What is Gerd or Acid Reflux disease

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (Gerd), also known as acid reflux is a condition in which the acid in the stomach is forced up into the esophagus often causing great pain and discomfort. There are several potential causes for this condition including such things as an esophagus that contracts abnormally or a stomach that empties slower than normal. These conditions could be due to a damages stomach and could cause severe damage and burns to the esophagus lining.

Acid Reflux is more prominent and painful when lying down at night. The body is lying down leaving behind all the hard work for the acid of climbing up the esophagus. It can easily creep up and make sleeping nearly impossible.

There are several ways of avoiding the burn of acid reflux. The one that is the most permanent and works most effectively is a change in the way you eat and in fact the way you sleep. To stop or lessen the effects of acid reflux when sleeping you should try to keep your head somewhat elevated. This will make the job of climbing up the esophagus more difficult for the acid thanks to gravity.

Diet and Acid Reflux

[caption id="attachment_26043" align="alignleft" width="400"] Acid Reflux disease[/caption]

In addition to altering your sleeping positions many find results by changing their diet. There are several food types that seem to aggravate reflux due to a reduction in pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter. These foods include most caffeine, peppermint in any form, many chocolates and alcohol of all types. In addition foods high in fat content should be avoided for reduction of acid reflux symptoms.

 

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