9 at-home treatments for acid reflux #acidity #acidrefluxrelief
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If you're experiencing hoarseness and a sore throat persistently, it may not be a result of a viral infection but rather a malfunctioning valve – your lower esophageal sphincter.
This muscle, responsible for controlling the passage between the esophagus and stomach, may fail to close completely, allowing stomach acid and food to flow back into the esophagus.
This process is termed gastroesophageal reflux, and the backward flow of acid is referred to as acid reflux. Symptoms may include sore throats, hoarseness, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Understanding GERD:
When acid reflux becomes a chronic issue, it is diagnosed as gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). GERD symptoms encompass:
1. Heartburn – pain in the upper abdomen and chest, the most common symptom.
2. Regurgitation – stomach contents coming back up into the throat or mouth.
3. Chest pain.
4. Nausea.
5. Difficulty swallowing or pain while swallowing.
6. Symptoms of complications in the mouth, throat, or lungs, such as chronic cough or hoarseness.
Contributing factors to acid reflux include poor clearance of food or acid from the esophagus, excessive stomach acid, and delayed stomach emptying.
Left untreated, GERD can lead to more severe health issues, sometimes requiring medication or surgery. However, many individuals can alleviate GERD symptoms through self-care and lifestyle changes.
Ways to alleviate acid reflux:
If you're experiencing recurrent heartburn or other acid reflux symptoms, consider these approaches:
1. Eat in moderation and slowly: Avoid overfilling the stomach, as a very full stomach increases the likelihood of reflux. Try eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large ones.
2. Be mindful of food choices: While eliminating all but bland foods is unnecessary, certain items are more likely to trigger reflux.
These include mint, fatty foods, spicy food, tomatoes, onions, garlic, coffee, tea, chocolate, and alcohol.
Experiment with eliminating these from your diet and reintroducing them one by one to identify triggers.
3. Avoid carbonated beverages: Carbonated drinks induce burping, which can push acid into the esophagus. Opt for flat water instead.
4. Stay upright after meals: Gravity aids in keeping acid in the stomach. Refrain from lying down or going to bed for at least three hours after eating.
5. Moderate physical activity: Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after eating, as it may contribute to acid reflux. A gentle post-dinner stroll is preferable.
6. Sleep on an incline: Elevate your head by six to eight inches relative to your feet to minimize reflux during sleep. Consider using bed risers or a foam wedge for support.
7. Manage weight: If applicable, lose weight, as increased weight can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to reflux.
8. Quit smoking: Smoking and other sources of nicotine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, contributing to reflux and heartburn.
9. Review medications: Some medications, such as postmenopausal estrogen, tricyclic antidepressants, and certain painkillers, may impact the sphincter.
Conversely, bisphosphonates used for increasing bone density can irritate the esophagus. Consult with your healthcare provider about potential alternatives.
Data Source:
Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School: https://www.health.harvard.edu/