Gastric Reflux and How To Stop It

Gastric Reflux and How To Stop It
by Jacqueline Courtiol

Defining Gastric Reflux

Gastric Reflux disease (GERD) is defined as the back flow of stomach acid into the
esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). The flow of food
from the stomach into the esophagus causes a burning discomfort within the
individual.The person can also experience a bitter aftertaste in their mouth and
difficulty swallowing. Gastric Reflux disease is often times referred to as heartburn.

Facts

The fact is that many people experience Gastric Reflux at one time or another in their
lives.The reason is because a great many people indulge in things that are not good
for their health like smoking, greasy and fatty foods. Fatty foods in particular can
cause a bout with Gastric Reflux. Why? Fatty foods can remain within a person's
stomach for a long time after it has been eaten.

As stated earlier, a person can have an occasional bout with Gastric Reflux or it can
become chronic.If a person suffers from chronic Gastric Reflux, other health problems
can result ,such as a severe case of inflammation, ulcers, anemia or a low blood count.

Prescribed solutions

There are ways that a person can control Gastric Reflux, if it becomes a chronic
problem.

First, if you are suffering from Gastric Reflux and you smoke, stop
immediately.Although there is some debate on how much smoking effects gastric
reflux, there is enough research to establish that it does have some negative effects.
What has been established is that smoking can cause a delayed gastric
emptying,which can lead to Gastric Reflux.

Second, if a person is overweight and suffers from chronic Gastric Reflux they should
consider losing the excess weight. There is a theory that suggests that when you are
overweight and suffering from Gastric Reflux,the weight compresses the stomach and
raises the pressure inside.

Third, if a person is suffering from chronic Gastric Reflux they should limit or get rid of
alcohol all together.If they continue to drink, then a person should limit himself or
herself to one glass of alcohol a day.

Fourth,do not eat two or three hours before going to bed.

Fifth, people who suffer from Gastric Reflux should limited their caffeine. This includes
coffee, chocolate and soda.

Sixth, if the Gastric Reflux is severe enough, go see a doctor and they can prescribe
medicines to treat the problem. Medications that could be prescribed to you are
H2blockers, which lessen gastric acid secretions. There are also Proton-pump
inhibitors, which prevent gastric acid secretions as well by stopping the enzyme pump
process.

Conclusion

Everyone suffers from Gastric Reflux at one time or another in their lives. When
Gastric Reflux becomes chronic, one should see a doctor, and take a close look at
their dietary habits. The causes of Gastric Reflux are usually dietary, and can be
changed, which is good news. If Gastric Reflux cannot be changed through diet, a
doctor can prescribe medication to get it under control.

So, don't wait, take action. What one does not want is to wait for the problem to get
worse. Make the necessary changes, and by doing so, you can make the quality of
your life so much better.

About The Author

Jacqueline Courtiol, M.A. Ed. is a teacher, business owner and mother. She is the
inventor of ahomeopathic colic relief formula - http://www.coliccalm.com/
recommended by pediatricians, doulas and mid-wifes. Colic Calm is also highly
effective in the treatment of infant gas pain-
http://www.coliccalm.com/baby_infant_newborn_articles/gas_problems_treatment.ht
m

The number of people that suffer
from Gastric Reflux is in the
millions. What people may not
know about Gastric Reflux is that
there are various of ways to deal
with the problem effectively.

As many people suffer from
Gastric Reflux, the cases can
range from mild to severe. For
those of you who are unfamiliar
with Gastric Reflux or are
suffering from it, this article will
explain what steps you can take
to cure or reduce the problem.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.