The Facts about acid reflux: The esophagus is a tube that begins at the back of your throat and connects to your stomach by the Lower esophageal sphincter. This allows food to pass through to be digested and closes to prevent the stomach acids from entering the esophagus. When this sphincter does not work properly acid from the stomach can flow back or reflux up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning feeling in your chest also called heartburn.
The recommended treatment for Acid reflux is a PPI or Proton pump inhibitor. They send a message to slow down the acid producing cells which can than reduce the irritation.
Tips to help
These tips may help
- Do not eat within 3 hours of going to bed or lying down
- Raise the head or your bed several inches
- If you are overweight, lose weight
- Avoid alcohol products, citrus foods, tomato based foods, chocolate, large meals and fatty foods.