Acid Reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a long term condition in which stomach acid escapes through the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). The contents in your stomach come back up into your esophagus that causes either symptoms or complications. The Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) is a valve that separates the stomach from the esophagus. Acid reflux symptoms includes:
- pain and burning in the chest
- increased salivation (also known as water brash)
- heartburn and nausea
- burping and hiccups
- hoarseness
- chronic sore throat
- coughing
Another nasty symptom of acid reflux is regurgitation, it's a foul acidic taste in your mouth when you not "fully-vomit" in your mouth after a meal. Yes, it's a common experience however, if it occurs most of the time about more than two times a week then you have acid reflux disease. Common risk factors of this disease are obesity, pregnancy, smoking, hiatus hernia, eating large meals, taking certain medicines and lying down after meals.
Another cause for acid refulx is lack of digestive enzymes in which the stomach produces more acid to compensate. This may be caused by old age, poor diet, stress and certain antibiotics that reduces the digestive enzymes required to balance the stomach acid responsible for reflux.
Medications use to get rid of acid reflux includes antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and sleeping medication.
In addition, a spoonful of sodium bicarbonate, can help reduce or end the gnawing, burning, sensation of heartburn caused by acid reflux. Baking soda, as sodium bicarbonate is more commonly known, can help your reflux and in turn help your heartburn because it is a base substance.
Other ways to relieve acid reflux includes, chewing gum since it increase the flow of saliva that neutralizes stomach acid. Lose weight and eating smaller meals will also help. Avoid smoking since it loosens the LES valve. Avoid foods that are known for causing gas and acid reflux, which includes beans, soda, fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, coffee and tea.
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