If you are one of those who suffer from acid reflux, help begins with a basic understanding of what causes this condition.  Acid Reflux, a common term sometimes used for a more serious problem called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is often accompanied with that uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest and throat.  This is caused when stomach acid refluxes, or flows back, into the esophagus and throat leading to the familiar heartburn (which, incidentally, has nothing to do with the heart).  A weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which normally acts as a valve to let food into the stomach and keep irritating acidic gastric contents from coming back up, is a primary culprit. Read the rest of this entry »

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Rather than automatically reaching for some over-the-counter medicine, how about learning about some acid reflux natural cures.  Many of the most common drugs can be effective in treating symptoms (or symtoms as some call them), however they may also cause, or be related to, unwanted side effects.

So here is a brief list of supposed effective natural remedies for acid reflux and GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease).

• Apple cider vinegar diluted in water.  Mix one tablespoon in a glass of water and drink it with your meal.
• Cinnamon is considered to be a powerful natural cure for acid reflux. Cinnamon normalizes the activity of the stomach and controls the amount of gastric acid it produces.
• In terms of herbs, nutmeg, milk thistle, cardamom, and slippery elm can also serve as natural remedies for acid reflux. They have a calming effect on the stomach and can relief soreness and pain.
• Calcium citrate in powdered form, mixed with water and taken at bedtime.

In addition to testing some of these natural approaches to dealing with acid reflux and GERD you should always observe a few basic yet critical rules.  Stay away from trigger foods, spicy and fatty foods and overly rich foods that you know from past history can cause trouble.  Don’t smoke and try to maintain a normal body weight.  And, of course, don’t lay down immediately after a meal.

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A common suggestion to avert many different eating disorders or digestive disorders is to eat smaller meals.  Since overeating is part of what causes acid reflux this advice will apply to those suffering with GERD.

As an alternative to eating three large meals a day, try to eat five moderately-sized meals instead. More manageable meals give the stomach sufficient time to process the food and discharge it into the small intestine. The smaller meals that you will be eating should be about one half the size of what you usually eat at dinner or lunch. Read the rest of this entry »

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