Natural Medicine For Acid Reflux
If you have ever watched television then you have heard about the “purple pills” more than once. But what are the purple pills? What are they for? The purple pills are a treatment for acid reflux. Now you may be wondering, “What is acid reflux?” Well, let’s take a look and find out.
Let us look at heartburn to begin with. Heart burn occurs when the liquid of the stomach is refluxed up into the esophagus. The stomach’s liquid is actually refluxed into the esophagus in most people. Acid reflux is different than heart burn in that the acid is stronger. Also the acid stays in the esophagus longer than it does in heart burn. Acid reflux is also referred to as gastro esophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This disease is not only annoying, but is also very painful.
Certain other health conditions make you more at risk for experiencing acid reflux disease. For example, pregnancy can increase your risk of experiencing this disease. One of he reasons for this is hormone levels. Another reason ins that as the baby grows it puts more pressure on the abdomen.
The symptoms of acid reflux depend on the severity of the disease. Heartburn, regurgitation and nausea are the symptoms if acid reflux is minor. If it is more complicated, then the symptoms may be more severe. The liquid from the stomach may damage the lining of the esophagus and then the esophagus may become inflamed in order to try to protect itself. The esophagus may form an ulcer and bleeding may occur.
Treatment for this condition depends on the severity. Some treatments include natural medicine such as sleeping on a pillow that raises the chest slightly; eating less and eating long before going to bed; cutting back on citris juices, spicy foods, caffeine, peppermint, chocolate, and alcohol; cutting back or quitting smoking; and taking medications, such as the Nexium, a.k.a. the purple pill for the condition.
If you are experiencing frequent heartburn then you should consult your doctor. Your doctor can diagnose acid reflux. Once diagnosed, you can discuss with your doctor treatment options.