Heartburn or GERD can Kill

Heartburn is a common annoyance. The busy lifestyle, quick meals, fatty or spicy foods all contribute to the occasional need of a chewable pain reliever. The acceptance of heartburn as an inconvenient, but natural, part of the daily grind can blind you to the warning that a severe heartburn symptom can bring.

Heartburn as a Disorder

Heartburn can be a symptom as well as a disorder. Simple heartburn or GERD can be controlled and dealt with. However, heartburn can signal the presence of a much more serious problem. If it’s heartburn, you will have a burning sensation in the chest usually after eating. There may be a spread of the burning to the throat, sometimes accompanied by a bad taste, difficulty in swallowing, belching, coughing, hoarseness and/or wheezing.

It can become worse by lying down or bending over or by eating. Relief can come from an antacid. While the more severe heartburn symptoms may be mistaken for a heart attack, simple heartburn is usually not made worse by exercise. If there is any concern that the pain may signal a heart attack, get help quickly.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Treat Acid Reflux Naturally

By Lyn Silverstreet

Following the trend of taking better care of our health, many people are looking for ways to treat acid reflux naturally. Over the counter medications can lose their effectiveness over time, but natural changes are sustainable and only increase in effectiveness.

Your diet is one of the best natural remedies for treating acid reflux. What kinds of foods do you cook with? How about what you snack on? Many people don?t realize they are perpetuating their acid reflux symptoms by continually eating foods that trigger it.

You probably know some of the foods that trigger acid reflux, such as citrus, tomatoes, and peppers, but did you know chocolate is also known to cause acid reflux. A massive disappointment for us chocolate lovers!

If you aren?t really sure what causes your acid reflux, start by keeping a record of everything you eat and drink. Mark down the times you eat and how much. Be sure to also track when you get acid reflux as well.

It won?t take long to detect a pattern. Many of us eat and drink blindly, without considering the possibility for acid reflux. The activity of documenting what you eat and drink will enlighten you to what foods or what eating patterns trigger your acid reflux.

Eating slower is another great way to treat acid reflux naturally. Take smaller bites and chew them completely before swallowing. This will aid the digestive process as well. What this also does is reduces the possibility for overeating. Eating quickly almost always results in overeating. Give your brain time to keep up with your stomach. Your brain will signal when you are getting full. As soon as you receive that signal, stop immediately.

Slowing your intake will also (hopefully) allow you to eat less and still feel full. We have watched the suggested serving sizes of our meals balloon over the years. Overeating is a trigger for acid reflux. Eating slower will give your mind to tell your body ?I?m full?.

Drinking clean water is probably the best way to treat acid reflux naturally. Water helps keep your system clean and running smoothly. Hydrated organs work more efficiently and promote healing. Water also aids in digestion, which will help reduce the possibility for acid reflux.

Last but not least, drinking water is probably the best way to treat acid reflux. Incorporating more water into your diet helps every area of your body. It will fill you up so you don?t feel hungry. It hydrates the body which promotes healthy blood flow and healing. It also keeps things moving so toxins do not have the opportunity to spread through your body.

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