Change In Lifestyle:
This is the first and simplest step to be followed when planning to treat acid reflux. You should make slight adjustments in your lifestyle in order to treat acid reflux more effectively. You will not have to change your entire lifestyle; instead, there will be some minor changes to be made. Examples are consuming smaller but more frequent meals, limiting the foods with high acid content, elevating the height of the head while sleeping, and taking steps to reduce weight if you are suffering from obesity. The most important step to be followed is avoiding the consumption of alcohol and stopping smoking completely. If these lifestyle changes are carried out effectively, then acid reflux is very likely to be minimized.
Adopting An Acid Reflux Diet:
About 94% of people suffer from heartburn just because of an unhealthy meal. Planning healthy meals therefore is essential to prevent the recurrence of acid reflux. Foods such as fried foods, foods that are rich in fat, chocolate, peppermint, butter, citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, and caffeine should be completely removed from the diet. These foods contribute to increased acid formation which causes acid reflux. If these foods are eliminated from the regular diet, then there is a great chance for acid reflux to be treated.
Taking Prescribed Medications:
There are various medications available in almost all pharmacies which are used to treat the acid reflux. The main purpose of these medications is to limit the formation of the acid in the stomach, thereby preventing acid reflux. Aciphex, Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec, and Protonix are just some of the prescribed medications that are being suggested by health experts as they have been proven effective in clinical studies.
Fundoplication:
Fundoplication is a surgical procedure which involves strengthening the structure which acts as a barrier to acid reflux when the gastroesophageal sphincter fails to function properly. In this procedure, the stomach’s fundus – or that part closest to the esophagus – is gathered and then sutured around the end of the esophagus and the sphincter. By doing so, the barrier is strengthened and acid and food the stomach is kept from rising back up to the esophagus.
Endoscopy:
This involves inserting an endoscope which helps in viewing the esophagus. Another instrument is then inserted – this time, one that sends an electrical current to the lower esophageal sphincter, which causes scarring. This scarring subsequently tightens the esophageal sphincter.
Aside from the lifestyle changes and dietary changes, all other acid reflux treatments come with side effects or consequences, and it is important to be informed about them before they are undertaken.
