|
Expensive creams are useless - and traditional treatments simply take too long! |
Are You At Risk For Acid Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder in which the stomach's acid and digestive enzymes flow backwards, or reflux, into the esophagus.
People of all ages are susceptible to GERD, and acid reflux symptoms occur in about half of all adults. Elderly people with GERD tend to have a more serious condition than younger people.
Check below to see if you have risk factors for acid reflux (heartburn) and GERD.
Eating Habits - If you eat a heavy meal and then lie down on your back or bend over from the waist, you're at risk for an attack of heartburn. If you snack at bedtime, you're also at high risk for heartburn.
Pregnancy - If you're pregnant, you're particularly vulnerable to heartburn in your third trimester as your growing uterus puts increasing pressure on your stomach. It's difficult to treat these cases with diet changes or antacids.
Obesity - If you're overweight, your risk factor for GERD is increased. A study from the American College of Gastroenterology reported that increased body mass index (BMI) is also associated with increased risk for cancer of the esophagus (esophageal adenocarcinoma).
Respiratory Diseases - If you have asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) that result in blocked air flow in the lungs, you are at a very high risk for GERD.
Smoking - If you smoke, you are at an increased risk for GERD. Several studies suggest that smoking reduces LES muscle function, increases acid secretion, impairs muscle reflexes in the throat, and damages protective mucus membranes. Smoking also reduces saliva, which helps neutralize acid. Whether it is the smoke, nicotine, or both that triggers GERD is unknown. Some people who use nicotine patches to quit smoking, for example, experience heartburn, but it is not clear if it's the nicotine or stress that produces acid back-up.
Alcohol Use. - If you drink alcoholic beverages, you should be aware that alcohol relaxes the LES muscles and, in high amounts, may irritate the mucous membrane of the esophagus. All alcoholic beverages increase stomach acid levels. And if you smoke and drink a lot, you increase your risk of esophageal cancer.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - Studies show that you are at a higher risk for GERD if you use NSAIDs.
In general, you're at a very high risk for GERD complications if you're an overweight Caucasian male over 40 years of age.
But, since anyone can suffer from GERD, it's important to understand the risk factors and do whatever you can to prevent acid reflux disease symptoms.
Cure Your Acid Reflux Naturally
Discover the acid reflux disease diet that will relieve
your symptoms faster than you ever thought possible...
... even if you've never succeeded at curing your
acid reflux before.