Khim Lim asked:


Many used the terms indigestion and acid reflux interchangeably and to mean the same thing. However, in reality, there are a number of differences between the two conditions. Although acid reflux symptoms are similar to those that you experienced with indigestion, they are more often than not a lot more severe and can last more than a few hours.

In its most serious form, acid reflux is known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). GERD is characterised by pain in the oesophagus and throat where the acid from the stomach causes damage to the lining. These symptoms can often only be relieved with medications and so it is important that anyone suffering from prolonged pain to consult the doctor with little delay.

If left untreated the acid reflux symptoms can become unbearable as the lining of the oesophagus is slowly eroded away by the stomach acid. The worst case scenario is that oesophageal cancer or any of the other serious and potentially life-threatening throat conditions develop which are a lot harder to treat than the initial complaint.

Indigestion is often thought to be a milder version although this is not technically true. Some of the symptoms are similar however indigestion has a number of symptoms not experienced in acid reflux and vice versa. For example, one of the most common symptoms of indigestion is gassy episodes and often these episodes are felt by sufferers of true acid reflux. Indigestion sufferers may also have an uncomfortable feeling around the chest and shoulder area that is not relieved by burping.

If you over-eat or eat too quickly, there is a good chance of getting indigestion. Basically, you have just bombarded your stomach with food and acid is produced in large quantities. Acid reflux however is caused when the sphincter at the top of the stomach is weakened and the stomach acid is allowed to travel up the oesophagus and often into the throat. Because of different causes, you feel the major symptoms of the two conditions in different parts of the body; that is, the chest in indigestion and the throat/oesophagus in acid reflux.

Whether you are having indigestion or acid reflux, you are likely to experience pain and a great deal of discomfort. The good news is that both can be managed with changing your eating and lifestyle habits. Making a few changes can help you to alleviate the pain that accompany their symptoms. Where you experience extreme pain, despite making these lifestyle changes, you should see a doctor quickly.



Floyd

Kathryn Whittaker asked:


Prescription medications can work well for acid reflux, but they are not for everyone, either due to side effects, cost or because of a reluctance to take medications long term. While modifying your diet and adapting your sleeping position can be very helpful steps in keeping this condition under control, there are times when they might not be enough. When that is the case, some turn to natural forms of indigestion treatment to see if they can help keep acid reflux symptoms and pain at bay.

One of the best natural types of indigestion treatments is a modification of lifestyle. If you are overweight, losing just ten percent of your body weight can help. Many acid reflux sufferers report a significant improvement and even elimination of symptoms simply by losing excess weight. It is thought that being overweight places pressure on the stomach, especially when lying down, which forces the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (the muscle at the top of the stomach) open, allowing acid and stomach contents to easily reflux into the esophagus.

Smoking is another lifestyle factor that can actively encourage acid reflux symptoms. Smoking relaxes the LES and slows down digestion speed, meaning that food sits in the stomach for longer, promoting the likelihood of acid reflux to occur.

A third lifestyle factor is alcohol consumption. Alcohol is bad for acid reflux for a number of reasons. It relaxes the LES, encourages stomach acid production and can lead to indigestion. If you’re suffering with acid reflux it is best to avoid all alcohol, especially the carbonated drinks. However, if you do want to have a drink keep the quantity small and make sure you have plenty of water alongside it.

Modifying diet was mentioned at the beginning of this article as being a beneficial way of controlling acid reflux. Along with what you eat, it is just as important to be aware of when you eat and in what quantities. Eating smaller meals more often throughout the day is the best approach. The traditional large 3 meals a day we’re all used to is not good for acid reflux sufferers. Large meals place the stomach under stress and will often trigger symptoms to flare. Also, be aware of when you eat and try to make the last meal of the day 3 hours before your retire to bed at night so foods have been digested and moved out of the stomach.

For some people a natural indigestion treatment that works well is probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria that are naturally present in your stomach that aid digestion. Should these get out of kilter, you can have problems with digestion. Probiotics are available in food or supplement form that helps aid digestion and keep your system moving. Having sufficient quantities of probiotics can cut down on the amount of acid your stomach has to make, lessening your chance of developing problems with indigestion and acid reflux. As an added benefit, Probiotics also help boost your immune system too.

Other natural indigestion remedies can be found in the home. Ginger has long been used as a digestive aid and to reduce nausea. Ginger can be taken as tea, either using tea bags or steeping shavings of fresh, peeled ginger root You can also find it in capsule form or as a syrup. Ginger seems to absorb or neutralize acid in your stomach, and also has a calming affect.

Should you wish to try any type of natural indigestion treatment, it is advisable to consult with your doctor to be sure they are safe and that they will not adversely react with any type of medication you may be taking.



Travis

Helen Thomas asked:


Abdominal bloating, when the abdomen distends and there may be intestinal or abdominal gas, is the cardinal sign of dysfunction of the agni, the digestive fire, and is usually caused by a vata imbalance. In Ayurveda we describe it as the first sign of an imbalance in the “gastrointestinal consciousness.” Bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal tract is unable to split food into the smallest particles and release the nourishing enzymes into the system. Also see Indigestion. Follow the appropriate Daily Lifestyle Regimen for your dosha, paying particular attention to your diet and eating

Rocking and Rolling: Sit on the floor and pull both legs up to your chest; interlock your hands over your knees. Roll your body backward and forward, ten times in each direction, keeping your elbows close to your legs.

Eat a light diet of primarily vegetables and rice, or kicharee; the Ten-Day Ginger Treatment http://www.effortlessayurvedicliving.com/



Marcia