Acid reflux or GERD is a major health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. It is regurgitation of stomach content high in acid into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which remains tightly closed, prevents reflux and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the LES becomes faulty acid reflux will result. This is called GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

Is it possible to cure your acid reflux? If there is true lower esophageal incompetence, then there is no cure. You will need maintenance treatment with acid suppressants like omeprazole, or surgical treatment like fundoplication will relieve your symptoms if very severe or you develop secondary problems.

However, the effeciency of the LES can be affected by several factors. Consider eliminating these factors that may impact on acid reflux before seeing your doctor or taking over the counter acid suppressants. Sometimes all you need is a change of lifestyle.

A contributory cause of GERD is obesity. This is especially so in the apple type distribution of weight. The increased bulk in the abdomen makes effective discharge of food from the esophagus into the stomach difficult. In addition hiatus hernia is more common in obese individuals. The LES can be weakened by a hiatus hernia. Losing weight is an important aspect of GERD treatment.

Acid reflux can be caused by wearing tight fitting clothes especially if it is two sizes too small. The increased pressure on the stomach may force acid back up into the gullet. Wear loose clothes and your reflux symptoms may go away.

A large meal entering the stomach will increase the pressure on the LES and can cause acid reflux. It has happened to us all at some time or other. Gastric clearance time is also increased by large volume allowing more opportunity for reflux. Eating smaller portions more frequently will counter this problem.

Certain foods can affect GERD. Cow’s milk protein intolerance can cause esophagitis. It is called Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis. This is controlled by removing cow’s milk protein from the diet. Other foods such as fats, coffee, alcohol, tea and some spices can affect the lower esophageal sphincter.

Some drugs can affect the LES and result in acid reflux. Broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease are in this list.

Acid reflux is affected by female hormones. Women on hormones, in a Scandinavian Study had showed a greater risk. These drugs include the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The peristaltic waves in the esophagus can be slowed down by sedatives and tranquillisers and can affect clearance of food from the esophagus.

If you have GERD and you are on medication, opt for liquid medication. Certain drugs ie tetracycline are corrosive to the esophageal lining. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can get stuck in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water after medication to wash it down. Try not to take medication while lying down. It is best for GERD patients to take drugs standing or sitting up and avoid lying down immediately after.

Nicotine in corrosive to the esophageal lining and also relaxes the LES. GERD symptoms improve when you give up smoking.

Acid Reflux risk is increased by certain exercises. Competitive weightlifting and cycling can do this. Joggers can develop GERD symptoms.

If by eliminating all the risk factors, your symptoms disappear, then you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.