Acid reflux or GERD is an important health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. It is regurgitation of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. Reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which remains tightly closed and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When [...]]]>  

Acid reflux or GERD is an important health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. It is regurgitation of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. Reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which remains tightly closed and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the lower esophageal sphincter becomes faulty acid reflux will result. This is called GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Is it possible to cure your acid reflux? If it is due to true LES incompetence, then there is no cure. In LES incompetence, you need maintenance acid suppressant treatment such as omeprazole, or if very severe or you develop secondary problems then surgical surgical intervention with fundoplication will relieve your symptoms.

However, the effeciency of the LES can be affected by several factors. Eliminating these factors may avoid a trip to your doctor or taking over the counter medication. Sometimes all you need is a change of lifestyle.

Obesity can cause or contribute to acid reflux. It is more likely in the apple type distribution of weight. The extra weight increases bulk in the upper abdomen and makes effective discharge of food from the esophagus into the stomach difficult. In addition hiatus hernia is more common in obese individuals. A hiatus hernia can weaken the LES. Losing weight is an important aspect of acid reflux treatment.

Wearing tight fitting clothes can cause acid reflux especially if it is two sizes too small. The pressure exerted on the stomach may trigger back flow into the esophagus. Your acid reflux will improve if you wear loose clothes.

A large meal entering the stomach will put pressure on the LES and can trigger acid reflux. It has happened to us all at some time or other. The large volume also increases gastric clearance time increasing the risk for reflux. To counter this problem, eat smaller portions.

GERD can be affected by certain foods. Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis is an inflammation caused by cow’s milk intolerance. Removing cow’s milk protein from your diet will control this. Other foods that can affect the LES include fats, coffee, tea, alcohol, and some spices.

Some drugs can affect the LES and cause acid reflux. These drugs include broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease.

GERD symptoms are affected by female hormones. Women on hormones, in a Scandinavian Study had showed a greater risk. These drugs include the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The peristaltic waves in the esophagus can be slowed down by sedatives and tranquillisers and can affect clearance of food from the esophagus.

If you have GERD and you are on medication, opt for liquid medication. Tetracycline and certain other drugs are corrosive to the lining of the esophagus. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can lodge in the esophagus. Make it a habit to drink a glass of water after medication to wash it down. Try not to take medication while lying down. GERD patients should always take medication sitting up or standing and avoid lying down immediately after.

Nicotine in corrosive to the esophageal lining and also relaxes the LES. GERD symptoms improve when you give up smoking.

GERD risk is increased by certain exercises. This is the case in competitive weightlifting and cycling. Acid reflux symptoms can develop in joggers.

If you have acid reflux symptoms, look at all the potential risk factors and eliminate them. If by doing so, your symptoms disappear, you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.