The Most Effective Treatments for Heartburn | Nutrition Facts and ...

Wren Kennedy writes for www.viamedic.com where you?ll find the Viamedic Blog.

It is estimated that more than 60 million Americans every year suffer with the pain of heartburn and acid reflux. This painful condition may strike just a few times a year, or it could be a daily nightmare of chronic pain. If you are suffering from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD, then there is hope for you.

Is it What you Ate or Something Else?

People often assume that heartburn is the result of something they ate. However, this isn?t always the case. Steven Katzman, MD and gastroenterologist in Livonia, Michigan, warns that it could be something else. Heartburn occurring right after meals is usually related to what you ate and your digestive system. However, indigestion that appears while you are exercising could indicate a heart problem. If this is the case, you should make an appointment with your regular doctor immediately to be checked out.

It?s also important to note that acid indigestion doesn?t always cause pain. The United States Department of Health and Human Services reports that painless symptoms include a dry cough, trouble swallowing and asthma symptoms. Make an appointment with your doctor if you are encountering these symptoms on a regular basis.

An Ounce of Prevention

It doesn?t matter how fast you treat your GERD when it flares up, it?s always better to avoid heartburn to begin with. Luckily, there are some easy ways to avoid this painful little occurrence.

• Eat at least three hours before you head off to bed. This gives the stomach time to digest the food and reduce stomach acid.
• Eat smaller meals. It?s better for your health, your waistline will start to shrink and you won?t suffer from as much indigestion. This is because your body will be able to process the food without overloading your stomach with acids.
• Consider raising the head of your bed to prevent digestive juices from flowing up towards your esophagus while you sleep.
• Ice cold water may taste great with dinner, but you?re less likely to suffer from indigestion if you choose lukewarm water.
• Certain foods are known to make reflux worse. While you may love citrus-based foods, tomato- based dinners, chocolate, peppermint and caffeine, they could be making your symptoms worse. Aspirin should also be avoided.

Ask for Quality Medications

There are countless over-the-counter medications available for heartburn, but you may need something a little stronger. If diet is not helping and the drug store solutions aren?t enough, make an appointment with your doctor. Prescription medications include H2 blockers that will reduce the amount of stomach acid produced, so you can find some relief from the pain. They also have proton pump inhibitors that eliminate gastric acid secretions completely. The use of these medications can give your body time to heal irritated tissue, so you can finally start to feel better.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services strongly encourages anyone suffering with heartburn for more than two weeks to visit their health care provider. If your regular doctor is unable to help you find relief, he or she may refer you to a gastroenterologist who can help you. With the right preventive treatments and medications, you can find relief from the heartburn.

Source: http://www.health-nutritionblog.com/the-most-effective-treatments-for-heartburn/

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