Latest statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show that more than seven million people suffer from severe acid reflux in the U.S. only. It is estimated that over fifteen million Americans suffer from chronic heartburn, too.
The incidence of acid reflux is greater in people older than forty years, but can affect anyone, including children. Acid reflux affects people of any age, socioeconomic class and race.
In short, acid reflux occurs when stomach acid splashes through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) in the esophagus and throat. This acid reflux may result from many things including diet, alcohol consumption, snuff, hiatal hernia, stress and even pregnancy. When this acid reflux affects the supply of the esophagus lining, which causes a painful burning sensation in the chest and / or throat. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), hoarseness, asthma and dental erosion.
If untreated, this condition can become more serious and life threatening diseases like Barrett's Esophagus, which is a precursor of cancer. In an attempt to avoid more serious consequences of acid reflux, people are increasingly turning to pharmaceutical drugs.
There are three classifications of drugs, and treatment of acid reflux. The first of these are antacids, which neutralize the acid in the stomach and at best only a temporary fix. Are loaded with harmful ingredients such as sodium and aluminum. The next group of drugs called H2 blockers. That reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces and provide lasting relief from antacids. Finally, PPIs are drugs (inhibitors of proton pump), which shut off the proton pumps in the stomach that manufacture hydrochloric acid.
PPI drugs should only be used for eight weeks at most. It says it right on the package. Doctors certainly know this, but if not encourage most patients to continue taking these medications on a permanent basis.
PPI drugs actually shut down the pumps that produce stomach acid needed to digest and assimilate food. This is an essential function of our physical anatomy. Another point of concern is that stomach acid keeps very dangerous bacteria that live in the stomach and intestines, in check.
There are, unfortunately, no study that can determine the long-term effects of these drugs. However, know about possible harmful side effects and there are hundreds of them. These include: allergic reaction, back and chest pain, fatigue, fever, flu-like disorder, hypertension, constipation, GI bleeding, vomiting, tinnitus, anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency, weight gain, arthritis, fibromyalgia syndrome, anorexia, depression, dizziness, impotence, insomnia, migraine, visual field defect, menstrual disorder, asthma aggravated, pharyngitis, acne, taste loss, fungal infection and Barrett's esophagus, just to name a few !
The medical community would have us believe that drugs are the only answer to the problem of acid reflux. Doctors are not taught nutrition or natural healing techniques in med school. As a result dependent on prescription drugs to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease. Which unfortunately do not know anything about how to cure the disease itself.
PPI drugs are very large companies. Annual global sales for PPI drugs alone reached more than six billion dollars in 2002. One can only guess what the statistics are today. One can only imagine the extent of damage caused by these drugs are people around the world.
I am pleased to say that is not limited to pharmaceuticals in order to liberate the acid reflux condition. There are many alternative techniques and procedures that can be used to achieve that. As a veteran of the Battle of acid reflux drugs, I am living proof that one can cure acid reflux with what I call natural medicine.
When I learned that my doctor had exhausted all possibilities of helping me out of the PPI drug regime, I knew that I was in my envelope. I had to heal myself. To my surprise, through research and study, I found that cure acid reflux disease is very simple.
With a few changes in lifestyle and modest, with the help of several natural resources, we can absolutely win the battle against acid reflux without drugs.
There are many natural ingredients found in health stores, which can help during recovery from acid reflux. Herbs such as marshmallow, and slippery elm have wonderful healing properties vesiculosus. Aloe vera, licorice and natural honey can soothe the esophagus and assist in the healing process. Chewing gum between meals actually neutralizes stomach acid.
There are many simple things that contribute to acid reflux disease that most people overlook, insufficient water consumption is one of them. Eating too fast and chewing food improperly is another.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals is helpful. Substituting Kukicha twig tea for coffee makes the body more alkaline. Have fruit such as bananas and melons instead of cereal for breakfast. Snacks of walnuts, almonds and fruits that you will all day long. At dinner eat lightly and at least two hours before retiring. By the way, are not starving yourself, but try to avoid acid reflux "trigger" foods.
However, it takes a new approach to life, in general, a cure for acid reflux disease stubborn. Think of it as an exciting challenge. You will feel much better and improve their health. Which will have been worth the effort.
In a society where convenience sometimes takes precedence over common sense, pills have taken the place of ancient healing techniques and natural therapies. Drugs on a regular basis can be more dangerous than the disease itself.
Take control of your health and use of natural resources to be freed from acid reflux drugs.
© 2006 Wind Publishing
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