7 Causes of Heartburn Acid Reflux

There is a common misconception that if you suffer from acid reflux, you must be what you eat especially
eating spicy foods or drinking alcoholic beverages or smoking. However, this is not totally true.

Dr. Anish Sheth, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at Yale University stated that there are 7 causes of heartburn acid reflux and they are often lifestyle factors.

The following are the 7 possible causes.

1. Sphincter has low pressure
Acid reflux occurs when the acidic contents of the stomach pass up into the esophagus, and the sphincter muscle (the barrier between the two) has a defect, so it is unable to block the acid.

If the sphincter muscle has low pressure, it causes acid reflux.

“Some people just have a low pressure, and we don’t know why,” Sheth said. “Pregnancy can lower the pressure, as can blood pressure and depression medications. But, most of the time, we don’t know what causes it.”

For patients who suffer from a low-pressure sphincter, there is hope: a minimally invasive surgery known as fundoplication can provide relief.

2. Pregnancy

“Elevated progestin hormones cause the pressure of the sphincter to go down,” Sheth said. “And the increased pressure of the growing uterus predisposes the woman to acid reflux.”

The good news is that once the pregnancy is over, the symptoms of acid reflux are likely to disappear.

3. Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia is very common (at least 40 percent of Americans have them) and doesn’t necessarily cause acid reflux, Sheth said.

However, in a subgroup of patients with very severe reflux, a hiatal hernia – where the upper portion of the stomach moves upward into the chest – can cause acid to reflux, Sheth added.

Hiatal hernias can range in size from 1 to 4 centimeters. They can be repaired during fundoplication surgeries.

4. Gastroparesis
This is a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents.

“Normally, the acid is produced and emptied into the small intestine, but if it sits in the stomach for longer, by sheer logic, it will come back up into the esophagus,” Sheth said.

5. Obesity
“Even though obesity is a lifestyle issue, it’s also something that can go overstated,” Sheth said.

“Obesity increases the pressure in the stomach area, so for people who don’t have the other medical causes, the sheer presence of obesity will cause them to have acid reflux.”

6. Bisphosphonates
This class of drugs prevents and treats osteoporosis in women and, occasionally, cause acid reflux in users.

“They stand out,” Sheth said. “They don’t necessarily cause reflux, but they can cause esophageal irritation, which can feel like heartburn.”

Sheth added it is always worth a quick review of any medication that you are taking long-term to see if acid reflux is one of its side effects.

7. Lifestyle
People who have heartburn "every now and then" may benefit from making lifestyle changes, Sheth said.

If they decrease their chocolate and/or caffeine intake (or other food or beverages that may irritate their symptoms), lose weight and stop smoking, they are likely to see a reduction in acid reflux symptoms, he said.

 It is better to take care now than regret later. By making some changes to your lifestyle, it can only improve your health and make life happier and easier for you. Try it today.

Salsa For Acid Reflux Heartburn Patients

One man's trouble with tomatoes has caused him to find a way around and in the end, a business is created.

Meet Duane Thompson. He loves eating tomato-based salsas but he had to struggle with indigestion and in the end, he sometimes suffered from acid reflux and heartburn symptoms.

Read the his full story on his new creation and how a business was born :-
More heart and soul, less heartburn - Hampton man's low-acid salsa recipe is now his business

5 Acid Reflux Medications: Which One is Best Suitable for You?

[FoxNews] Characterized by symptoms of heartburn and regurgitation, GERD is a chronic condition where the acidic contents of the stomach flow back up into the esophagus. This constant backwash of stomach acid irritates the lining of the esophagus, and sufferers are left “feeling the burn.”

According to Dr. Anish Sheth, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at Yale University, by making some simple changes in the patients' diet and lifestyle, it helps them manage the discomfort of their acid indigestion,

 Sheth told FOXNews.com:

“Avoiding caffeine, eliminating fatty or acidic foods, losing excess weight and quitting smoking are all things patients can do to control their acid reflux.”

It is important to know the frequency of the symptoms and how the symptoms are affecting their lives.  Bear in mind that lifestyle modifications offer only temporary relief for patients suffering from more severe symptoms associated with GERD.

“If people are having symptoms on a daily basis or more than three times a week, we usually recommend they start medication,” said Sheth.

But with so many medications available, how do you know which one is right for you?

Antacids. Popular over-the-counter medications like Tums, Maalox, Rolaids and Mylanta neutralize stomach acid and provide fast-acting relief in mild or isolated cases of acid reflux. Some antacids come in liquid form to coat the lining of the esophagus and help reduce the amount of acid in the stomach. But they won’t aid in reducing inflammation of the esophagus associated with GERD.

“Most patients suffering from mild acid reflux will treat themselves with over-the-counter medications,” Sheth said. “Antacids are better for immediate relief – like after a big meal – because their effectiveness is short-lived in nature and only lasts for as long as it’s in the system.”

Remember that if you overuse the antacids, it can cause you diarrhea, constipation and, in some rare cases, an imbalance in electrolytes if the antacid contains calcium.

“You should see a doctor if your symptoms are not controlled by over-the-counter medicines because it could be a sign of a more serious condition,” Sheth said.

Oral suspension medicines. These medications, like Pepto Bismol and Carafate, are sometimes used to treat heartburn and indigestion as well as nausea, diarrhea and ulcers in the throat, stomach and intestines.

“Carafate is a liquid suspension that essentially coats the inside of the esophagus. It’s short-lived in its effectiveness because once the coating wears off it’s not going to do much,” Sheth said. “We really only prescribe it for people who have symptoms less than a couple times a week or month.”

Anti-gas, anti-flatulence. Some patients experience bloating when they get heartburn. For these kind of symptoms, over-the-counter products like Phazyme, Gas-X and Beano can aid in relieving pressure, bloating, and gas in the digestive tract. These medications usually come in tablet form and work by breaking up gas bubbles, making it easier to eliminate.

H-2-receptor blockers. Previously available only with a doctor's prescription, H-2-receptor blockers such as Pepcid AC and Zantac are now sold over-the-counter.

“H-2-receptor blockers work by shutting off the production of acid in the stomach,” Sheth said. “They are effective for mild reflux, they’re relatively inexpensive and can be used casually by people who only have symptoms a couple times a month.”

H-2-receptor blockers provide longer-lasting relief than antacids, but they do not take effect as quickly, so it is suggested that people take them 30 minutes before meals or before bed.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs). These medications, which include Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium, block acid production and aid in healing damaged esophageal tissue, so they should be taken by people who are having more frequent, severe symptoms.

PPIs are usually taken under the care of a doctor to prevent acid reflux from recurring, but certain ones, like Prilosec, are now available over-the-counter.

“The standard of care for treating GERD and related digestive diseases has become proton pump inhibitors. And because they are so safe, these are the most common medicines,” Sheth said.

The majority of people who go on a PPI will get better, Sheth said. But there are other medications that can be prescribed by a doctor in the event that they don't.

REMEMBER THIS!

Pay attention to the frequency and severity of your symptoms. If need to, please see a doctor if your symptoms perverse or you suspect that you are suffering from GERD. Complications, including trouble swallowing, unexplained weight loss, anemia, and drastic changes in symptoms will definitely warrant an immediate visit to your doctor to do a thorough check up for GERD.

“GERD can cause a narrowing of the esophagus that leads to trouble swallowing,” Sheth said. “And in some patients, it causes a change in the lining of the esophagus called Barrett’s esophagus – a condition that can lead to cancer.”

[Source: Fox News]

Video: Tips on How To Treat Your Acid Reflux

Here is a good video to teach you how to treat your acid reflux problem.

7 Secrets of Heartburn Acid Reflux Diet

Here are the 7 simple rules for diets -  a move towards a holistic, all-natural GERD treatment:

1. Reduce meal size. Mega meals put too much stress on the digestive system, more stomach acid is fabricated and an existing acid reflux condition can be degraded. Eat 5-6 smaller meals per day rather than 2-3 big meals.

2. Give your stomach a better possibility to work in the 2-3 hour window after a light meal, rather than the 5-6 hours for a heavy one. This is much better planning for the last meal of the day, to avoid lying down when acid can still flow back along your esophageal passage. So eat your last meal of the day as a light one and go for a short walk if you can, to aid digestion.

3. Don't gobble food. Gobbling means intake or air, pressure in the stomach and bloating which all goes to force back open the esophageal sphincter, with the resulting reflux of stomach acid.

4. Make way for herbal tea instead of coffee as well as reducing intake of high-fat or spicy meals, peppermint, citrus juices, soda and alcohol, coffee and caffeine, chocolate and any food with a large amount of tomato. Don't eat food that irritates the inside of your digestive tract, which in turn can cause your esophageal sphincter to malfunction and relax at the wrong moment.

5. Studies done in Sweden provide data to show that acid reflux danger can be halved via a high fiber diet and that high-fiber diets are useful for clearing out toxic matter and optimizing digestion.

6. Cut down on dairy produce, especially milk. Milk makes for more acid, mucus and allergies, all factors that stimulate Candida overgrowth and further digestive problems contributing to GERD.

7. Cut down on calories. Obesity and excess weight also act to force open the lower esophageal sphincter the wrong way.

Book Review: Eating for Acid Reflux: A Handbook and Cookbook for Those with Heartburn

The right plan based on the diet guidelines just mentioned will cut down on the chance of GERD and at the same time makes you healthier and fitter.

A heartburn diet plan is the 1st part of a complete natural and holistic program to stop acid reflux. It is the only way to permanently stop this problem. Diet plans are just one part of the treatment, like heartburn is just one piece of the acid heartburn puzzle. All the pieces need to be included in the solution in order to really effectively solve the problem.

Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Heartburn No More- Open The Door To an Acid Reflux Free Life". Jeff has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.

To Learn More About Jeff Martin's Unique 5-Step Holistic Acid Reflux Cure System Visit: Acid Reflux Treatment - Click Here

Video: Treatment For Heartburn and GERD

This video will share with you more about over-the-counter and prescription medication to manage heartburn and GERD.

Video: Treatment For Heartburn and GERD

Medications
For occasional cases of mild heartburn, "over the counter" medicines may work for you .

Antacids help to neutralize stomach acid and can provide quick relief.

H-2 Receptor Blockers - These medications are a stronger type of antacid. If you have GERD, they can help to reduce or eliminate symptoms, as well as heal an inflamed esophagus. H-2 receptor blockers can actually reduce the production of acid in your stomach. They are available in over-the-counter and prescription strength for GERD. They don't act as quickly as regular antacids, but they do last longer.

Proton Pump Inhibitors - These medications can block acid production completely and allow time for a damaged esophagus to heal. This medication was only available by prescription, but is now also available in an over-the-counter strength.

These, like all medications, can cause some side effects, so talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.

Surgery
If have a severe case of GERD, your doctor may recommend surgery. The most common procedure is called fundoplication surgery, which applies pressure to the LES valve and reduces reflux. In many cases this can be done without large incisions by performing a laparoscopic operation.

It's important to know that the symptoms of heartburn can mimic other more serious problems, including heart attacks. So, if your symptoms seem like more than just reflux, or if you’re losing weight or having trouble swallowing or breathing, you should discuss it with your doctor.

Medicine and surgery are not the only ways to get rid of your heartburn problem. If you prefer trying a more holistic and natural therapy, you can check out Jeff Martin's holistic approach to Heartburn No More.

Gastric Band Weight-Loss Surgery Can Help Obese Acid Reflux Patient

Recently, there is interesting discovery that gastric banding which is a surgical procedure designed to combat obesity can help to lose weight and  also help to control of acid reflux symptoms

Dr. Frank K. Friedenberg, an associate professor in the section of gastroenterology at Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia and his colleagues published their findings in the August issue of The American Journal of Gastroenterology.

The popular gastric banding surgery, which involves the placement of a band to divide and reduce the size of the stomach, initially debuted in 1993. It has proven effective in helping patients feel satiated earlier, spurring weight loss.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when a muscle at the end of the esophagus does not close properly, allowing irritating stomach contents to leak back into the esophagus. Symptoms include heartburn and acid indigestion.

According to the new analysis, involving numerous studies, a high body mass index (BMI) and/or high amounts of abdominal fat does appear to raise the odds for significant acid reflux.

The researchers also found that diet-induced weight loss can help minimize GERD symptoms.

Patients often did lose weight after banding, the researchers found, and this reduction in weight did not immediately encourage GERD. In fact, in some cases, post-procedure weight loss appeared to moderately reduce some reflux disease symptoms, the researchers said.

Starpoli cautioned. "Both bypass and banding are not without their set of complications. And this study illustrates that while solving one problem, perhaps you worsen another. So, I would say that if you're going into any of these procedures to deal with obesity, and you have significant reflux, you definitely first need to have an appropriate evaluation as if you were considering an anti-reflux procedure."

More information
There's more on GERD at U.S. National Institutes of Health.

[Source: USNews]

If you are interested to learn more, click here to find out many different ways to overcome your heartburn acid reflux problem using natural holistic method.

Video: Preventing GERD

For the past 2 weeks, you have learnt from videos what heartburn and GERD are and a true life story about how a simple heartburn problem could become a life-threatening GERD case.

Today, you will learn from this video what are the various ways to prevent heartburn symptoms and GERD.

Video: Prevent GERD


If you are interested to learn more about heartburn remedies, you can check out this blog:-

How To Remedy Heartburn