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Acid Reflux: Symptoms and Best Preventive Methods

June 26, 2018 /
Disease and Remedies /
By Pratik Singh

Acid Reflux

Our stomach possesses a wonder muscle called lower oesophageal sphincter (LES), situated at the entrance of the stomach and its major function is to keep the stomach tightly closed. In ordinary cases, the sphincter closes the stomach as soon the foods have passed through it. However, in certain cases, the LES does not function properly; it remains open or opens up too often allowing the acid inside the stomach to leak through it and reach the oesophagus causing damage to its tissues. This condition gives rise to a number of symptoms such as sensations of burning in the chest which is commonly known as heartburn. If such symptoms happen frequently, then you probably suffer from acid reflux disease called as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What is hiatal hernia?

The patients of acid reflux suffer from a very common stomach abnormality which is known as hiatal hernia. During hiatal hernia, the LES and the upper portion of stomach above the diaphragm get moved. The diaphragm separates the chest from the stomach. The diaphragm is responsible for keeping the acid in the stomach. When you have hiatal hernia, acid from the stomach moves out and reaches oesophagus, causing acid reflux.

What are the symptoms of acid reflux?

Symptoms of acid reflux include:

Burping
Weight loss without even trying
indigestion
hoarseness in voice
Hiccups
Bloating
wheezing
bloody stools or black stools
bloody vomiting
Nausea
dry coughing
Dysphasia

What are the preventive measures?

Ginger is a widely used natural remedy to heal stomach woes. You can use ginger whenever you have a trouble coping with a sudden stomach-ache. Drinking ginger tea will get you rid of acid reflux as it is noted for its anti-inflammatory properties which can soothe your acid reflux symptoms.

Eating green vegetables like spinach, asparagus, kale, Brussels sprouts, which are alkaline vegetables will give you relief from acid reflux. It should be noted that spinach must be consumed in its raw state only as it acquires a little acidic nature when cooked.
Balance your Hydrochloric Acid levels to keep acid reflux at bay. When your body naturally produces more amounts of Hydrochloric acid, it reduces your chances of experiencing GERD symptoms. The best way to increase the production of HCL is to consume high quality sea salt in your meals. Cheaper salts lack in chloride and minerals and will do more harm in deteriorating your health.

Consuming raw organic apple cider vinegar gives instant relief. It is a widely used natural remedy to treat skin and stomach woes. It has a pH level of 5 and when you drink it, you are at a lesser risk of sustaining heartburn.

Avoid foods which have a pH less than 5. Eating fatty foods, fried foods, packaged drinks, spicy foods, alcohol, beef, fish, and citrus fruits will cause harm to your oesophagus. Therefore, following a strict hiatal hernia diet will neutralise the content of acid in your stomach.