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Acid Reflux May Respond Better To Diet Than Drugs

Reflux is one of the most common health complaints among Americans, and the drugs used to relieve it are among the nation’s best-selling meds. Americans spend nearly $13 billion a year on both prescription and over-the-counter versions of proton pump inhibitors (PPI), the most popular anti-reflux medications. But it turns out that drugs aren’t necessary for some forms of the digestive condition. In a new study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, researchers found that for people with acid reflux that affects the throat, a Mediterranean diet—one rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes—was just as effective as PPIs in treating their symptoms.

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Featured

 Acid Reflux: The Truth Behind Heartburn

TV commercials about heartburn are not telling you the whole truth. Displaying a bottle of acid-lowering medicine surrounded by bottles of hot sauce and chicken wings only encourages you to indulge in tempting food, then take a pill to solve the problem. Although certain drugs can be effective in relieving unpleasant symptoms of acid reflux, they don't really deal with the underlying issue.

Articles of Interest

Acid reflux, Heartburn, and GERD: What’s the difference?

You feel something rising in your throat. It burns and tastes acidic. Now you feel it behind your breastbone. Is it heartburn? Is it GERD? Is it acid reflux? Are they all the same? We've compiled a simple overview to help you navigate this often tricky area of digestive conditions.

Causes of Acid Reflux: Here’s Everything You Should Know

While not as serious as GERD, acid reflux can cause a great deal of discomfort, and you may wonder what causes this condition. It is generally caused by weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter. Normally, this valve closes tightly after the food enters your stomach. However, if it relaxes when it shouldn’t, this can allow stomach acid to rise back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn. While there is often no obvious reason why this happens, certain conditions and lifestyle choices can put people at an increased risk of experiencing acid reflux.

As Acid Reflux Cases Rise, Doctors Are Asking Why

Although researchers have yet to understand fully what causes reflux, they do know it is not uncommon, and its incidence appears to be rising.

Colic, or Gastroesophageal Reflux: Over-Diagnosed and Over-Treated

The consequences of current treatments for the disease, which occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, outweigh the benefits.

Concerns About Acid-Blockers Are Being Raised

The New York Times recently reported on the "Host of Ills" associated with the long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors. More than 50 million Americans experience heartburn frequently (two or more days per week), and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) such as Prilosec, Prevacid and Nexium are often prescribed as a first line of treatment.

Explainer: what is gastric reflux?

There are various types of gastro-oesophageal disease, as reflux is clinically known, which vary in the degree of damage to the inner lining of the oesophagus and the level of pain experienced.

Heartburn vs. Acid Reflux: What’s the Difference?

Heartburn is just what that term implies: You feel a burning pain in your chest just behind the breastbone. Asking whether you have heartburn or acid reflux is actually a trick question because heartburn is simply considered a symptom of acid reflux, per the NIDDK. If you have heartburn, you’re experiencing some form of reflux. It’s similar to asking whether you have swollen gums or gingivitis—the former is a symptom of the latter.

I Came Up With These Hacks For Acid Reflux So You Don’t Have To

When I was diagnosed with acid reflux, I was immediately put on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), given a list of foods I “should” avoid, and sent on my way.

My Exercise-Induced Acid Reflux Almost Made Me Stop Running

So what are you supposed to do when the one activity that helps you deal with stress is suddenly causing it? You make the mildly annoying, but very necessary, changes to your routine.

Ten Myths About Acid Reflux

Myth - Drinking milk helps neutralize stomach acid: This is one of the most persistent myths about acid reflux treatment. While milk may provide temporary relief by coating the esophagus, it actually stimulates the stomach to produce more acid within an hour or two. The calcium and protein in milk trigger increased acid production, often making symptoms worse in the long run.

The Damage of Reflux (Bile, Not Acid)

Misdiagnosis of bile reflux and failure to control it can result in serious, sometimes life-threatening problems... stomach ulcers that bleed and Barrett’s esophagus, a possible precursor to esophageal cancer. Yet misdiagnosis is common, and even when the condition is properly identified, doctors are often fatalistic about its management.

When Common Acid Indigestion Takes You Beyond the Pink

Most people often dismiss heartburn as common and trivial, an ailment to be treated with a grimace and a glug of thick, chalky pink liquid. But, while acid reflux is very common, it is far from insignificant.

Why some people are better off sleeping on their sides

on their sides Your sleep position can cause everything from back pain to acid reflux. A simple change can improve your health dramatically.

Resources

6 Symptoms Of Acid Reflux You Should Not Ignore

This is the most common symptom of acid reflux. "Somewhere between 5 to 10 precent of the population suffers daily heartburn," Felice Schnoll-Sussman, M.D., gastroenterologist and director of the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine...

About GERD

While diet does not cause gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), reflux and its most frequent complaint of heartburn can be aggravated by foods. Certain medications can aggravate symptoms. Disclose the use of any medications to your physician.

GERD/Acid Reflux Support Group

Empowering GERD patients & advocates to spread awareness, share resources and connect with support!

GERDHelp.com

The Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication (TIF) is a surgical procedure performed through the mouth and without incisions; it employs the EsophyX device to create an esophagogastric fundoplication that is up to 270° and 3cm in length. TIF fills the treatment gap between medical therapy and more invasive surgical fundoplication. Because TIF is performed entirely through the patient’s mouth (transorally), there are no abdominal incisions and subsequently, no scars from the procedure.

Reflux Gourmet

We at Reflux Gourmet are dedicated to helping those who suffer by developing all natural treatments. We believe products should be effective, convenient, and – above all else – safe. And tasty!

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) happens when your stomach contents come back up into your esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a long-lasting and more serious form of GER.