Reflux Source

Before giving a brief overview of various acid reflux treatments, I will discuss the immediate physiological reasons of acid reflux (also known as GERD – gastro esophageal reflux disease) and the medical condition. Acid reflux solutions can be put into three main divisions: surgical operations; prescription or over-the-counter medication; and holistic, 100 per cent natural programs.

The primary symptom of acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a nagging feeling of burning in the chest and the throat. This is produced when stomach acids splash back into your esophagus. The backwards flow (reflux) of these acids can give a variety of symptoms: a salty taste in the mouth, coughing, pain in the chest, nighttime attacks of asthma and hoarseness.

Acid reflux is, speaking technically, the result of valve mechanical failure, this valve being located at where the stomach and the esophagus meet. When the valve called the lower esophageal sphincter or LES fails to shut correctly, the gastric contents are thrown back up into the esophagus. Heartburn is then the result of the gastric acid burning into the esophageal lining.

As mentioned above, several different methods exist for tackling acid reflux, each approach with its own perception of the condition. When surgery is performed for gastro esophageal reflux disease, parts of the stomach are wrapped around the lower esophagus to prevent reflux of gastric content from touching the esophagus. Thus, surgery for gastro esophageal reflux disease has the objective of resolving weakness of the LES, by strengthening it to prevent acid from contacting and inflaming the esophagus.

In general, acid reflux medicaments have the goal of reducing an excess of acidity in the stomach. Regrettably, these medicaments are typically only effective as temporary relief and cause numerous secondary effects. And yet, medicaments, whether prescribed or over-the-counter, are very popular for treating GERD, including H2 blockers, antacids and PPIs.

Medication only targets the skin-deep symptoms of GERD. This is the big disadvantage of treatment offered by conventional medicine for gastro esophageal reflux disease, which includes surgical and medicinal approaches.

The real remedy for acid reflux must tackle the deeper problem instead of constantly limiting its action to attempting to stop or alleviate only superficial physical symptoms. Gastro esophageal reflux disease is a complex condition. It is the result of a combination of factors including diet, lifestyle and behavior.

Holistic treatment, based on changes in lifestyle and diet (avoiding acid triggering foods, decreasing and controlling stress, improving sleep, etc.) as well as detox and the use of specific supplements derived from herbs, is the only solution aimed at treating the internal factors of acid reflux instead of the local causes. Different to other short-term solutions that try to focus on immediate relief from often painful and handicapping acid reflux symptoms, the holistic approach treats acid reflux in an all-natural and comprehensive way that can stop and block its recurrence securely and effectively.