| Step 1: Define it. | | | | reflux can result in the dangerous formation of |
| What is acid reflux disease? Acid reflux (or GERD -- | | | | strictures or ulcers in your esophagus. Also, as a |
| Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) is a disease | | | | result of their undeveloped digestive systems, infants |
| characterized by an abnormal reflux or rise of gastric | | | | and children can sometimes suffer from acid reflux |
| contents from the stomach into the esophagus | | | | too. If you think that this is happening to your child, it |
| resulting in chronic symptoms and mucosal damage. It | | | | is advisable to not try to administer treatment |
| happens when one of the two closures or | | | | yourself. Instead, take her or him to a doctor for |
| "sphincters" in the esophagus fail to stay sealed after | | | | immediate care and medication. |
| eating or drinking, so that food or liquid contents leak | | | | Step 4: Get treatment. |
| into the larynx and pharynx instead of remaining in | | | | To relieve the symptoms of acid reflux in adults, try |
| the stomach. | | | | some of these effective, homespun remedies: |
| Step 2: Note the symptoms. | | | | 1) Instead of drinking straight tea, mix it with aniseed, |
| What are the symptoms of GERD? Acid reflux is | | | | peppermint, honey and lavender. For best results, try |
| frequently precipitated by temporary or permanent | | | | drinking 8 oz in the morning and 8 oz in the evening. |
| changes in the lining that separates the esophagus | | | | 2) Try having digestive enzymes containing Betain, |
| from the stomach. Ineffective functioning of the | | | | pepsin or HCl components with each meal. |
| lower esophageal sphincter (LES) or temporary LES | | | | 3) Papaya digestive enzymes, which contain papain, |
| relaxation connected to hiatal hernia are the usual | | | | are also recommended for protein digestion. |
| culprits behind severe acid reflux. In adults, the most | | | | 4) Eat pineapple, as it aids digestion, reduces acidity, |
| common symptom of acid reflux is an acute | | | | and facilitates wound healing. |
| sensation of heartburn due to acid spillover in the | | | | 5) Cinnamon reduces acidity too, so try sprinkling it |
| esophagus. The painful sensation persists behind the | | | | on your bread. |
| sternum or breastbone. Another common symptom | | | | 6) Eat dried, organic grapefruit to curb GERD |
| of GERD is esophagitis (inflammation of the | | | | symptoms. |
| esophagal lining), which can lead to swallowing | | | | 7) Try eating romaine lettuce to help eliminate acid |
| difficulties and chronic chest pains. Other symptoms | | | | reflux or severe heartburn conditions. |
| may include rapid coughing, persistent pain in the | | | | 8) Finally, try taking a daily mixture of nutmeg, mace |
| ears, sinusitis, a sour or salty taste in the back of the | | | | and slippery elm, as this is another effective way to |
| throat, and hoarseness or even a complete change in | | | | reduce indigestion, heartburn, GERD, stomach gas, |
| the sound of one's voice. Still other, though less | | | | vomiting, and severe heartburn. |
| common, symptoms include chest pain, frequent | | | | Sadly, many sufferers of acid reflux disease ignore |
| swallowing, halitosis or bad breath, repeated throat | | | | the symptoms too long, and painful (and often |
| clearing, and water brash (hyper-secretion of saliva). | | | | chronic) consequences ensue. Do not allow this to |
| Step 3: Confirm it. | | | | happen to you or your loved ones! In order to avoid |
| If you suspect that you are suffering from GERD, it | | | | complications, it is imperative to get effective |
| is advisable to visit your doctor for confirmation and | | | | treatment as soon as possible. |
| medication. Do not delay, as severe, untreated acid | | | | |