Does Acid Reflux Cause Bloating? Here's the ANSWER

Introduction to Acid Reflux, Symptoms and Causes

To understand whether acid reflux causes bloating, you must know and understand what acid reflux is. Acid reflux is a condition in which the stomach acids are thrown up in the esophagus thereby causing harm to the esophageal lining. Acid reflux may cause many symptoms like heartburns, chest pains, difficulty in swallowing, sick feeling, belching, acidic taste in the mouth, hoarseness, persistent cough, asthma, burning sensation while taking hot dinks and bloating and so on. Acid reflux can get severe in some patients and may lead to serious complications requiring surgery.

Acid reflux has multifactorial causes like genetics, lifestyle patterns, excessive Candida infections, dietary intakes, excess fats, chocolates, spices, smoking, alcohol, caffeine obesity, pregnancy and delay in stomach emptying. GERD or gastresophageal reflux disease is a medical condition wherein the patient suffers from acid reflux on regular basis.

Acid Reflux and Bloating

As digestive system plays an important role in acid reflux it is but natural that bloating is one of the symptoms of this disease. Bloating is a result of flatulence or excessive gas in digestive tract. Flatulence or excessive gas in the gut is caused due to certain foods that induce gas and there could be other reasons as well like talking and swallowing air while eating etc. Flatulence might be an indicator of IBD or inflammatory bowel disease. Some people are affected by the GERD and IBD simultaneously as both conditions are related to the digestive system. Overgrowth of Candida leads to an increase in intestinal gases and this may also lead to bloating.

One has to take good care of one’s diet to control all the problems that are associated with the digestive system and tract. Diet plays an important role in maintaining one’s health and lifestyle. Lifestyle changes are utmost essential to treat GERD and IBD and one has to alter the diet by doing away with the trigger foods.

Treatment for Acid Reflux and Bloating

Several treatments are available for treating acid reflux. The traditional treatments include medicines and over the counter medications including antacids, acid suppressants, proton pump inhibitors and prokinetic agents. All these medicines provide temporary relief, but do not treat and remove the underlying cause. Prolonged use of these medicines has damaging side effects and unwanted health consequences. The root cause is not treated.

There are many alternative treatments available for treating acid reflux more successfully and effectively. The alternative treatments take a holistic approach to deal effectively with acid reflux by treating the underlying root cause. The holistic treatment form includes naturopathy, homeopathy, natural remedies, home remedies, herbal remedies and necessary diet and lifestyle changes along with body detoxification. These treatments are much safer with lesser side effects.