Severe acid reflux – Causes and treatment

Acid reflux is a condition in which the acid in the stomach travels up to the esophagus causing severe heartburns. The lower esophagus has a small valve that closes as soon as the food is passed through it. Due to some issue, this valve, called the lower esophageal sphincter remains open or partially open. This allows the acid produced inside the stomach to move up to the esophagus and cause a heartburn.

If this happens more than twice a week for a person, he or she is diagnosed with the Acid Reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease. The person essential has to undergo severe acid reflux treatment.

What causes acid reflux?
It is a misconception that acid reflux is caused due to an increase in the amount of acid produced in the stomach. In reality, the problem is caused by smaller amounts of acid in your stomach.

One main cause for acid reflux disease is a condition called hiatal hernia, a stomach abnormality. The diaphragm is the muscle that separates the chest and abdomen. It is also helpful in keeping the acid below the esophagus. Usually, the upper part of the stomach and LES are below the diaphragm. When they are present above the diaphragm it’s called hiatal hernia.

Other causes of acid reflux:

• Eating large meals
• Obesity
• Drinking alcohol and other aerated beverages
• Eating food items like mint, garlic, onion, or fatty foods
• Pregnancy

Treatment for acid reflux
The first thing to do is to bring back the natural gastric balance and functions. Don’t rely on processed food and try to eat food that provides beneficial bacteria. Try to get more probiotics in your system and avoid triggers like caffeine, alcohol and nicotine products.

Here are a few common methods implemented for severe acid reflux treatment.

• Don’t consume three large meals a day. Eat smaller meals and more frequently.
• Don’t sleep immediately after eating.
• If you are obese, do regular exercise and bring down your body weight.
• Be sure to include fish in your diet.
• Cultured dairy also replenishes a number of beneficial bacteria.
• Implement high-quality sea salt in your diet.
• Drink juice of the Aloe plant. A half cup of juice before meals is known to be helpful.

Treatment with medications
With a controlled diet and some medications, it’s possible to reduce the problem. There are several antacids that can neutralize the stomach acid and give you relief from the severe heartburns. If overused, some of these antacids may cause diarrhea or constipation.