What is Acid Reflux or GERD?

You may be feeling a burning sensation in your chest or discomfort, leading you to ask, what is acid reflux? Which may be why you are here in the first place.

Simply put, acid reflux is the regurgitation of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. Hence the burning feeling in your throat and heartburn is the most recognizable symptom.

Although less frequently discussed, other symptoms, in addition to heartburn, exist. Some people will present symptoms like shortness of breath, bloating, itching in the ear, nose, and throat, or frequent clearing of the throat, to name a few.

In this post we look at

Causes of acid reflux
Treating acid reflux with medication
Treating acid reflux naturally
Healthcare professionals who can help you treat acid treat naturally

Acid reflux can occur occasionally or be a recurring problem that happens at least twice a week or more. Consulting a physician is vital as you may have GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease) and need special care.

The regurgitation of acid can happen to anyone and at any age. Left untreated, it can have devastating health effects.

Causes of Acid Reflux

Most often, acid reflux is the cause of our daily habits and our diet. With this in mind, here’s a list of some practices that are linked to trigger acid reflux :

Eating large meals at once
Drinking alcohol
Smoking
Eating spicy food
Eating high-fat foods
Eating onions and garlic, incredibly raw
Eating citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits
Eating tomatoes (including tomato sauce)
Drinking coffee

Treating Acid Reflux with Medication

Today, there are countless resources to help you manage and heal GERD.

In mild and infrequent cases, an over-the-counter (OTC) medication like Pepto Bismol or Pepcid AC may be the answer. These medications are effective in acting fast to provide heartburn and indigestion relief. Keep in mind that antacids may not work for everyone.

Depending on the health care professional you consult and the seriousness of your case, you may be prescribed Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 Blockers. These prescription pills reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Only some people like to use them. Some people that have used them have reported concerns about the drugs not being effective in long-term use.

Again, depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend you treat your GERD naturally before attempting to prescribe any medication.

Treating Acid Reflux and GERD naturally

Reducing the frequency and severity of your symptoms in an organic manner will consist of lifestyle changes, which might include some or all of the following:

Eating smaller meals more frequently. It helps decrease the acid splash back into the throat.
Losing weight
Quitting smoking
Eating a cleaner diet that allows you to digest easily (adding more fiber)
Cutting foods that trigger your reflux
Not laying down 2-3 hours after a meal
Reducing the stress in your life
Natural treatments from other types of healthcare professionals

Healthcare Professionals for Acid Reflux Treatment

If you want to care for your heartburn without prescription medication, consider enlisting the support of alternative healthcare professionals. A few that can help are: