Is there a natural cure for acid
reflux or are acid reflux sufferers must
endlessly endure the side effects of prescription
medication only to gain temporary relief? After 11 years
of trial, error and experimentation, former chronic
heartburn sufferer and certified nutritionist exposes
the truth about the natural approach to
curing and preventing acid
reflux.
Acid reflux, also called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), occurs when the one-way valve located in the esophagus (known as a lower esophageal sphincter, or LES) weakens and becomes unstable, allowing food and stomach acid to travel back up into the esophagus. The retrograde flow of acid often result is a burning pain, called heartburn. For this reason, GERD patients often experience a distinctive burning sensation under the breastbone, which commonly occurs at night.
When the reflux reaches the upper esophagus and trachea it can cause dry coughing, wheezing, hoarseness or chronic sore. Moreover, chronic reflux into the lower part of the esophagus can result in a condition called Barrett's esophagus, that turn into esophageal cancer in approx. 0.5% cases.
While the weakening of the LES alongside several other factors such as not having adequate amounts of stomach acid and several genetic tendencies are to be addressed as part of a complete GERD cure, these are all local or immediate causes for gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a complex condition triggered by deeper factors and co-factors other than the local causes mentioned above. It seems that there is a set of additional internal factors that create the environment that encourages GERD formation. If there is an effective natural cure for acid reflux, it must first and foremost tackle these factors.
Since the
majority of prescription medication are aimed at
tackling the immediate causes of acid reflux long term
intake of these drugs will provide nothing more than
temporary relief alongside a myriad of side
effects.
Long-term
use of antacids for example can worsen the problem since
stomach acid is necessary for proper digestion and
immune function. PPIs and H2 blockers may provide a
temporary relief but can also contribute to
osteoporosis.
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Recent
researches point the finger at dietary habits, lifestyle
and behavioral patterns that aggravate an existing gastroesophageal
reflux disease, thus advocating the natural holistic
approach.
Properly diagnosing your condition and adhering to the
holistic approach (by taking specific herbal and
vitamin supplements while following a complete set of
dietary principals and Candida control protocols (another
major GERD contributing factor) can
cure
acid reflux naturally and prevent its
recurrence, safely and effectively.
