How to Survive Acid Reflux Disease

HOW TO SURVIVE ACID REFLUX DISEASE

For about 8 years I have suffered from a very debilitating and painful disease known as acid reflux or GERD. This condition can be both very painful and embarrassing as it is accompanied by painful burning in the chest and throat, frequent belching, acid refluxing all the way up the esophagus and into the lungs causing painful coughing and symptoms similar to asthma, sore throats, and sometimes even a heavy pain and pressure that can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. This disease usually occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach does not close all the way making the acid in the stomach reflux or back up into the stomach. In addition sometimes the esophagus can have a bulge or a pouch in it known as a hiatal hernia that can further complicate this already painful condition.

EXERCISE, EAT SLOWLY, AND DRINK LESS LIQUIDS

Although medical experts are unsure what causes this condition in the first place they have some general ideas about what causes it that can be used to both prevent this condition and treat it. Usually people who get acid reflux are somewhat overweight often with protruding bellies and excess belly fat. Losing weight and staying in shape can sometimes prevent this condition or alleviate some of the symptoms. People who get acid reflux have often been known to "wolf" their food and eat much too fast for the digestive juices in the body to have time to do their work. Eating slowly and taking time to enjoy food and work with the digestive process instead of against it can really help alleviate some symptoms and make this condition easier to bear. In addition drinking lots of liquid with your meal is a general no-no as this can water down the digestive juices and acid in your stomach and make digestion less effective. So drink less water and eat slowly. This is the first and most basic treatment and habit to try.