How To Stop Acid Reflux

Most people are familiar with heartburn— whether it’s something they only experience once in a while after a hearty meal, or a regular nuisance in their life. But where does heartburn come from? Despite its name, it actually has nothing to do with your heart. Instead, it is actually a symptom of acid reflux, which is all about your esophagus. Knowing why we experience acid reflux can play a huge role in preventing it, and in knowing when it’s time to seek professional help. So let’s break down the basics.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

There are many different causes for acid reflux, or heartburn, as a symptom. Acid reflux is usually a sign of an underlying condition, but it can also be entirely situational.

There are many different acid reflux causes. We all experience it from time to time in what’s called situational reflux. Frequent reflux, however, is usually a sign of an underlying, more serious condition, so it’s important to know the difference between the two.

Situational Reflux

Heartburn that is infrequent and that comes and goes with predictable activities (such as burping, pregnancy, before-bed snacks, or consuming common reflux “trigger” foods, like citrus, coffee, or fatty meats) is referred to as situational reflux. This is the kind of reflux that we all get once in a while, and can range in frequency and severity.

GERD

While situational reflux is a normal part of life, 3 or more episodes of it per week is not. This could be a sign that you have GERD.

GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, is characterized by frequent, painful heartburn that can lead to esophageal damage and even cancer. GERD is usually caused by an abnormally weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES)— the ring of valve-like tissue at the bottom of your esophagus that stops the flow of acidic stomach contents up into the esophagus. 

A number of things can cause your LES to weaken, such as hormones from pregnancy or excessive body fat. Certain ingredients in our food (or other things we ingest) are also notorious for relaxing the LES, and can weaken it over time. Examples of this include caffeine, theobromine (found in chocolate), and nicotine.

How To Stop Acid Reflux

As we’ve stated, heartburn can have a number of causes, and can range from mild to severely uncomfortable, and from occasional to a daily burden. Luckily, there are solutions. 

For situational reflux, you’ll want to work on identifying your main triggers, and then do your best to avoid them or lessen your consumption of them.

If you think you may have GERD, however,  it’s important to consider lifestyle changes and other remedies; you’ll want to get it under control before the acidic stomach contents start to adversely affect your esophagus.

Lifestyle Changes

You can make some simple changes to help reduce your symptoms, like increasing the amount of time between your last bite and bedtime; you may also wish to elevate your upper body while you sleep, and sleep on your left side at night. Since nicotine is a major risk factor, trying to quit smoking is also a good start. Patients have also noticed that their symptoms are less severe when they wear loose, less restrictive clothing.

Dietary Changes

Aside from the aforementioned caffeine and chocolate, you should also cut out spicy foods. Keep a food and drink journal to help you identify and eliminate triggers; if you wish to avoid taking medication, this will be a significant help to any specialist you visit.

Medications

Depending on how your reflux responds to lifestyle changes, some doctors may suggest medications. Here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, however, we recommend that you try to avoid proton pump inhibitors, (especially as a long-term solution) as they have been linked to an increased risk of pulmonary infections like pneumonia. Talking with a reflux specialist is one of the best ways to determine when and if taking medication is an appropriate option for you.

See An Acid Reflux Doctor

Unfortunately, sometimes even after making significant lifestyle and dietary changes, GERD and its symptoms persists. If you are still struggling or would like a care plan developed specifically for you and your unique acid reflux struggles, it may be best to seek the counsel of a reflux specialist. 

Here at the Tampa Bay Reflux Center, we can help you find the best treatment so that you can minimize or eliminate your reflux symptoms. Don’t hesitate to schedule a consult— we’re here to help.