Acid reflux or GERD is a common health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. It is regurgitation of stomach content high in acid into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which remains tightly closed, prevents reflux and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the LES becomes faulty acid reflux will result. This is called gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD.
So can you cure your acid reflux? If it is due to true LES incompetence, then there is no cure. In LES incompetence, you need maintenance acid suppressant treatment such as omeprazole, or surgical treatment like fundoplication will relieve your symptoms if very severe or you develop secondary problems.
There are, however, various factors that can affect the efficiency of the LES and acid reflux. Eliminating these factors may avoid a trip to your doctor or taking over the counter medication. A change in lifestyle is sometimes all you need.
A contributory cause of acid reflux is obesity. It is more likely in the apple type distribution of weight. The increased bulk in the abdomen makes it difficult for the esophagus to discharge food effectively into the stomach. In addition hiatus hernia is more common in obese individuals. The LES can be weakened by a hiatus hernia. Losing weight is an important aspect of GERD treatment.
Acid reflux can be caused by wearing tight fitting clothes especially if it is two sizes too small. The pressure exerted on the stomach may force acid back up into the gullet. Your symptoms will improve if you wear loose clothes.
Large volume of food in the stomach will put pressure on the LES and can trigger acid reflux. It has happened to us all at some time or other. Gastric clearance time is also increased by large volume increasing the risk for reflux. Eating smaller portions more frequently will counter this problem.
Acid Reflux can be affected by certain foods. Cow’s milk protein intolerance can cause esophagitis. It is called Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Removing cow’s milk protein from your diet will control this. Other foods such as fats, coffee, alcohol, tea and some spices can affect the lower esophageal sphincter.
The lower esophageal sphincter can be affected by some drugs and cause acid reflux. Broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease are in this list.
Female hormones can affect acid reflux. Women on hormones, in a Scandinavian Study had increased risk of GERD. These drugs include the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the contraceptive pill. The peristaltic waves in the esophagus can be slowed down by sedatives and tranquillisers and can affect proper discharge of food from the esophagus.
If you are on medication and you have GERD, opt for liquid medication. Tetracycline and certain other drugs are corrosive to the lining of the esophagus. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can get stuck in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water after medication to wash it down. Avoid taking medication while lying down. It is best for GERD patients to take drugs standing or sitting up and avoid lying down immediately after.
Smoking relaxes the LES and nicotine is corrosive to esophageal lining. Acid Reflux symptoms improve when you give up smoking.
Certain exercises have been shown to increase the risk of GERD. Competitive weightlifting and cycling can do this. Acid reflux symptoms can develop in joggers.
If by eliminating all the risk factors, your symptoms disappear, then you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.
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