Living With Acid Reflux

Every day, countless people suffer from an uncomfortable and potentially harmful condition called acid reflux. Due to poor diet and lifestyle choices, acid reflux is a very common occurrence, but it is easily preventable.

Acid reflux is a serious issue for a vast majority of the general population, and affects about thirty five percent of overweight people. If you suffer from acid reflux, there is hope. You have the power to avoid triggering the effects of this uncomfortable medical condition.

* At least once per month, more than sixty million Americans will experience heartburn due to acid reflux. That number amounts to about one fifth of the U.S. population. One twelfth of the American population, or twenty five million individuals, will suffer the harmful effects of heartburn and acid reflux on a daily basis.

* Technically, there's no cure for heartburn, but there are steps that you can take to help offset your chances of developing the condition. If you think that you may be at risk for an acid reflux condition, you should review the types of food that you're currently eating. Then, you can take steps to change your eating habits. When you eat fewer acid-creating foods, you'll suffer from fewer acid reflux attacks.

* Smoking and alcohol are big contributors to the acid reflux problem. Regular smokers will find that the acidity levels in their stomachs are increased, causing the reflux that is already occurring to cause even more damage to the esophagus. Nicotine is also known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. This muscle, when operating incorrectly, is one of the leading contributors to the acid reflux condition. Alcohol can also weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, causing it to relax and 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.

* It's important to treat acid reflux, as the condition can create more serious medical consequences. Consistent acid reflux means that acid is always present in the throat. This can ultimately create a host of medical problems including esophageal strictures, erosive esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus. In rare and extreme cases, esophageal cancer can occur.

* 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.

If you suffer from acid reflux, prevention is your best medicine. By learning more about the disease, you'll have greater power to control the effects, or even prevent acid reflux altogether.

Article Source: http://www.articlemonk.com

Julius Riason enjoys writing for several web sites, on health diet fitness connections and alternative health subjects.
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