Finding Cures For Acid Reflux
Acid reflux seems like an innocuous enough condition, just one that's annoyingly painful. After all, most of us suffer from heart burn or indigestion at some time or other. However, acid reflux can actually be indicative of a real problem, and if you're constantly suffering heartburn, it may be time to see your doctor.
Acid reflux is that painful burning sensation in your chest shortly after eating that is sometimes called heartburn, probably because it can feel like your heart is on fire. Of course, its your esophagus that is ‘burning’, due to acidic fluids backwashing out of your stomach. Most people will experience some kind of acid reflux in their lives, but for many it is a common occurrence and falls under the category of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Cures for acid reflux of this kind unfortunately don’t exist. Once you’ve been diagnosed with GERD you are more than likely going to have acid reflux for the rest of your life. The good news is, though, that using the right treatments and taking a few precautions, you can minimize any occurrences of the condition.
The reason there are no cures for acid reflux is that once the sphincter muscle separating the stomach from the esophagus begins to leak, it is very hard to correct it. Almost all of our recent research into cures for acid reflux have therefore been focused on reducing or eliminating the symptoms of the disorder. Fortunately, there have been a number of breakthroughs in this area, and there are now a variety of different medications that in my opinion are as good as cures for acid reflux. The only problem is you have to keep taking them.
Acid reducers, such as Ranitidine and Famotidine, have been out for some time now and are available over the counter. For mild forms of acid reflux, having a stock of some of these medications may be all you need. If you are only prone to getting occasional heartburn after eating, taking an acid reducer prior to a big, spicy or greasy meal will probably prevent it. (Better yet, don't eat the meal, or restrict the amount you eat).
If you suffer from heartburn daily, even without having eaten recently, you’ll probably want to talk to your doctor about a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). PPIs are more potent and effective acid reflux medications. They take a day or more to begin working, but they are safe and have few side effects. One of them, Prilosec, is now even available over the counter. You can also safely take PPIs along with acid reducers. I take a Prilosec everyday, as well as occasional acid reducers, and the combination for me is like a cure for acid reflux.
Avoiding big meals, avoid excessive grease or fats, waiting several hours after eating before laying down, and even elevating the head of your bed 8 or more inches, will all help reduce symptoms, and for milder cases may alone act as a cure for acid reflux. For everyone else, medication is our only hope at the moment. There are some surgical procedures on the horizon that may be the cures for acid reflux we’re hoping for, but it's too soon to tell if they’ll work or not.
