The term reflux comes from Ancient Latin. The word literally means to go back and is a good guide to what happens when your body suffers from this condition. Understanding this is also a good first step in treating acid reflux but also in preventing it from recurring.
When your body suffers from this condition it is due to an excessive production of stomach acid. A valve in the esophagus becomes damaged and this means that the food contained in the stomach that is usually kept away from it gets mixed in. In some respects it is similar to an industrial factory line, where the products that should be kept separate have been accidentally mixed together due to a faulty mechanism.
Some people confuse reflux with heartburn. Heartburn is in actual fact something that occurs as a result of the condition. While the name suggests a problem with the heart it actually happens as a result of problems with digestion.
As you might expect with a stomach problem diet plays a key part in the treatment. Large amounts of food are more likely to be harder to break down and increase the risk of damage. However while reducing the amount of food can be a good method of prevention it is also worth remembering that certain types of foods can cause problems.
Another thing to be aware of is that reflux is not the same as heartburn. Heartburn is in fact a symptom of reflux. Despite the name the condition is in fact a burning feeling that occurs when you suffer digestive problems. This symptom is often the easiest treated, although if you do suffer it then it can be unpleasant.
It should be noted that everyone is different and there is unlikely to be one specific trigger food that can apply to all people who have this condition. One way to find out is to do what is known as an elimination diet. Eliminating one thing at a time will make it easier to see what could be potentially causing digestive problems. Do not be tempted to eliminate all potential trigger foods as this will negatively affect your diet and may cause more problems in the long term.
One of the commonest treatments initially before seeking a medical consultation is to use an antiacid. This is mainly for milder cases and can be purchased over the counter in most high street stores. In more severe cases acid suppressants may be used to reduce the levels in the stomach or prokinetic agents may be used to empty the stomach contents in order to help people recover.
The best person to talk to regarding methods of treating acid reflux is a medical professional. If you have reduced the amount of food you have eaten and taken high street antiacids and they have not worked then you need to discuss the condition with them. This will help to ensure you get the most effective treatment and also learn methods of preventing the condition from recurring.
When your body suffers from this condition it is due to an excessive production of stomach acid. A valve in the esophagus becomes damaged and this means that the food contained in the stomach that is usually kept away from it gets mixed in. In some respects it is similar to an industrial factory line, where the products that should be kept separate have been accidentally mixed together due to a faulty mechanism.
Some people confuse reflux with heartburn. Heartburn is in actual fact something that occurs as a result of the condition. While the name suggests a problem with the heart it actually happens as a result of problems with digestion.
As you might expect with a stomach problem diet plays a key part in the treatment. Large amounts of food are more likely to be harder to break down and increase the risk of damage. However while reducing the amount of food can be a good method of prevention it is also worth remembering that certain types of foods can cause problems.
Another thing to be aware of is that reflux is not the same as heartburn. Heartburn is in fact a symptom of reflux. Despite the name the condition is in fact a burning feeling that occurs when you suffer digestive problems. This symptom is often the easiest treated, although if you do suffer it then it can be unpleasant.
It should be noted that everyone is different and there is unlikely to be one specific trigger food that can apply to all people who have this condition. One way to find out is to do what is known as an elimination diet. Eliminating one thing at a time will make it easier to see what could be potentially causing digestive problems. Do not be tempted to eliminate all potential trigger foods as this will negatively affect your diet and may cause more problems in the long term.
One of the commonest treatments initially before seeking a medical consultation is to use an antiacid. This is mainly for milder cases and can be purchased over the counter in most high street stores. In more severe cases acid suppressants may be used to reduce the levels in the stomach or prokinetic agents may be used to empty the stomach contents in order to help people recover.
The best person to talk to regarding methods of treating acid reflux is a medical professional. If you have reduced the amount of food you have eaten and taken high street antiacids and they have not worked then you need to discuss the condition with them. This will help to ensure you get the most effective treatment and also learn methods of preventing the condition from recurring.
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