SIGNS /SYMPTOMS of GERD

GERD is a chronic condition, so it is more serious than occasional heartburn.  While some patients experience symptoms less often, an effective treatment needs to be found to help the problem.  To find out if you are suffering from acid reflux GERD, you may experience pain in the middle of the chest, spreading into the neck.  Some sufferers mistake it for a heart attack the pain can be so intense.   This pain can last two or more hours.

The onset of gerd generally happens after eating, and lying down can make it worse.  Other symptoms include acid regurgitating into your mouth, a bitter taste, and a dry cough / hoarseness in the morning.  Children with acid reflux gerd may experience vomiting and other respiratory problems.

*For more information on signs and symptoms of acid reflux gerd, CLICK HERE!*

HOME TREATMENTS

Severe cases of acid reflux may need the attention of a doctor, but there are some simple steps that you can take at home to alleviate the symptoms or avoid the onset of reflux.  Once you have suffered through a bout of acid reflux, the adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure will become your mantra when eating.

Since the stomach can only handle a certain amount of food, eating smaller meals more often instead of one huge meal will help the stomach acid break food down at a reasonable rate instead of being forced up.  Don’t lie down right after eating, and avoid eating late at night.  As an added measure of help, raise the foot of the bed by six to eight inches with blocks to aid gravity in acid reflux relief.

Greasy and acidic food will trigger attacks.  Don’t eat cream or tomato based foods, fatty fried things, chocolate or caffeine.  Mints are also known to be problematic, as well as smoking and alcohol.  Find out what your specific triggers are and avoid those foods, or be prepared with an antacid nearby.

ANTACIDS

Taken ahead of time, antacids neutralize the acid in the stomach.  Best taken every few days, these will help with heartburn, but can cause side effects over a long period of time.  Gaviscon, Maalox, Mylanta, and Tums are the popular brands.

A second type of antacid, known as H-2 blocker, also help with heartburn by preventing acid production.  Tagament, Pepcid, and Zantac fall into this category.  These work best one hour before meals, since they don’t affect acid already in the stomach, just the new production of acid.

If you suffer from severe acid reflux GERD and trying these steps at home does not relieve symptoms, your doctor can help. There are more invasive ways to treat your symptoms, and your doctor can determine if there is any damage or if surgery is necessary.  Good luck in finding relief!

The good news is there are measures you can take to stop acid reflux and potential damage to your health. Studies have shown there are certain foods that may cause acid reflux to worsen. The best news is you do not have to deprive yourself forever of the food you enjoy. You can still eat them occasionally, just not on a regular basis and in moderation.

Acid Reflux Food to Avoid

* Spicy foods- spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, goulash
* Fried foods, Chinese food
* Fatty foods- peanut butter
* Refined flour
* French fries, Mashed potatoes
* Celery, garlic, onions
* Citrus fruits- lemons, grapefruit, tomato, Cranberry juice, Orange juice
* Red meat- roast beef, ground beef, marbled sirloin
* Poultry- chicken nuggets, Buffalo wings
* Desserts- Chocolate
* Corn chips, potato chips

MSG can trigger acid reflux and is found in a variety of foods. Check your food labels and make certain it does not contain this ingredient.

* Spearmint, peppermint, and other strong mints
* Mint based herbal teas
* Alcoholic beverages
* Caffeine
* Cold water

Do not drink liquids with your meals; drink water a half hour to an hour before you eat. Drink beverages at room temperature. Drinking ice water is definitely an acid reflux food to avoid.

Limit the amount of coffee you drink. Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks before bedtime.
Beverages such as wine and beer stimulate acid secretion. For example– in one hour, beer doubles your stomach acid level.

One of the worse things you can do if you suffer from acid reflux is to skip meals. Try eating smaller meals but make sure to eat regularly. Over-eating contributes to acid reflux.

A recent study found that a low-carbohydrate diet might help relieve the symptoms of acid reflux. People suffering with acid reflux were started on a low-carb diet of non-starchy vegetables, meat, hard cheeses, and eggs to a restricted carbohydrates intake of 20 grams per day.

After less than a week, the participants reported fewer symptoms of acid reflux. Acidity measurements in the esophagus, immediately after eating, although expected to be high, were significantly lower for the low carb dieters.

Your doctor is the best person to give you advice. Doctors encourage their patients who have acid reflux to avoid foods that have a large amount of fat and protein. They generally recommend increasing fiber and reducing refined carbohydrates in your diet. A basic recommendation includes not lying down too soon after a meal. Follow these guidelines and you will not be missing any more family dinners or lunch with friends. You’ll know more about acid reflux and what food to avoid.

Discover proven Acid Reflux treatment information by reading Stop Acid Reflux Now; a comprehensively researched and easy to read downloadable eBook by Kathryn Whittaker that shows you how to gain control over your acid reflux with simple lifestyle changes and proven practical strategies, increasing the health of people with acid reflux.