Did you know that around 20 percent of Americans suffer from acid reflux at least once a week?
 

Acid reflux is a common problem in which increased amounts of stomach acids are produced that damage the mucosal lining in the stomach. This condition can lead to gastroesophageal reflux called GERD.
 

Heartburn is felt when acids and bile from the stomach travel upward into the esophagus causing burning sensation and irritation. This is caused due to failure of the lower esophageal sphincter. The following are the common reasons for feeling heartburn due to acid reflux and GERD formation: hypercalcimia, scleroderma, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and obesity.

 

You know you have acid reflux or GERD if you face the following symptoms: heartburn or burning sensation in the chest, chest pain worsened at rest, pain after eating, bitter taste in your tongue, hoarseness, asthma, coughing, sore throat, nausea, and difficulty while swallowing.

 

Proton pump inhibitor drugs are administered to lower the acid production in the stomach, thus reducing heartburn. In turn, there is lesser acid in the stomach to be pushed back into the esophagus, and hence lesser heartburn. Common proton pump inhibitor drugs administered to treat GERD include Prilosec, Prevacid, Aciphex, Protonix, Nexium, and Kapidex
 

Though proton pump inhibitor drugs reduce heartburn, they can cause the following side effects: addiction, reduced nutrition absorption in the intestine including magnesium and vitamins, reduced calcium absorption leading to increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis, increased weight gain, risk of developing pneumonia, higher risk of infection, headache, and diarrhea.

According to a recent article published in The New York Times, stopping proton pump inhibitor drugs can cause increased acid reflux. The stomach is forced to produce more acid-forming cells to make up for reduced acid production as a result of taking proton pump inhibitor drugs. Once these drugs are stopped, the acid production is even higher and hence the acid reflux problem also becomes uncontrollable. Heartburn problem pops up again.

 

There are many natural substances that can help cure GERD when taken in small quantities, such as organic apple cider vinegar, baking soda, cayenne pepper, and whole, raw, and fermented food. Avoiding sugar and refined carbohydrates also helps prevent bacterial overgrowth and digestive upset. This will help control acid reflux or GERD the natural way without using harmful drugs.