Monday, June 20, 2011

Acid Reflux Cure - Common Digestive Condition

Acid reflux refers to a very common digestive condition marked by the flowing back of gastric acids and partly digested food into the esophagus. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the esophageal defects, abnormality of gastric muscles, hiatal hernia, gastroparesis or delayed gastric emptying, diabetes, obesity, stress, pregnancy, asthma, and some types of medications, such as bisphosphonates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It has been noted that certain lifestyle habits like smoking can also contribute to the occurrence of acidity.

Acid reflux bouts are typically triggered by spicy and fatty foods, caffeinated beverages, fruits that contain citrus acids, alcoholic drinks, too much eating, and very fitting dresses. People who suffer from this condition may also often experience heartburn or a flaming feeling in the chest and a bitter taste in the mouth. Acid reflux is not a serious or life-threatening medical disease, but can be a nuisance and affect the quality of life of the sufferer. Moreover, frequent regurgitation of stomach acids into the mouth can hurt the lining of esophagus and cause gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, a chronic and serious digestive disorder.

Even though there is no permanent cure for acidity, its symptoms and attacks can be significantly managed with certain types of medications and natural remedies. In fact, it is advisable to use home remedies for acid reflux, as they are far cheaper and safer than the synthetic drugs. One of the best ways to prevent the occurrence of acidity symptoms is to chew gum every so often. Chewing gum can stimulate the formation of saliva in the mouth, which is an alkaline and therefore can neutralize the stomach acids.

Water does have the ability to defuse stomach acids and thereby relieve the symptoms of acid reflux. Try to drink a glass of water when you feel the onset of regurgitation and heartburn. Prepare a mixture of half teaspoon of bicarb or baking soda, some drops of lemon juice, and a half cup of water. This is widely regarded as one of the excellent home remedies for acid reflux. Eating a few almonds first thing in the morning and then after every meal is also quite effective to reduce the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. Apple is another food that can help you manage your symptoms. Those with acidity are often advised to include lots of apples in their diet.

There are also some teas that are commonly used as home remedies for acid reflux. Aniseed and lavender tea is a very useful to treat the symptoms of this condition. Mix equivalent amounts of aniseed and lavender and then add one teaspoon of this herbal mixture to two and a half cups of boiling water. Allow the tea to sit for a few minutes. It has been noted that the symptoms of acid reflux can be alleviated by drinking 8 ozs of this herbal tea twice a day. Fennel seed tea and cinnamon tea are also good natural remedies for acid reflux.

Read about effective Acidity Treatment. Also know about Natural Acne Treatment.