Acid Reflux - Tips for Prevention
By Thomas` | October 8, 2008
Acid reflux is the result of stomach acids moving back into
the esophagus through the sphincter valve separating the
two. Since the esophagus does not have the protective
lining that the stomach has, the introduction of this acid
into the esophagus is very painful. Continuous exposure to
stomach acids can seriously damage your esophagus.
Suffering from acid reflux doesn't have to be a permanent
state for you. While everyone experiences some heartburn
periodically, those that have frequent acid reflux
experience this as often as every day. There are steps that
you can take to control and prevent acid reflux.
First and foremost, you want to visit your doctor. Acid
reflux can be a symptom of a larger problem. Some dietary
changes that you can make to help control your acid reflux
are: Eating more protein at meals. It is possible that
eating protein can help strengthen the muscles of your
esophagus, therefore reducing the amount of reflux you
experience. Limit carbonated beverages. These drinks can
aggravate acid reflux. Avoid food and drinks that contain
caffeine and reduce or eliminate alcoholic beverages. These
can increase acid production in the stomach, which can lead
to acid reflux. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables aids
in digestion, although avoid acidic ones such as tomatoes
and citrus fruits.
Seventy five percent of all people who suffer from acid
reflux find that it occurs most often at night or while
lying down. You can help prevent acid reflux by doing the
following: Do not go to bed full. Stop eating at least two
hours before going to bed. After your last meal of the day,
get some exercise rather than lying down on the couch.
Sleep with your head raised slightly. You can do this with
an extra pillow (making sure it is supporting your upper
back as well as your head), or special foam wedges to raise
your upper body. Sleep on your left side. The stomach is
lower than the esophagus when you lay on your left side,
helping reduce the chance for reflux.
If you still experience acid reflux after making lifestyle
changes, you can consider medication. There are a number of
products on the market, both prescription and
non-prescription. The majority of these drugs work by
reducing the amount of acid that the stomach produces.
Several of these drugs include:
Prilosec. Prilosec is available both ways. If you only
suffer from heartburn, you can do short-term management with
OTC (over the counter) Prilosec. If you suffer from stomach
ulcers, then your doctor can prescribe a stronger version
for you.
Protonix. Protonix is available by prescription only and is
highly effective. Results show acid reduction of around 90%
in patients studied.
Zantac. One of the oldest of the acid reflux drugs, this is
available both OTC and by prescription. Zantac is used to
prevent acid reflux and to help heal esophagitis caused by
acid reflux.
While there isn't necessarily a cure for acid reflux, with a
combination of lifestyle changes and/or medications, you can
be relatively symptom free.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Acid Reflux
Topics: Acid Reflux |
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