Are you suffering from Acid Reflux?

I am writing this blog at this time as I am receiving a lot of enquiries from people who are suffering from Chronic Acid Reflux and more and more people are being diagnosed with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) which affects the lower Oesophageal Sphincter which is the ring of muscle that lies between the oesophagus and the stomach.

Acid reflux is an early warning sign of a system that is out of balance it cannot be cured with antacids. These may well alleviate some of the symptoms in the short term but serious action should be taken to deal with the underlying cause.

I thought I would offer my top tips I have found have helped many clients over the years that have initially come to me seeking Colon Hydrotherapy and or Nutritional Advise.

1. Drink Water

Chronic low grade dehydration can be the cause of acid reflux. Energy drinks, coffee and fizzy drinks are liquid but they are not a good source of proper hydration. Some clients find that adding ¼ of a teaspoon of sea salt to 2 litres of water and consuming this throughout the day helps their body to use the water more effectively in the cells instead of having it flushed through the system.

Many clients have also found that switching to alkaline water can also help with their symptoms. If you would like further information on this please just contact me. Basically if the water you are drinking is a Ph of 7 and you switch to water that is a Ph of 9 this is in fact 100x’s more alkaline.

2. Probiotics

I recommend Prime Directive from Safe Remedies, 01289 332888 www.saferemedies.com

As I can see the effectiveness of this brilliant product when I am carrying out a Colonic treatment. A client with good hydration and good bowel flora will produce good quality stools.

3. Lose Weight

If you are overweight, particularly around the mid line losing excess weight can reduce the acid reflux attacks. Eating less food at each individual meal will reduce the risk of an attack

4. Avoid eating before bedtime

Having a full meal then lying down is not a good recipe for good digestive health. Have your last meal a few hours before bedtime.

5. Chew every mouthful

Chewing your food thoroughly will reduce the amount of work the stomach is required to do. By chewing thoroughly you will secrete more saliva which helps break down the digestive process of your food. Good mastication (chewing) of your food breaks down the large food molecules into smaller particles; this increases the surface area of enzymes action in the stomach. This process ensures that food is well mixed with saliva to ensure easier passage into the digestive tract. It stimulates and starts off the rest of the digestive process. Not chewing your food sufficiently or wolfing it down is now known to be one of the main causes of acid reflux independently to what you have actually eaten.

6. Do not drink with food

Taking sips of water is ok but do not down a glass of liquid whilst eating, this just dilutes your digestive juices and acids in the stomach and the saliva in the mouth. These enzymes are essential to the breakdown of food. Hence the stomach tries hard to breakdown food and produces more acid which could result in heartburn or acid reflux.

7. Dietary changes

Alcoholic beverages, spicy foods, fried foods, tomatoes, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, dairy products are all common causes of acid reflux. But of cause everyone is different so keep a log of what you eat to help identify your triggers.

8. Avoid clothes that restrict the mid line

I would suggest you avoid wearing any clothing that causes restriction to your mid line. Your waist band may feel fine first thing in the morning but as you progress through the day if your waistband becomes tight this will makes your symptoms worse. Whilst you are following these suggestions I would strongly recommend you take notice of what your waistband feels like after eating and make a note of what you have eaten.

I would love to hear from you. Follow these guidelines for a month and feel the difference in yourself. The symptoms of Acid Reflux or GERD can be debilitating so please do take action as it is your body’s intelligence letting you know it is not happy, your body will return the favour by removing the symptoms.

Wishing you the very best of health in 2017 and beyond

Liz

This information is not meant to substitute sound medical advice. If you have any concerns consult with your medical practitioner