Living With Acid Reflux

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Acid reflux is an uncomfortable and potentially harmful condition that countless people live with, every day. It’s a common occurrence, but easily managed or even prevented through healthy diet and lifestyle choices.

At least thirty five percent of all overweight people live with acid reflux, and it is a serious issue for a vast majority of the general population. The good news is that every person who suffers with acid reflux has the power to avoid triggering this condition.

* Heartburn due to acid reflux affects more than sixty million Americans at least once per month; that’s about one fifth of the entire population of the United States. Approximately twenty five million Americans, or one twelfth of the total American population, will experience the harmful effects of acid reflux and/or heartburn every single day.

* Heartburn is technically “incurable”; however, there are steps that can take to help offset your chances of developing the condition. If you worry that you are at risk for an acid reflux condition, it’s important to review the types of foods that you’re presently eating, and then take steps to change your habits. Fewer acid-creating foods means fewer acid reflux attacks.

* Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes are known contributors to acid reflux. Smoking on a regular basis will increase the levels of acidity in the stomach. Certain levels of acid are normally present in the stomach, but smoking causes naturally-occurring reflux to create more damage to the esophagus. Nicotine will also cause the lower esophageal sphincter muscles to relax. When these muscles are in a relaxed state, acid reflux will occur. Further, alcohol use will weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing reflux to creep into the esophagus.

* Acid reflux is a disease that can affect anybody. There are, however, certain demographics that face a higher risk of developing the condition. Overweight people have pressure on their stomach while sleeping, created by the weight of the abdomen. This pressure can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter to the point where acid reflux occurs. This same risk also occurs in pregnant women, with the additional weight of the baby adding pressure to the stomach. Elderly individuals also need to watch their lifestyle habits to ensure that they do not become afflicted with acid reflux.

* Left untreated, acid reflux can contribute to more serious consequences. A consistent condition will cause acid to be continuously present in the throat. Among the major medical consequences caused by acid reflux are esophageal strictures, Barrett’s esophagus, erosive esophagitis, and esophageal cancer in the most extreme and rare cases.

* Acid reflux can affect not only your physical health, but your mental well being as well. Roughly eighty percent of all acid reflux sufferers will experience symptoms of the disease at night. In about seventy five percent of these cases, the person will actually wake up because of his or her heartburn. This interrupted sleep can cause serious daytime problems including increased irritability and lack of concentration, which may lead to decreased productivity at work and even motor vehicle accidents.

In the case of acid reflux, prevention is indeed the best medicine. Learn more about the disease, and you’ll increase your ability to reduce the harmful effects on your body. In some cases, you may even be able to prevent acid reflux from occurring.

Julius Riason is a regular columnist for numerous popular web sites, on health diet fitness connections and alternative health topics.

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Topics: Diseases and Conditions | Comments Off

Tags: acid reflux, Diseases and Conditions, female health, male health, men health, mens health, reflux, stomach health, stomach problem, women health, women health & fitness, womens health

Article Citation
MLA Style Citation:
Riason, Julius "Living With Acid Reflux." Living With Acid Reflux. 29 Jun. 2007. uberarticles.com. 7 May 2012 <http://uberarticles.com/health-and-fitness/diseases-and-conditions/living-with-acid-reflux/>.

APA Style Citation:
Riason, J (2007, June 29). Living With Acid Reflux. Retrieved May 7, 2012, from http://uberarticles.com/health-and-fitness/diseases-and-conditions/living-with-acid-reflux/

Chicago Style Citation:
Riason, Julius "Living With Acid Reflux" uberarticles.com. http://uberarticles.com/health-and-fitness/diseases-and-conditions/living-with-acid-reflux/

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