Acid reflux, which is often, called heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) occurs when the hydrochloric acid produced by the parietal cells in the stomach makes its way into the lower esophagus. When this happens, and individual will experience a sensation of burning in the throat or chest. Other symptoms may include dysphagia and coughing. There are a variety of different acid reflux cures.
Medications To Cure Acid Reflux
In order to provide quick acid reflux cures, antacids are frequently used. Antacids, such as Maalox, are sold in most pharmacies and grocery stores. Antacids generally contain a mixture of MgOH and AlOH and they act by neutralizing stomach acid. These antacids are available as liquids and pills. Tums is a type of antacid that contains CaOH. It also works by neutralizing stomach acids, but it contains calcium, which gives it the additional benefit of being a calcium supplement.
Antacids have been around for quite a long time. The next type of medication that was developed to reduce stomach acid are called the histamine antagonists. Histamine antagonists work directly on the parietal cells of the stomach that produce acid. By blocking the H-2 histamine receptor of parietal cells, it was found that these cells produce much less hydrochloric acid. Tagamet, whose generic is cimetidine, was the first histamine antagonist that was marketed. Later other H-2 antagonists such as Zantac and Pepcid were produced. All of these products are still marketed over the counter today and are widely available.
Latest Methods and Medications
The latest and most effective medications that are used to treat acid reflux are call proton pump blockers. These medications actually stop the parietal cells from emitting hydrochloric acid into your stomach. Nowadays, even proton pump blockers are sold over the counter and marketed under brand names such as Prevacid, Nexium, and Prilosec.
Reduce Triggers for Your Acid Reflux
There are a number of adjustments in lifestyle that you can engage in to achieve acid reflux cures. In many people a change in diet can make a very large difference and this will frequently be recommended by physicians as a treatment. Obese individuals will often be advised to decrease their intake of dietary fat in order to lose weight. In addition, fats are difficult to digest and promote acid reflux. In addition, excess body weight tends to push additional hydrochloric acid into the lower esophagus.
Foods that lead to an acid reflux attack should be eliminated. Foods that frequently cause heartburn, include garlic, tomatoes, onions, beverages containing caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruits, fatty foods, chocolate and very spicy foods.
Acid reflux sufferers should also reduce the quantity of food they consume at any one sitting. Eat smaller portions more frequently and avoid eating prior to going to sleep. When you sleep, you should keep your head elevated and never lie down flat subsequent to eating. If you sleep with the upper portion of your body elevated, gravity will allow less hydrochloric acid to make its way into your esophagus.
