Why Me? Constant Heartburn And Acid Reflux Disease
Ann Monahan asked:
Oh the pain of Constant Heartburn and Acid Reflux Disease!
If you are a sufferer of Constant Heartburn and Acid Reflux Disease you know the nasty symptoms that come with these conditions. Like most people I have suffered from this condition over the years and wanted to try some natural remedies to get relief.
So what is Heartburn and Acid Reflux and why do I have it?
It is a common digestive condition experienced by thousands of people. The symptoms results from acidic contents of the stomach flowing back into the esophagus. Some people experience hoarseness in the throat and a sour taste in the mouth and nose. More commonly there is a feeling of burning in the chest which can last for hours.
Constant heartburn and acid reflux pain can also be caused by lifestyle habits which may include weight gain, smoking, alcohol consumption, eating fatty or fast foods, eating too quickly, eating heavy meals, eating just before going to bed, and eating foods high in acidity.
Common food triggers include: coffee, caffeinated and carbonated beverages, mint products including mint tea, citrus fruit, chocolate, tomato products and fatty foods.
What can I do about it?
For the majority of occasional heartburn sufferers making a few changes will greatly improve their condition and reduce painful symptoms. Food triggers may be different from person to person. If you really want to pinpoint the specific items that cause your pain, you should try totally eliminating potential trigger products to see if your Heartburn is caused by one or more food items. You can also keep a daily diary of the foods you eat and when heartburn does occur, evaluate the foods you have eaten and take steps to reduce or eliminate those items.
To find out if smoking or consuming alcohol are your triggers, just making a reduction in the amount you consume and see if you experience relief. You do not necessarily have to eliminate all the things you enjoy; just reducing the amounts can help.
What else should I do?
Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing weight, starting a light exercise program such as regular walking, eating smaller meals and slowing down when you eat have been know to help people with their symptoms.
Additional helpful hints include – wearing looser fitting clothing, not eating too close to bedtime and raising the head of your bed about 2-3 inches with a block under the legs.
Generally speaking, a healthier lifestyle will make a big difference in how you feel. Be sure to check with your doctor when undertaking any lifestyle changes, especially a new exercise program. Also keep in mind that there are other gastro esophageal reflux diseases which unlike occasional heartburn can be more serious and should be evaluated by your doctor.
Oh the pain of Constant Heartburn and Acid Reflux Disease!
If you are a sufferer of Constant Heartburn and Acid Reflux Disease you know the nasty symptoms that come with these conditions. Like most people I have suffered from this condition over the years and wanted to try some natural remedies to get relief.
So what is Heartburn and Acid Reflux and why do I have it?
It is a common digestive condition experienced by thousands of people. The symptoms results from acidic contents of the stomach flowing back into the esophagus. Some people experience hoarseness in the throat and a sour taste in the mouth and nose. More commonly there is a feeling of burning in the chest which can last for hours.
Constant heartburn and acid reflux pain can also be caused by lifestyle habits which may include weight gain, smoking, alcohol consumption, eating fatty or fast foods, eating too quickly, eating heavy meals, eating just before going to bed, and eating foods high in acidity.
Common food triggers include: coffee, caffeinated and carbonated beverages, mint products including mint tea, citrus fruit, chocolate, tomato products and fatty foods.
What can I do about it?
For the majority of occasional heartburn sufferers making a few changes will greatly improve their condition and reduce painful symptoms. Food triggers may be different from person to person. If you really want to pinpoint the specific items that cause your pain, you should try totally eliminating potential trigger products to see if your Heartburn is caused by one or more food items. You can also keep a daily diary of the foods you eat and when heartburn does occur, evaluate the foods you have eaten and take steps to reduce or eliminate those items.
To find out if smoking or consuming alcohol are your triggers, just making a reduction in the amount you consume and see if you experience relief. You do not necessarily have to eliminate all the things you enjoy; just reducing the amounts can help.
What else should I do?
Simple lifestyle changes such as reducing weight, starting a light exercise program such as regular walking, eating smaller meals and slowing down when you eat have been know to help people with their symptoms.
Additional helpful hints include – wearing looser fitting clothing, not eating too close to bedtime and raising the head of your bed about 2-3 inches with a block under the legs.
Generally speaking, a healthier lifestyle will make a big difference in how you feel. Be sure to check with your doctor when undertaking any lifestyle changes, especially a new exercise program. Also keep in mind that there are other gastro esophageal reflux diseases which unlike occasional heartburn can be more serious and should be evaluated by your doctor.
on January 30th 2010 in Diseases & Conditions