What Is Reflux? (Can you STOMACH the truth?)

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What Is Reflux? (It AIN'T whatcha' THINK it is!)

Since you're asking "What is reflux?" you probably already know that it's NOT the same as heartburn (otherwise you'd be looking for information on 'heartburn', right?). Although heartburn is a SYMPTOM of acid reflux, there's a lot more to it than an upset tummy or a sour gut.

To truly answer the question "What is reflux?" you'll need to find out it's symptoms, it's causes, it's treatment and prevention. Sound like a lot? Not to worry ... following is an overview of acid reflux that briefly touches on all those areas. By the time you're done reading, you'll be an EXPERT! Well ... not really, but you'll have a basic understanding, and that's a good start.

BUT WAIT! Is the question "What Is Reflux?" REALLY the question?


If the question "What is reflux?" really ISN'T what you're wanting to know, then you might want to go to the place where I got ALL my questions about acid reflux answered:

www.AcidReflux-Facts.info

What Is Reflux? (What GOES DOWN don't always STAY DOWN!) 

Acid Reflux is when stomach acid (bile) is regurgitated back up ...

... the esophagus (the pipe that connects your throat to your stomach). The acid causes a burning sensation in the left chest area, which can be SCARY since it resembles the symptoms of a heart attack! This is how it got the name 'heartburn', even though it has NOTHING TO DO with the heart. If acid actually comes up into the throat it can burn the throat, making it raw and sore. If the acid reaches your mouth, it can create a sour, bitter taste.

Keep reading for more about what is reflux and acid reflux signs.

What Is Acid Reflux? (Le'z blame it on LES!) 

The reason the acid is coming up is because of the failure of a muscle ...

... called the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES), located at the point where the esophagus connects to the upper stomach. This muscle usually will remain closed, except to allow food into the stomach and the occasional burp. If the LES is weakened so that it doesn't close all the way, it can't properly protect the esophagus from stomach acid, which can lead to an episode of acid reflux. If this occurs often (ie: two or more times a week) you COULD have acid reflux disease, also known as GastroEsophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). NOT GOOD!

Knowing what is reflux has a lot to do with acid reflux symptoms. Keep reading ...

What Is Reflux? - Are you seeing the signs? 

Some acid reflux symptoms are more difficult to read than others. There are ...

... symptoms that are obvious because of the pain and discomfort they cause. These are:

  • Burning in the chest area behind the breastbone

  • Pain in the chest area

  • Sore throat and sour taste in the mouth
But there are also some lesser known symptoms that can easily be overlooked if you don't know what to look for.

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • A feeling as if food is stuck in your throat

  • Coughing, sore throat or hoarseness
These signs my seem innocent, but could be indicators of acid reflux if you are also suffering from any of the more common symptoms.

No answer to the question "What is reflux?" is complete without talking about what causes acid reflux. Read on ...

Don't forget ...

... that website with all those "what is reflux" facts. There's a boat-load of information you'll want to get.

www.AcidReflux-Facts.info

What Is Reflux? - Los Tres Amigos del Acido 

Acid reflux causes fall into three basic categories. In each category ...

... you'll find there are multiple triggers to aggravate acid reflux.

Category 1 - DIET
Obviously, things you eat can cause acid reflux by increasing acid and relaxing the LES muscle. Foods high in fat. Spicey foods. Foods with caffeine in them. Also drinks with caffeine, alcohol or high citrus content are contributors to acid reflux.

Category 2 - LIFESTYLE
Things we DO on a daily basis, bad habits, can also cause acid reflux. Some are easily correctible, but others could take significant effort to change. Smoking and being overweight are not easy to overcome. However, wearing tight clothes, bending over or lying down after a meal are both habits and activities that can eliminated without much problem.

Category 3 - MEDICAL RELATED
Some medical conditions, and certain medications, can increase the number and severity of acid reflux. If you have a hiatal hernia, this affects the LES. If you're pregnant, you add pressure on the LES as the baby grows. Some meds are more apt to cause reflux, such as high blood pressure medications, anti-anxiety meds and steroids. Even some over-the-counter meds are culprits, like ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin.

So what, is reflux not preventable? Read on to find out ...

What Is Reflux? - Take a stand in the acid war! 

Knowing what causes acid reflux is half the battle. Armed with an ...

... understanding of the causes of reflux, you can now put together a plan of attack that addresses each of the three categories we talked about. Not that it's necessarily gonna be fun or easy. But it WILL be worth the fight!

What is reflux gonna do to you in the long-run if you allow it to go unchecked? Consider these consequences:

  • Esophagitis - inflammation of the esophagus

  • Ulcers - bleeding sores in the esophagus

  • Scarring - leading to narrowing of the esophagus

  • Barretts esophagus - a pre-cursor to esophageal cancer
These are just SOME of the complications that can arise if you let acid reflux get out of hand. So, hang in there. Do what you can to limit, reduce or better yet, eliminate altogether those factors that cause acid reflux. Know thine enemy and avoid him!

What Is Reflux? - Natural vs. ... what? ... UN-natural? 

Acid reflux treatment usually involves traditional over-the-counter ...

... and prescription medications. There are basically THREE kinds of medications that are available.

  1. Antacids - As their name implies, antacids neutralize the acids in the stomach. Some common antacids include Alka-Seltzer, Tums, Phillip's Milk of Magnesia, Maalox and Di-Gel

  2. Acid blockers - Also known as H2 blockers, this class of meds blocks a certain histamine that tells the stomach to produce acid. Some well-known acid blockers are Pepcid, Tagamet and Zantac

  3. Proton Pump Inhibitors - Although they sound like something out of Star Wars, these meds inhibit the production of acid as well, but on a larger scale. PPI's include Nexium, Aciphex and Prilosec

When dealing with any kind of ailment, I try to consider natural solutions over medications whenever possible. That's why I searched the web looking for remedies based on natural ingredients, that were both safe and effective, and that didn't cost a fortune. I wanted not only immediate relief for my symptoms but a long-term program to stop the reflux for good, and allow my esophagus and LES to heal. I was finally able to quit searching when I found www.AcidReflux-Facts.info. Once you check out this site, and read the information they provide, I'm sure you'll agree with me that this is ...

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