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Relief for Acid Reflux

What used to be referred to as “heartburn” got a much fancier name some time ago – Acid Reflux Disease. And along with the fancy name came some new medications to control it, daily medications, of course. That you can take for the rest of your life to control the symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease. That’s not so bad. Right?

Wrong.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or acid reflux, occurs when the acid-laden liquid contents of the stomach back up (reflux) into the esophagus, causing damage to the lining of the esophagus. When this happens during the day, much of the liquid returns to the stomach because you’re usually in an upright position, you swallow more, and you produce more saliva that contains bicarbonate that tends to neutralize the stomach acid.

The real damage from reflux happens at night, while you are lying down, when the acid just sits in your esophagus, without the benefits of gravity, swallowing and saliva.

What causes acid reflux? Factors that appear to contribute to it are poor diet, an insufficient amount of a stomach enzyme (HCL) that breaks down food, and a hiatal hernia which allows stomach acid to back up into the esophagus and causes heartburn, especially at night.

Most people who experience either acid reflux or heartburn turn first to antacids for relief. While antacids neutralize acid, they also neutralize and reduce the amount of enzymes in the stomach, making the problem worse. The symptoms may be gone, but the cause isn’t.

Proper nutrition includes the right amounts of fats, carbohydrates and proteins at each meal to aid in the digestive process. Too much protein? The body converts the excess to fat and stores it, like squirrels with their winter nuts! Proper diet is essential to help control acid reflux symptoms.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, chicken and fish provide the right type of diet to minimize acid reflux and heartburn. Chiropractic adjustments, designed to eliminate nerve interference (subluxation) can also help. Even the smallest amount of nerve compromise can impede the body’s ability to self-heal and self-regulate. Many discover that their acid reflux and/or heartburn is reduced following their chiropractic care – a drug-free solution to a problem that doesn’t have to be a life long illness.