Basically, what happens in acid reflux is that there is a sphincter type of muscle that relaxes too much due to diet or physical condition and thus allows the stomach acids to scald the lower portion of the esophagus. Repeated scalding can cause other damage or health problems.
People with some blood-types produce more acid than others and thus are the ones most likely to have acid reflux to begin with. The blood type diet will help some with this.
DIETARY PREVENTION:
Dietary prevention includes not eating spicy or acidic foods (like processed oranges and tomatoes which are better eaten raw & fresh), fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, soda pop, excessive amounts of vitamin C (these increase gastric acid secretion in the stomach), chocolate, peppermint, cruciferous veggies (cauliflower, onions, broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts), milk products before bedtime. Some of these foods actually causes the sphincter muscle to relax too much. More info on diet can be found on http://www.reference.com/search?q=acid%20reflux.
Stop eating 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Eat slowly, savoring each bite. The extra saliva produced by frequent small meals or slow chewing help to neutralize stomach acids. Chewing gum does not fall into this category because it introduces too much air into the stomach thus making the acid reflux worse. Also, don't over fill the stomach at meal time.
Fats slow digestion which means that the stomach stays full longer. Which results in more acid.
According to the book called 101 Home Health Remedies, being overweight or pregnant puts pressure on the stomach and therefore encourages acid reflux. Getting the stomach to process foods quickly is ideal. Therefore, several very small meals throughout the day, not eating till full, eating fresh veggies and fruits are ways to do this.
MEDICATION:
Certain medications will have heartburn as a side effect and some combinations of drugs, herbs or food can create heartburn.
EXERCISE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
*Don't exercise for 2 hrs after eating a big meal.
*Sleep elevated. Gravity will help keep the acid in place.
*Any exercise that aggravates the sphincter muscle or stomach should be avoided in the case of chronic heartburn.
TEMPORARY HOME REMEDIES FOR HEARTBURN OR ACID REFLUX:
1. Mix a tablespoon, approximately, of baking soda with luke warm water and drink casually. (I use this occasionally, but I am an AB blood type... which means I rarely get heartburn due to a low secretion of acid.)
2. Herbal teas or tinctures of any of the following (together or separate) may bring some relief: Chamomile, Fennel, Catnip, Ginger root and Slippery Elm. I've found Slippery Elm to be mentioned most often for a remedy.
3. I've heard that apples help too. I imagine that the pectin in them, which is also used to prevent colds, also helps with heartburn.
4. Liquid fasting.
5. Limit food intake to fresh veggies and fruits.
6. Check posture. Slouching can put too much pressure in the wrong place.
Please remember to consult with your primary health care professional for your specific needs.
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