Judging your symptoms is a good start towards eliminating acid reflux. Many people think they have the condition under control just by carrying a roll of antacids in their purse or pocket. A doctor will tell you that a pain induced reflux condition occurring more than once a week is a good sign of chronic acid reflux. The good news for millions (15-20 million, at last count) this condition is curable.
But this type of remedy is not the long term solution that has a happy ending. So considering all the available options for curing acid reflux, why not do it; rather than waiting damage to happen.
Over time continual attacks of stomach acid will wear away the lining of the esophagus and lead to lesions. This can be very painful. Stomach acid truly is an acid, far stronger than the rest of the body can tolerate and yet this condition can be corrected.
What to do about this - Damage caused by this reflux action can be repaired. If you think you have reflux damage, a doctor can, with testing, confirm damage. Reflux damage can be repaired and the condition cured, if treated. There are two ways to do this. One is to use a prescribed medication called a proton pump inhibitor. This pill is designed to block stomach acid and heal damaged tissue. Treatment may take six months to cure. Longer treatment is not recommended. And because I am an advocate of not taking medicines when natural remedies will do the trick, I have to mention that there are side effects to PPI type meds. One of the most common complaints is that symptoms may return more acutely after treatment ends. Also there has been small studies that indicate a connection between these meds and hip fractures.
Another option to cure acid reflux, and one a gastro-specialist will probably agree with, is to use a natural remedy. There are plants, in their natural form, that have enzymes and minerals, easily digested and very safe; that work as well as pharmaceuticals. A gastro-specialist should be able to give you choices. One example is natural product made of licorice and has shown to be as effective as PPIs for treating acid reflux. This is not a long term treatment either, but there are herbal teas and such that can be useful and safe
A reflux condition such as this can become even more serious if left untreated. A smart course of treatment would be to consult a medical professional. Know that without treating the root cause, reflux will eventually return. Taking a natural remedy on a regular basis can often control the condition, allowing you to continue to enjoy many of your favorite foods that may be trouble makers.
Success with acid reflux is easily curable. Start with a check list of causes and solutions, add to that your observations. Try to set yourself a goal and a timetable for success. Do this and you will succeed. Definitely make positive reinforcement a part of the plan. Acid reflux - gastric juice that washes into the esophagus - can cause serious damage
I encourage you to start with a "can do" attitude, and don't forget that natural herbs and foods play an important role in controlling acid reflux.
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