and drink I took my acid reflux medication in the morning on the days I was going out. But today I am back on the straight and narrow and am back off the medication. I hope by this method I can stop acid reflux symptoms before they happen.

To treat Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, GERD for short one of the easiest ways is with lifestyle changes. This is what I am doing at the moment and it seems to be working. By changing your routine, mainly what you eat and the way you eat it the results can have major benefits to the amount of heartburn you get.

One of the many changes and easiest of changes to your routine is at night. Due to the effects of gravity acid reflux does the most damage at night when we lie down. In a lying position it is much easier for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. And in addition due to the effects of gravity the refluxed contents can flow further up the esophagus and even into the throat and mouth. I know in the past when this has happened to me I feel like I am choking and this can last for many hours. So the possibility of acid reflux doing damage is much greater at night.

One thing you can do to combat this is with positional therapy by elevating your upper body in bed. You can either put blocks under the bed at the headboard end, or you can purchase a wedge pillow which will also elevate you. Another method is with what is called a bed wedge which is placed under your mattress and can be inflated or deflated automatically to elevate you to the correct position. Another more luxurious but also more costly item is an electric adjustable bed. But because we spend about 1/3 our lives in bed this may be a good solution for some people. By using one of these methods you are raising the elevation of your upper torso and taking gravity out of the equation, and not just raising your head.

Also at night you should eat at least 2 to three hours before going to be to allow your food to digest. This is also the same during the day when you should not lie down after a meal.

Other small changes to your eating habits should include eating smaller meals which helps your stomach digesting larger meals takes much longer and produces a lot more acid. Also chew your food properly before swallowing as the digestion starts in the mouth.

Eating on the run and under stress also contributes to acid reflux. Try to avoid fast foods which are high in fat and processed foods. There are quite a few foods that are known to aggravate acid reflux. Try to avoid them. Examples are chocolate, citrus fruits peppermint, drinks like caffeine irritate the stomach lining and alcohol stimulates acid production. You can try antacids for a while although they are effective for only a short while, but they do stop the production of stomach acid. But they should not be taken on a frequent basis as they do have side effects.

Other lifestyle changes you can include if they apply are taking some exercise, loosing weight, not wearing tight clothing, and stopping smoking

If you have heartburn or acid reflux on a regular basis you should see your doctor. They will be able to determine whether you have GERD or not, and can provide you with the appropriate action to take. They may even know a few natural cures for acid reflux.