Healthy Fluids

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is basically another name by which some people call heartburn. It becomes a little confusing because heartburn and GERD are basically caused by the same thingacid reflux.

Chest pains, burping, bitter tastes in the mouth, and regurgitation are just some of the symptoms of acid reflux and while it may happen to everyone at some point, not all cases become chronic. Chronic cases of acid reflux can result in GERD. When you have an unending cycle of acid reflux, it is best to get yourself checked by a doctor because prolonging the lining of your esophagus to the acids in your stomach can cause esophagus cancer. The chances of that happening are not very common since the acids can easily be neutralized with medication but once the esophageal lining becomes damaged, it become more difficult to treat.

Caution is better than cure. This is a phrase that many people utter when it comes to health but not every one really takes it to heart. There are many people who many experience frequent episodes of acid reflux but since the antacids may be working for them, they neglect what their bodies are trying to tell them and they continue with their current lifestyle and eating habits. Lifestyle and diet change are essential in preventing and curing acid reflux from frequently happening and eventually leading to something else more serious. Once the lower esophageal sphincter has been compromised, it is important to take measures to ensure that it the condition is not further agitated.

Food choices and the drinks we consume play a big role in acid reflux happening in the body. When we eat something that is oily, spicy, or too acidic, that can cause the acids in the stomachthe ones that are used to break down food while it is in the stomachto travel up the esophagus and that in turn can burn the lining of the esophagus. When we drink coffee, tea, sodas with high caffeine content, that too can trigger an acid reflux.

When trying to avoid or cure acid reflux, it is important to remember that medication is not always the answer, sometimes it just takes some adjustment on ones part to make sure that those gastric acids stay where they are supposed to.

Lifestyle changes also play an important role in preventing and possibly lessening if not completely curing acid reflux. Avoiding nicotine found in cigarettes, not eating too much, not laying down right after a meal, eating slowly, and wearing loser clothes all help in the avoidance of acid reflux. If your health allows for it, definitely try yoga for acid reflux! Reflux can be very painful and although curable, it is best that it is avoided.

Small changes can make a big world of difference not to mention the fact that some lifestyle changes needed to avoid acid reflux not only help in that department but also in other areas where your health may be compromised. At the end of the day, it is all up to you and if you are suffering from chronic acid reflux, the time to make that choice is now!