Can you cure Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux or GERD is a common health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. It is regurgitation of acidic contents from the stomach into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which remains tightly closed, prevents reflux 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.
So can you cure your acid reflux? If there is true lower esophageal incompetence, then there is no cure. You will need maintenance treatment with acid suppressants like omeprazole, or if very severe or you develop secondary problems then surgical treatment such as fundoplication will relieve your symptoms.
There are, however, various factors that can affect the efficiency of the LES and acid reflux. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on GERD before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. Sometimes all you need is a change of lifestyle.
A contributory cause of acid reflux is obesity. This is especially so in the apple type distribution of weight. The extra weight increases bulk in the upper abdomen and makes it difficult for the esophagus to discharge food effectively into the stomach. In addition hiatus hernia is more common in obese individuals. The LES can be weakened by a hiatus hernia. An important aspect of acid reflux treatment is losing weight.
Wearing tight fitting clothes can cause acid reflux especially if it is two sizes too small. The increased pressure on the stomach may trigger back flow into the gullet. Wear loose clothes and your reflux symptoms may go away.
A large meal entering the stomach will put pressure on the LES and can cause acid reflux. We all experience this at some time or other. Gastric clearance time is also increased by large volume allowing more opportunity for reflux. Eating smaller portions more frequently will counter this problem.
Certain foods can affect GERD. Cow’s milk protein intolerance can cause esophagitis. It is called Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis. 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.
The lower esophageal sphincter can be affected by some drugs and result in acid reflux. Broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease are in this list.
Acid reflux is affected by female hormones. Women on hormones, in a Scandinavian Study had increased risk of GERD. These drugs include the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the contraceptive pill. 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. Certain drugs ie tetracycline 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 to wash the medication down. Try not to take medication while lying down. It is best for GERD patients to take drugs standing or sitting up and avoid lying down immediately after.
Nicotine in corrosive to the esophageal lining and also relaxes the LES. Stop smoking and your acid reflux might improve.
Certain exercises have been shown to increase the risk of GERD. This is the case in competitive weightlifting and cycling. Joggers can develop GERD symptoms.
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.
