Managing Heartburn and Acid Reflux

We are all used to doing our resolutions every New Year. In fact, we love doing our list. But how many can really stick to our resolutions, to being committed to achieving each goal, to seeing it through ‘til the next New Year sets in? And when it comes to resolutions, nothing can be more challenging than those concerning our health. Have you ever promised yourself to eat healthy, never have more than just two glasses of your favorite wine? Health resolutions are really just that: Promises that are meant to be broken.
Heartburn and acid reflux are conditions that affect at least 15 million Americans. And the number isn’t going down; in fact, at least, there are at least 1 million Americans added to this statistics every year. And the growing profits of companies that manufacture antacids or H2 blockers only prove that heartburn and acid reflux aren’t something that can be managed and controlled by those who suffer from them. If you are just tired of reaching for your antacids every time heartburn and acid reflux kick in, we have here a list of affirmations to help you manage your condition — one step at a time.
I will visit my doctor. In order to manage acid reflux and heartburn, you need an able and competent ally: Your doctor. You need to learn about what is good for you: From what food to eat to what sleeping position is best for acid reflux sufferers. Drinking antacids is not a solution; in fact, it is impractical to spend hundred of dollars on antacids when you can do something to not trigger what you have been drinking about. If you are serious about truly managing your heartburn and acid reflux, tell your doctor your plans and goals. He will be more likely to not hand you a prescription, but of a list of lifestyle changes that will definitely stop acid reflux in its tracks.
I will prepare my own meals. Unless you have thousands of dollars to spend on carefully created heartburn-free meals, you know that when it comes to managing acid reflux and heartburn, the more home cooked meals you bring to work, the better for you and your tummy. Aside from being assured that no hint of onion, tomato, and citrus will land in your meal, brown bagging is really a practical measure that you can’t afford to miss these days.
I will maintain a food diary. If you weren’t used to having one, then, caring for your tummy is, indeed, the perfect opportunity for you to learn how to maintain a diary. But don’t worry about a kilometric entry; when it comes to food diary, all you need to jot down are the things that you have savored. Too tedious for a not-so detail-oriented person like you? You may want to make a meal or food planner every week so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to write those mid-day snacks. With an 8-5 meal planner, you can be sure that you have everything you need to know and write down about what you have had any day.

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Best Home Remedies For Acid Reflux

Acidity refers to a set of symptoms caused by an inequity. More names for acidity are hyperacidity or acid dyspepsia. Acid reflux or Acidity is one of the most normal diseases that cause heart burns in the upper body
Acidity can be a result of inappropriate dietary regimen or stress.

It is a problem which when left unattended to, results in peptic ulcer and other complications. It is quite a simple problem when it begins, but it can get out of hand easily if not taken critically. It means the excess secretion of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach.

The usual signs of heartburn are a burning sensation or pain in the stomach after one to four hours of a meal. The too much secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes acidity. Acidity can be a result of improper dietary regimen or stress

The too much secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes acidity. Some causes of acidity include Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, chocolate, citrus, tomato, peppermint, fried and fatty foods, over-eating, stress, some medications, and being overweight.

Acid Reflux Disease causes harms to the esophagus as the acidic contents from the stomach, containing acids and pepsin, pushes back to the esophagus since the sphincter develops into weak and can no-more prevent the contents from stomach from gushing back in esophagus

Skipping meals, not eating on time, fried and spicy food, stress, anxiety, insomnia, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, alcohol, and wearing tight clothes can give you hyperacidity and heartburn.
Acidity is a problem that occurs very commonly; so going in for medications every time doesn’t seem to be a very good thought. Some home remedies can be used to treat and prevent acid reflux.

1) Eat a cup of vanilla ice cream or drink a glass of cold milk to get rid of acidity.
2) Raita prepared with fresh curd, grated cucumber, fresh coriander, tomato is a sure shot remedy in aiding digestion, and helps eliminate acidity.
3) Mint: Fresh mint juice taken every day or fresh mint leaves boiled in a cup of water and sipped slowly after meals also helps to keep the stomach acids at bay
4) Mint juice before meals keeps acidity at bay.
5) Chewing 5-6 basil leaves relieves flatulence and acidity.
6) Half a glass of fresh pineapple juice should be taken after a meal for treating and preventing acidity
7) A piece of jaggery or gur after lunch and dinner prevents acidity
8) A very simple remedy for acidity is thin butter-milk mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder
9) One of the common Home Remedies for Acidity - Onion (pyaz): The juice of onions is an excellent remedy for acidity.
10) Habitual eating habits and a healthy diet can prevent acidity
11) Drink plenty of water (at least 6 to 8 glasses per day) and other fluids to maintain the acid balance in the stomach
12) A sherbet made with kokum and jeera reduces acidity
13) Lemon rind can also be eaten to prevent heartburn
14) A glass of cold milk provides instant relief.
15) Eat almonds to give relief to symptoms of acidity
16) Chew a few holy basil (tulsi) leaves to get relief
17) Bananas, watermelon and cucumber have protective action against the acidity and heart burn
18) Lemon: Juice of one lemon mixed in half glass of water and ½ teaspoon sugar if consumed before meals helps to relieve acidity
19) When suffering from acidity, drink five to eight glass of coconut water a day.



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Use Licorice For Acid Reflux Pain Relief

If you are suffering from frequent and unrelenting heartburn, you probably would do just about anything for some relief. There are prescription medications that might help, but some people want to find a more natural way to help with the problem.

There are some who believe that a variety of lifestyle changes can be made, and that you can take licorice for acid reflux and feel some relief. Licorice root has been used for a long time for many different things with great success. There are some things you should know about it before you begin.

Acid reflux is the result of stomach acid moving up into the esophagus. It can go as high as the mouth, and throat, and can cause problems with sinuses and the respiratory system. The acid can do a lot of damage to these tissues, and you might even experience tooth decay.

It is often associated with a burning sensation that can be very hard to manage at times. For some people, the pain is unbearable, and medications are a must in order to stop the pain.

If you have reflux, you can try a few lifestyle modifications. If you are overweight, you may find relief in losing the extra pounds. This extra bulk can be part of the reason that the valve at the top of your stomach meant to contain the acid within is failing.

Smoking will make acid reflux worse, so if you smoke, now is the time to quit. Also, alcohol and drugs like Advil (NSAIDs) and aspirin might also be avoided. A person with acid reflux should also learn to avoid those foods that seem to make things worse for them, and also it’s a good idea to stop eating three hours before bedtime. A sleeping position with the head and upper body elevated is best.

You might also want to try licorice root to see if it does anything to help you. This is something that is otherwise referred to as DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice). There have been some studies that suggest this is just as effective as some medications, and in some cases it worked better.

You should discuss this with your doctor before you begin however, because there can be problems.

Even though you might think of licorice roots as a natural remedy, it can still harm you if you are in poor health. Licorice has been known to raise blood pressure if you take the wrong kind. Always have medical help when you try something like this.

There are many people who have said they have found great relief in using licorice for acid reflux. Usual dosages are once a day or if you have a bad case of reflux, you might have to take it twice a day.

You may find that using this natural remedy along with a well thought-out meal plan, changes in lifestyle, and a new way of sleeping will help keep your symptoms to a minimum.



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