Acid reflux is a condition in which the fluids of the stomach back up, or reflux, into the esophagus.  These fluids can be stomach acid, pepsin, or bile.  The stomach produces these fluids in order to digest food, but often too much is produced as a result of overeating or taking too many antacids.  When the fluids reflux into the esophagus, it commonly causes heartburn because the majority of the fluid is acidic.  However, sometimes it is just the bile or a very small amount of fluid that refluxes.  In these situations there may not be enough acid to cause heartburn, but plenty to cause cough.

Acid reflux cough with heartburn can be caused by a large amount of liquid being pushed into the esophagus.  There may even be enough fluid that some of it can spill over into the lungs, causing a persistent cough.  If this is happening often, it is a good idea to talk it over with your doctor because it could lead to other health problems.

Acid reflux cough is not likely going to be alleviated much from a cough syrup.  An antacid might be a better remedy for this kind of cough.  Be careful about taking too much antacid or for too long.  The purpose of antacid is to neutralize the acid in the stomach.  This is good if the stomach is finished digesting and you are only neutralizing excess acids.  This is bad if there is still food in the stomach to be digested because then the stomach will work overtime to make more acid.  Add this to the fluids that are neutralized but still in your stomach and soon there will be too much fluid and it will have no choice but to regurgitate.

Acid reflux cough can also be caused by some medications.  Common heart medications like nitrates and beta blockers have been known to cause cough associated with acid reflux.

Certain health problems can exacerbate acid reflux resulting in acid reflux cough.  Asthma and diabetes are two that are known to commonly either cause acid reflux or make it worse.  Many asthmatics associate their cough and wheezing with their asthma, and while it certainly can be a contributor, acid reflux cough can be present as well.  Before overusing your inhaler, ask your doctor to test you for acid reflux cough.  Inhalers are expensive and overuse can cause some serious side effects.

There are tests that can be done from home or in your doctor’s office to find out if your cough is an acid reflux cough.  Some newer tests are as simple and painless as breathing into a tube to get your results.  If you are experiencing chronic and persistent cough and nothing you do seems to help, you may be experiencing acid reflux cough.  Talk to your doctor and find out the best way to care for your acid reflux.

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Foods that are high in fat can trigger symptoms of acid reflux.  These can include dairy products like whole milk, whole cottage cheese, and many other high fat cheeses.  Many meats are high in fat and should be avoided, but you can usually find lower fat versions of some of them, like steaks that are less marbled and well trimmed, or ground beef that has a lower percentage of fat.  Fried foods also contain a lot of fat in them from the grease they are fried in.

Fruits and vegetables that have a high acidic content can be foods that cause acid reflux symptoms.  Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons should be avoided.  Tomatoes have a very high acid content, as well as foods that are produced from tomatoes like sauces and condiments.  Onions have also proven to be a trigger for acid reflux.

Some spices that you add to your foods can cause acid reflux symptoms or irritate them.  Peppers and chili peppers can irritate the lining of the esophagus that has been damaged as a result of acid reflux.  Cayenne pepper may be the worst culprit.  Garlic can cause acid reflux by weakening the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that contracts at the base of the esophagus to keep the acid in the stomach.

Certain beverages can cause acid reflux and should be avoided or reduced.  Coffee, including decaf, carbonated drinks such as sodas and ginger ale, and caffeinated teas can all trigger symptoms.  Alcoholic beverages, beer is the worst, can also trigger symptoms of acid reflux.

Some foods that cause acid reflux can be the snacks you eat.  Peppermint and spearmint can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter muscle and cause symptoms of acid reflux.  Chocolate can have this effect as well.  Reduce intake of these snacks and stay far away from the Junior Mints and you may be able to prevent acid reflux symptoms.

All of these foods that cause acid reflux symptoms in many people are not going to be your triggers, but some may be.  You can deduce which foods cause you problems by trying small amounts of each one individually and see if it causes symptoms.  If so, then add it to your list of foods to avoid.  Eventually with some small changes to your diet, you may be able to completely prevent your acid reflux from returning.

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The most natural cure for acid reflux is to do nothing at all.  Everyone produces saliva and swallows it.  Saliva contains bicarbonate, which neutralizes the acid in the esophagus.  Swallowing the saliva not only neutralizes the acid that is causing the heartburn but pushes it back down into the stomach.  This only works during waking hours, however, because when we sleep we produce less saliva and there is no gravity to pull it down.  Acid reflux for some people is worse when they lie down.

For some people the natural cure for acid reflux could include dietary and/or lifestyle changes.  This only works for people who know what foods and drinks cause their acid reflux symptoms.  For some people, tomato products cause heartburn; they can take tomatoes and tomato products out of their diet and prevent their symptoms.  For others, smoking and alcohol consumption is the culprit.  If this is the case, lifestyle changes will be in order.  Beer is the worst of the acid reflux causing alcohols.

Apple cider vinegar is a well known natural cure for acid reflux among the homeopathic circles.  Diluting a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in water works well for some people and the dose can be adjusted to the severity of the symptoms, i.e. more cider and less water for more severe heartburn.  If you try this concoction and it has some effect, but doesn’t get rid of the heartburn completely, you can add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to the mix of apple cider vinegar and water.  For more severe cases, you can go up to 2 teaspoons of baking soda, but it is recommended to start at ¼ teaspoon and work your way up in order to give your stomach a chance to get used to it, otherwise you will relieve the heartburn but gain a stomachache.

Aloe vera, as we all know, has wonderful healing effects.  But did you know that the juice derived from the aloe vera plant is a great natural cure for acid reflux?  The juice can be purchased at most health food stores for less than the cost of many medications.  Mix a few teaspoons of aloe vera juice with water or apple juice and let it work its magical wonders.  Start with a few teaspoons and work your way up if you find you need to.  Be careful, though, because aloe vera juice can also work as a fine laxative.

Probably the most important natural cure for acid reflux mentioned here is changing your diet.  If you aren’t sure what foods are causing your symptoms, keep a journal for a few weeks of the foods you eat and when you have symptoms.  You should soon be able to find the foods that are affecting you by process of deduction.  If you have acid reflux that is chronic and severe, and the natural cures aren’t helping, then it is time to talk to your doctor about your acid reflux disease.

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Changes in your diet might be all that is needed to stop acid reflux.  There are many common triggers, such as foods that are high in fat, citrus and acidic fruits and veggies, coffee and other caffeinated drinks, and even some spices and candies can cause symptoms of acid reflux.  Only you can know which foods are your triggers and once you find out you can avoid them.

Lifestyle changes might also be in order to stop acid reflux.  Smokers have a higher susceptibility to acid reflux, as do people who regularly drink alcohol.  The toxins in cigarette smoke and the ingredients of alcoholic beverages can damage the lining of the esophagus and weaken the lower esophageal sphincter muscle that keeps the acid in your stomach.  Quit smoking and stop drinking and you may be able to stop acid reflux in its tracks.

Antacids can provide temporary relief from symptoms of acid reflux.  Be careful though, because studies have shown that people with chronic acid reflux symptoms who take antacids like candy will actually increase the severity and number of occurrences of the symptoms.  The reason for this is that antacids neutralize the acids in the stomach, but the stomach needs those acids in order to digest food.  Therefore, constantly neutralizing these acids causes the stomach to make more, until it is too much.  Then you can really have problems with acid reflux.

Changing the way you eat can stop acid reflux in many cases.  Eating too much can cause the stomach to make extra acid that eventually backs up into the esophagus and causes symptoms of acid reflux.  Eating smaller meals more often allows for faster digestion and less acid being produced.  Taking smaller bites and chewing your food well can have the same effect.

Prescription medications can help to stop acid reflux.  You will need to discuss these with your doctor and let him know of other medications and herbal remedies you take because some prescription medications for acid reflux can counteract with other medications and cause a whole new set of problems.

Herbal and natural remedies have been found to be quite helpful to stop acid reflux.  These include apple cider vinegar, baking soda, cherry juice, pickle juice, and aloe vera juice.  Not every remedy will work for every person, but by trial and error you might be able to find one that will help with your acid reflux symptoms.  These are typically safe and cost effective, too, but it is still a good idea to check with your doctor if you are taking other medications before starting an herbal treatment on your own to stop acid reflux.

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Gas in the digestive tract (stomach, esophagus, etc.) is caused by swallowing excess air.  This can happen while eating, drinking, smoking, or even because of loose dentures.  The gas from swallowed air is released through belching.  It sometimes becomes trapped for a short time in the esophagus, which causes pain that is similar to heartburn.

Heartburn is caused by acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).  GERD is a more severe form of acid reflux.  Everybody has acid reflux at some time in their life.  Not everyone will contract the more serious GERD, however.  Acid reflux is rarely dangerous or serious, but can turn into a more serious problem if ignored.  GERD can cause some painful and serious health problems if left untreated, such as ulcers and breakdown of the esophagus, among other things.

What is acid reflux caused from?  When we eat, our stomach produces enzymes and acid to break down the food for digestion.  Sometimes these liquids in the stomach will back up into our esophagus, or reflux.  This is acid reflux.  Acid reflux is caused by a number of things, and each person who suffers from it might have a different cause.  Some people’s stomachs are simply slow to empty.  When the food is in the stomach for too long, the stomach continues to produce the liquids to digest it.  Eventually there is more liquid than is needed and it begins to reflux into the esophagus.

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is a muscle that surrounds the base of the esophagus where it connects to the stomach.  The LES is normally closed in order to keep the contents of the stomach from getting into the esophagus, and opens when a person swallows something to let it into the stomach and then re-closes.  In some people the LES does not function properly and does not close when it should, allowing the contents of the stomach to reflux.

It is thought that a hiatal hernia might contribute to acid reflux, although this has not yet been proven.  A hiatal hernia is where the muscle of the stomach at the point where it connects to the esophagus, in the same place as the LES, weakens and expands, similar to a small balloon it blows up into the esophagus.  This ‘balloon’ pushes the LES up higher into the esophagus.  It is thought that when this happens the LES is unable to contract and hold down the contents of the stomach.

What is acid reflux?  It is a common complication of the stomach and esophagus that causes uncomfortable heartburn.  Acid reflux can usually be taken care of with an over-the-counter antacid.

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Some foods trigger acid reflux heartburn.  While not all food triggers will affect every person, there is some acid reflux food to avoid.  These are the foods that are more apt to cause symptoms for more people.

Fried and fatty foods

Fried food and fatty food are common acid reflux foods that cause heartburn.  These foods include marbled beef, ground beef, chicken nuggets and wings, and anything that is french fried, like potatoes and onions.  Actually, an onion in any form is on the list of acid reflux food to avoid.

Spicy foods

Many of us love spicy foods, but they don’t love our stomachs.  Spicy acid reflux food to avoid if you suffer from heartburn might include hot wings, salsa, Mexican foods with chili peppers, hot and spicy Chinese food dishes, or anything with cayenne and other spicy peppers.

Dairy Products

Many people get heartburn after eating dairy foods.  These acid reflux foods to avoid are regular cottage cheese, other fatty cheeses, sour cream, whole milk, ice cream, and milk shakes.

Citrus and Acidic Fruits

Many fruits are considered acid reflux food to avoid because they contain acidic properties.  Most citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits can cause heartburn.  Tomatoes are extremely acidic and should be avoided, as should most tomato based products and sauces.

Snack Foods

Some snack foods can flare up acid reflux.  Snack foods to avoid are chocolate, peppermint and spearmint.  High fat snacks like potato chips, buttery cookies, and brownies are also considered acid reflux foods to avoid.

Beverages

You already know about milk from the dairy products category.  Other beverages to avoid are caffeinated drinks like coffee and teas, and alcoholic beverages.  Beer is the worst of the alcoholic beverages for causing heartburn.

This is a list of common acid reflux foods to avoid, but it is not a complete list.  Everyone’s body is different and reacts differently to foods.  Some people with acid reflux can drink milk with no problem at all but a cookie will cause severe heartburn pain.  Others can eat spicy foods as if their stomachs are made of iron, but can’t have a cup of tea.  The best way to have a personalized list of acid reflux foods to avoid is to keep a journal of what you eat and when you get heartburn.  You will soon be able to determine which foods you can eat and which ones to stay away from.  Acid reflux is a common but serious condition for which there is no cure, but you can control your symptoms of acid reflux by watching what you eat and avoiding acid reflux foods.

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One acid reflux cause is when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is muscle tissue at the base of the esophagus, fails to function correctly.  This muscle is like a rubber band and contracts to block the acid from rising up into the esophagus.  When the muscle weakens or fails, there is no barrier for the acid and acid reflux occurs.

There are two abnormalities of the esophagus that can be acid reflux causes.  One is more common in older adult males, but can happen to anyone, where constrictive rings form around the lining of the esophagus. This is appropriately called adult ringed esophagus.  The other is called a motility abnormality.  This is defined by the failing of the spontaneous muscle action in the esophagus.  Both of these abnormalities can cause symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or feeling as if the throat is closing or there is something stuck in the throat.  Impaired motility is the failing of the spontaneous muscle of the stomach; this can cause the more common acid reflux symptoms.

It is not always known if an acid reflux cause is complications from asthma, or if asthma is caused from complications from acid reflux.  Some medications taken for asthma can cause the LES to weaken from the constant forcing of the airways to open.  This problem with the LES can also be caused from the coughing and wheezing associated with asthma.  However, acid reflux can cause asthma because of the many upper respiratory problems patients suffer when they have acid reflux disease.

A hiatal hernia is one of the more common acid reflux causes.  Hiatal hernia is the weakening of the hiatus (the hole where the esophagus meets the stomach).  When the hiatus is weak it is unable to block the acids from entering the esophagus, allowing it to back up.

Some other acid reflux causes can be complications from diabetes, cancer, and peptic ulcers.  Genetics also play a role in acid reflux disease.  Studies have shown that the strength of the muscles, including those of the stomach and in the esophagus, can be determined in part by genes.  This acid reflux cause can be hindered by a good exercise program to strengthen the stomach muscles.  Crunches and sit-ups are good.

Once someone has acid reflux disease, there is no cure.  There are ways to control the symptoms though.  Symptoms of acid reflux can be controlled by using over the counter antacids or prescription medications.  A foam tablet is also available by prescription that, when taken, foams up in the stomach to block the acid from refluxing back into the esophagus.  In some cases surgery is an option for acid reflux disease.

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Some foods that can exacerbate acid reflux are fatty meats, high fat dairy foods, coffee and tea, alcohol (especially beer), citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables, french fries and mashed potatoes.  Of course, this is not a comprehensive list an some of these foods might be okay for some people but not for others.

Avoiding these foods or eating them in moderation can reduce symptoms of acid reflux, but what foods are good for an acid reflux diet?  Some foods that carry little risk of acid reflux flare ups are lean meats such as poultry and extra lean ground beef, fish, grains, apples and bananas, baked potatoes, green vegetables, carrots, and low fat dairy foods are usually okay.  Once again, this is not a complete list and some of these foods could be bothersome for someone with an extra-sensitive stomach.

The best way to know what foods in your normal diet cause acid reflux symptoms is to keep a journal of everything you eat and your symptoms.  Keep this journal for at least a couple of weeks.  See if there is some food or group of foods that seems to make your symptoms worse.  Start eliminating these foods from your diet.  This could be all that is needed to take care of your symptoms.

If after you have eliminated the suspect foods from your diet you are still experiencing acid reflux symptoms, you may need to plan your acid reflux diet by using only the low risk foods.  It is also a good idea to eat less at each meal but eat more often during the day.  Three small meals and two healthy snacks per day are recommended.  The reason for this is because the more food put into your stomach, the more acid the stomach has to create to digest it.

Babies and small children can develop acid reflux, which can cause heartburn pain as well as vomiting and coughing.  A baby cannot tell you what is wrong, but learn to recognize the symptoms and discuss them with your pediatrician.  The baby’s diet may need to be changed or he may need to be introduced to formula in order to alleviate the symptoms.

Older adults with acid reflux can develop symptoms that feels like something is caught in the throat, or choking symptoms.  Because choking is a serious risk for older adults, those with acid reflux must be careful to eat slowly and deliberately, and stay away from high risk foods.

Acid reflux can cause bleeding ulcers, gagging and difficulty breathing, and other complications that can be dangerous.  Finding the right diet is an important step in fighting the symptoms of acid reflux and should be taken very seriously.

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Acid reflux disease is a condition in which the liquid contents of the stomach (acid, pepsin and sometimes bile), regurgitates, or backs up from the stomach (reflux).  It is also commonly known as GERD, which stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease.  The acid can damage the esophageal lining and cause inflammation.  This inflammation is what causes the pain from acid reflux.

Acid reflux disease is particularly recognizable by its most common symptom, heartburn.  Heartburn is literally the feeling of burning in the chest, neck and throat areas.  Although heartburn doesn’t typically cause sensation in the exact area of the heart, it is commonly mistaken by patients for being a heart attack.  Acid reflux sends thousands of people a year to emergency rooms.  While their trips turned out to be unnecessary, it is always a good idea to seek immediate medical attention if you are at all unsure whether your pain is from heartburn or actual heart problems.

Regurgitation, nausea and vomiting can be symptoms of acid reflux disease, but these are not nearly as common as heartburn.  Regurgitation happens when the refluxed acid makes it to the mouth.  Nausea is the more common of these three symptoms and can lead to vomiting.  Vomiting as a symptom of acid reflux disease is more common in babies and young children.  Due to their small size the acids have nowhere to go but out.

Esophageal ulcers can be a complication of acid reflux disease.  The acids that are regurgitated can break down the lining of the esophagus and cause a hole or a tear.  Ulcers are quite painful and can also cause bleeding in the esophagus.  Acid reflux ulcers will eventually heal themselves and leave behind scar tissue where the tear used to be.

Doctors diagnose acid reflux disease using prognosis based on the symptoms and whether the patient responds well to treatment.  If the patient does not respond well to traditional treatment, or if he doctor is still unsure, he might try other methods to diagnose acid reflux.  These methods may include x-ray, endoscopy, biopsy, or esophageal acid testing.  If he still finds no evidence of acid reflux disease, then he will look for other causes for the patient’s symptoms.

The first step in the treatment of acid reflux disease is the modification of lifestyle and eating habits.  Smoking and alcohol use can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms, as can many foods like chocolate and peppermint.  These things should be reduced or stopped completely.  Caffeine should also be avoided.  If these changes don’t work over the counter antacids will be tried, or a mild prescription.  The next step if these fail would be a foam barrier (a tablet that forms a foam that prevents the acid from escaping your stomach) or ultimately surgery.

As you can see, acid reflux disease can be painful and potentially dangerous.  If you think you have acid reflux, discuss it with your physician.

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Heartburn is the most common of acid reflux symptoms.  Heartburn feels just like the name indicates.  It is recognized by the sensation of burning in the chest or neck and throat area.  Heartburn can be a mild twinge that goes away quickly or it can be long lasting and very uncomfortable.  Heartburn is usually caused by something that has been ingested, or a combination of foods.  Chronic, painful heartburn should be treated by a physician.  Milder cases can be alleviated with an antacid.

Acid reflux can also cause symptoms that are typically associated with other things.  Chronic coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath can be caused by GERD.  Refluxed acid can be forced into the airways by suction and cause these symptoms.  Such symptoms are often mistaken as being caused by smoking, asthma or bronchitis.  These symptoms should be discussed with a physician and treatment sought as they could be suggestive of other complications as well.

GERD can cause some symptoms that are downright frightening.  Tightening in the throat, feeling like something is stuck, can be an acid reflux symptom.  This can result in a feeling of choking.  Children with GERD can produce symptoms like excessive vomiting and respiratory problems.  These symptoms can be dangerous for children and GERD is often overlooked as the cause.  If a pediatrician cannot locate the cause of these symptoms, ask him to test for acid reflux symptoms.

Acid reflux symptoms can become worse when lying down because at a vertical position it is easier for the acid to move upward to the esophagus.  Bending can also worsen symptoms due to the pressure put on the stomach pushing the acid up.  These symptoms should not be accelerated by physical activity, however.  Physical activity may actually help to control symptoms of GERD.

Many symptoms of acid reflux can closely mirror symptoms of more serious medical conditions.  If you are unsure of the exact cause of your symptoms you should seek medical help.  In a case where you are experiencing pressure or pain in the chest area, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or excessive vomiting with any trace of blood it is imperative that you do not assume it is a symptom of GERD and seek immediate medical attention.

Acid reflux disease can be caused by certain foods or medications, alcoholic beverages, smoking, or secondary to other medical conditions.  Sometimes lifestyle changes can be all that is necessary to alleviate the symptoms of GERD.  Other times treatment might be warranted.  As with any medical condition, GERD should not be ignored.  Taking your health seriously and working closely with your physician is the best way to avoid acid reflux symptoms.

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