What to take for acid reflux?

Are you feeling the burn? No, not from your workout routine or the scorching summer sun. We’re talking about that heartburn and acid reflux that feels like a literal fire in your chest. Don’t worry, we’ve got some tips on what to take to ease the pain.

Why Does Acid Reflux Happen?

Before diving into relief options, let’s explore why acid reflux happens in the first place. When stomach acid flows back up into your esophagus, it can cause a burning sensation in your chest and throat – aka, heartburn!

This can happen for a variety of reasons including eating spicy or acidic foods or drinking alcohol and caffeine (not fun!). Other factors such as smoking, obesity, pregnancy and certain medical conditions (like hiatal hernias) can also contribute to acid reflux.

Lifestyle Changes

While medication can help relieve symptoms of acid reflux temporarily – making lifestyle changes is key for long-term management of this condition.

Eat Smaller Meals

Eating large meals increases pressure on your stomach which leads to more acidic juices flowing into your esophagus causing that pesky burning sensation. Instead try eating smaller portions throughout the day (think grazing like a cow).

Avoid Trigger Foods

Certain foods are known triggers for acid reflux such as chocolate (break our hearts!) fatty foods (we know…life is unfair sometimes), citrus fruits mmh no OJ at brekfast then, garlic etc.Therefore incorporating dietary restrictions around these triggers should be considered..

Lose Weight

If you’re overweight , extra weight puts pressure on abdominal region (meaning less room for digestion) This pressure forces stomach contents out towards hydrochloric acids …(scary!!!!!!)
that causes….you guessed it-ACID REFLUX (cue dramatic music).

Feeling tempted yet for that salad instead of steak ? You really shouldn’t

Quit Smoking

Seriously. It’s a matchstick worth snuffing out.

Smoking tobacco can relax the muscles that control the opening between the stomach and esophagus, causing acid reflux in to occur more easily.

Medication Options

When lifestyle changes just aren’t enough or you need immediate relief from heartburn (like when your inlaws are over), medications can be very helpful! Here is some medication treatment for acid reflux:

Antacids:

These work by neutralizing stomach acids . Common ones include Tums and Rolaids. They provide temporary relief, making them good to keep handy at homekitchen(except if an earthquake happens which might set those rolaid rolls rolling!)

H2 Blockers:

They block histamine receptors on cells ,preventing excess acid production,famotidine being one such blocker.
It provides relief through out a day but doesn’t initiate effect as fast as antacids do..In short slower than turbocharged anti-stomach-acid drag racing cars,huh!

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs):

By…they inhibit pumps! Meaning less will come back up after digestion. Side Effects? No rush…all drugs have it,inthis article we spread joy not pessimism !

But serisously side effects could be nausea,Vitamin B12 defeciency,reduced calcium intake etc.

What else should I know?

it keeps your insides healthy by healing any damage done by stomach acids.Cool,right?

Here are some PPIs used commonly: Omeprazole,Lansoprazole,Rabeprazole,Pantoprazole,Esomeprazole etc.
Your doctor would suggest which suits better with necessary dosage.(IMPORTANT : OVER INTAKE IS FORBIDDEN)

You’re probably wondering what all that gibberish translates to in terms of relief – this medication provides long-lasting heartburn relief (however, side effects do exist).

Natural Remedies

Sometimes the most effective treatments for acid reflux are those passed down through generations (herbal tea anyone?). Here’s a list of natural remedies:

Ginger Tonic:

Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols..exactly what we were just about to say! Rather than boring you with scientific hocus pocus that even we don’t understand….basically They bring down inflammation thus providing relief!

Recipe(at your own risk) Blend -lemon juice,honey,juiced yellow bookmark sized piece of fresh ginger root,and boiling water-pour into mug ,sip slowly,no guzzling!!!(Be warned though …ginger can irritate mouth lining ..more burn but not the good kind)

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera has an anti-inflammatory and healing effect on mucous membranes throughout digestive system.(soothes like magic!) Neutralizing gastric acids ,this could be very useful . But make sure it’s only consumed according to proper guidelines suggested by your medical professional because typically overconsuming aloevera juice exhibits Laxative tendencies in human physiology.

Chamomile Tea :

It helps relax muscles so movement is reduced allowing everything to settle; its deemed helpful for esophagus as well.Never goes wrong cozy-ing up with chamomile infused goodness while symptoms take subsides .

Slippery Elm Bark

This is often used in throat lozenges during cold season,but turns out…the sticky plant paste also helps soothe inflamed stomach;it creates viscid gel that coats inner linings creating breathing space without harsh pain peaks.(imagine candy that actually cures rather than ruining our teeth )

Baking Soda : (PLEASE DON’T EAT IT !)

When baking soda meets acid,a reaction causing fizz takes place resulting in fizz or burps. And you probably thought that was just for scones.

But burping caused by fizzy drink,for instance is different than sodium bicarbonate reaction.Baking soda causes…
wait for it….neutralization!! (basically putting out the fire!).

Mix 1/2-1 tsp of baking soda with 8oz water,jog slowly then make sure to wait atleast an hour after if planning on consuming anything!
Two things to keep in mind here: sodium levels ! Second ,heat effects might not be curbed by this remedy..so consider a xylitol infused gum for cool mouth !

Final Thoughts

In summary first port of call should always be making healthy lifestyle changes.But sometimes medication could help alleviate immediate symptoms.Secondly as much we advocate natural remedies they’re more geared towards mild cases and not substitute professional medication advice ..ALWAYS CONSULT DOCTOR before trying any home experiment!
It might seem impossible but keep your head up because overcoming acid reflux can definitely happen. Just take it slow (reato lento non troppo eh!)and focus on positive changes – like eating smaller portions throughout the day – and soon enough you’ll be able to enjoy all those delicious trigger foods again, sans heartburn.

Random Posts