Acid reflux or GERD is an important health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. It is regurgitation of stomach content high in acid into the esophagus. Reflux is prevented by the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which remains tightly closed and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the lower esophageal sphincter 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 if very severe or you develop secondary problems then surgical treatment such as fundoplication will relieve your symptoms.

However, the effeciency of the LES can be affected by several factors. Eliminating these factors may avoid a trip to your doctor or taking over the counter medication. Sometimes all you need is a change of lifestyle.

Obesity can cause or contribute to GERD. 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 obese individuals are prone to developing hiatus hernias. A hiatus hernia can weaken the LES. Losing weight is an important aspect of GERD treatment.

Wearing tight fitting clothes can cause acid reflux especially if it is two sizes too small. The increased pressure on the stomach may force acid back up into the esophagus. Your symptoms will improve if you wear loose clothes.

A large meal entering the stomach will increase the pressure on the LES and can cause acid reflux. We all experience this at some time or other. Gastric clearance time is also increased by large volume increasing the risk for reflux. Eating smaller portions more frequently will counter this problem.

GERD can be affected by certain foods. Cow’s milk protein intolerance can cause esophagitis. It is called Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Removing cow’s milk protein from your diet will control this. 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. These drugs include broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease.

Acid reflux is affected by female hormones. In a Scandinavian Study, women on hormones had increased risk of GERD. These drugs include the hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the contraceptive pill. Sedatives and tranquillisers can slow down peristaltic waves in the esophagus affecting clearance of food from the esophagus.

Opt for liquid medication if you have GERD and need treatment. Certain drugs ie tetracycline are corrosive to the esophageal lining. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can lodge in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water to wash the medication down. Try not to take medication while lying down. GERD patients should always take drugs standing or sitting up and avoid lying down immediately after.

Nicotine in corrosive to the esophageal lining and also relaxes the LES. Stop smoking and your GERD might improve.

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.