Acid Reflux Relief
by Julius Riason
Acid reflux is an uncomfortable and potentially harmful condition that countless people live with, every day. It's a common occurrence, but easily managed or even prevented through healthy diet and lifestyle choices.
Acid reflux is a serious issue for a vast majority of the general population, and affects about thirty five percent of overweight people. If you suffer from acid reflux, there is hope. You have the power to avoid triggering the effects of this uncomfortable medical condition.
* At least once per month, more than sixty million Americans will experience heartburn due to acid reflux. That number amounts to about one fifth of the U.S. population. One twelfth of the American population, or twenty five million individuals, will suffer the harmful effects of heartburn and acid reflux on a daily basis.
* While there's no technical cure for heartburn, you can make lifestyle and dietary changes to lessen the likeliness of developing the condition. Consider the foods that you eat, and take steps to change your diet. Eating fewer acid-creating foods will result in fewer attacks of heartburn and acid reflux.
* Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes are known contributors to acid reflux. Smoking on a regular basis will increase the levels of acidity in the stomach. Certain levels of acid are normally present in the stomach, but smoking causes naturally-occurring reflux to create more damage to the esophagus. Nicotine will also cause the lower esophageal sphincter muscles to relax. When these muscles are in a relaxed state, acid reflux will occur. Further, alcohol use will weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing reflux to creep into the esophagus.
* Acid reflux is a disease that can affect anybody. There are, however, certain demographics that face a higher risk of developing the condition. Overweight people have pressure on their stomach while sleeping, created by the weight of the abdomen. This pressure can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter to the point where acid reflux occurs. This same risk also occurs in pregnant women, with the additional weight of the baby adding pressure to the stomach. Elderly individuals also need to watch their lifestyle habits to ensure that they do not become afflicted with acid reflux.
* Left untreated, acid reflux can contribute to more serious consequences. A consistent condition will cause acid to be continuously present in the throat. Among the major medical consequences caused by acid reflux are esophageal strictures, Barrett's esophagus, erosive esophagitis, and esophageal cancer in the most extreme and rare cases.
* Acid reflux can affect not only your physical health, but your mental well being as well. Roughly eighty percent of all acid reflux sufferers will experience symptoms of the disease at night. In about seventy five percent of these cases, the person will actually wake up because of his or her heartburn. This interrupted sleep can cause serious daytime problems including increased irritability and lack of concentration, which may lead to decreased productivity at work and even motor vehicle accidents.
If you suffer from acid reflux, prevention is your best medicine. By learning more about the disease, you'll have greater power to control the effects, or even prevent acid reflux altogether.
Author Julius Riason contributes to a variety of web sites, on health diet fitness connections and alternative health subjects. Get your own completely unique content version of this article.
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