GERD Treatment and Medication
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Acid Reflux Cures
GERD treatment focuses on symptom relief through acid reflux medication and an acid reflux diet. Natural treatment for acid reflux can also relieve GERD symptoms.
There is no real acid reflux cure: treating Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) focuses on controlling acid reflux symptoms. Medication, an acid reflux diet, and lifestyle changes are all employed in acid reflux treatment.
Acid Reflux Medication
Acid reflux medication for occasional acid reflux symptoms includes over the counter antacids. Antacids, however, are not meant to be taken regularly over long periods of time, and can cause unwanted side effects that include constipation and diarrhea. As a result, over the counter antacids have limited applications when treating GERD.
Prescription acid reflux medication is available for long-term GERD treatment. Acid reflux medication that slows stomach acid production includes the H2 Blockers and Proton pump inhibitors.
GERD medications called prokinetics increase the strength of the esophageal sphincter. Prokinetics also encourage the stomach to empty faster, lowering the chance of esophageal reflux.
Treating GERD with an Acid Reflux Diet
An acid reflux diet is one of the most effective methods of treating GERD. An acid reflux diet eliminates foods that trigger or worsen esophageal reflux.
GERD is a very individual disease: a food that triggers acid reflux in one individual may not aggravate GERD in another. Many people find it helpful to keep a food diary as part of their acid reflux treatment plan, so they can monitor which foods are safe to eat and which trigger esophageal reflux.
Natural Treatment for Acid Reflux
Natural treatment for acid reflux and GERD focuses on lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking can greatly reduce esophageal reflux, as can limiting alcohol consumption. As extra weight is one of the causes of GERD, maintaining a healthy weight is a natural treatment for GERD.
Other lifestyle changes that treat acid reflux include wearing loose-fitting clothes instead of clothing that constricts the abdomen. Eating small meals on a regular basis is also recommended.
After eating, people with GERD should avoid lying down for three hours. Changing sleeping positions is a natural treatment for GERD. Raise the head of your bed by six inches so gravity can lend a hand in GERD treatment. Esophageal reflux is less severe if the esophagus is higher than the stomach.
Ways to raise the head of the bed include special wedges that go under the mattress. A less expensive approach involves putting blocks of wood under the bedposts, but if you do so make sure the bed is stable and won't collapse on you.
Treating GERD with Surgery
If some cases, an acid reflux cure may be attained through GERD surgery. As surgery is an invasive process GERD treatment usually begins with an acid reflux diet and acid reflux medication.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be a substitute in any way for care and treatment by a qualified health professional.
