Acid Reflux
What is it? What are the symptoms? What can you do about it?
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid Reflux is the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. Everyone experiences some acid reflux from time to time.
Too much acid reflux can be an indicator of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD. In cases of people with GERD, the sphincter of smooth muscle between the esophagus and the stomach does not function properly. This dysfunction causes a greater amount of backflow from the stomach into the esophagus causing a variety of symptoms.
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, or LPR, is a type acid reflux in which the backward flow of stomach contents extend past the esophagus to the level of the throat. This is also known as “silent reflux” since people typically do not experience the classic symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn.
People may have GERD, LPR or both.
What are the symptoms?
- Hoarseness or other voice problems
- Throat clearing
- Troublesome cough
- Excess throat mucus or postnasal drip
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing after eating or lying down
- Breathing difficulties or choking episodes
- Sensation of a lump in your throat
- Heartburn, chest pain, indigestion, or stomach acid coming up
What can you do now?
- Limit: citrus and tomato products, strong spices, caffeine, carbonated drinks, fatty foods, chocolate, and alcohol
- Consider timing: avoid food and/or liquids for 2-3 hours prior to lying down
- Sleep on an incline
- Obtain and/or maintain a healthy weight
- Eat-in moderation
- Reduce stress
- Exercise
Suggested Books
The Acid Watcher Diet: A 28-Day Reflux Prevention and Healing Program by Jonathan Aviv, MD.
Dr. Koufman’s Acid Reflux Diet by Dr. Jamie Koufman, Sonia Huang, & Chef Philip Gelb
Dropping Acid: The Reflux Diet Cookbook & Cure by Dr. Jamie Koufman, Dr. Jordan Stern
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