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We all like to enjoy a good meal. But sometimes acid reflux gets in the way.
Acid reflux occurs when the contents of your stomach move into your esophagus. This causes an unpleasant burning feeling in the chest commonly known as heartburn. You may also get a bitter taste in your mouth or you may regurgitate food from your stomach into your mouth.
If acid reflux is left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems like difficulty swallowing, a chronic cough, or asthma.
Fortunately, there are treatments for acid reflux including chewy heartburn tablets and other remedies. This article will suggest ways you can deal with your digestive issues so you can enjoy more terrific meals.
Causes of Acid Reflux
There is a circular band of muscle at the end of the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It relaxes and opens when you swallow and tightens and closes when you are done.
When the LES doesn’t tighten or close properly, digestive juices rise from the stomach into the esophagus. This is what causes the burning feeling of acid reflux.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain habits increase the risk of acid reflux. These include the following:
· Smoking
· Eating large meals
· Lying down or going to sleep right after eating
· Eating a lot of deep fried or spicy foods
· Drinking beverages like soda, coffee or alcohol
· Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
If these habits are a part of your life, consider cutting down to avoid digestive issues.
There are also certain conditions that can increase the risk of acid reflux including the following:
· Pregnancy
· Obesity
· Hiatal hernia
· Connective tissue disorders
Over the Counter Treatments
There are also several over the counter medications that treat acid reflux. Some are in capsule form but many come in the form of good tasting, chewy heartburn tablets.
Most acid reflux patients will take an antacid to soothe symptoms, but if antacids are not working, or if symptoms are severe, a doctor may suggest that you take an H2 receptor blocker or a proton pump inhibitor.
Supplements can also be helpful. For instance, Integrative Therapeutics manufactures a Heartburn Advantage supplement that is effective in preventing heartburn.
Integrative Therapeutics is a leader in science based supplements. Their Heartburn Advantage combines clinically studied ingredients that have shown to be effective in the reduction of heartburn, bloating, nausea, and digestive discomfort. The supplement supports the protective mechanisms in the gastrointestinal tract without interfering with the digestive process.
Surgery
In rare cases, acid reflux may require surgery. This may be the case if lifestyle changes and medications are not working to reduce symptoms and the condition is causing serious health issues in the patient. Surgery is typically a last resort.
There are many types of surgeries that can be performed to eliminate acid reflux. Talk to your doctor to find one that is best for you.
Acid reflux is no fun. Fortunately, there are chewy heartburn tablets and other remedies that can minimize symptoms. Which works best for your digestive health?
