There’s nothing worse than savoring a delicious meal only to have it followed by the unwelcome sensation of stomach acid creeping up your throat. This unpleasant phenomenon is called acid reflux. If acid reflux occurs more than twice a week, you could be suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a chronic affliction in which stomach acid flows back into your windpipe and damages the esophageal lining. Though GERD may not initially pose a severe risk to your health, if left unchecked, it can lead to Barrett’s esophagus— a condition characterized by severe esophageal damage. GERD has also been associated with cancer— both as a potential early symptom and a potential cause.
Watch out for these five symptoms, as they may signal that your GERD is actually a sign of something far more severe:
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- Vomiting
- Unintentional weight loss
- Anemia
- Bloody or black stools
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately for an accurate diagnosis— they could be warning signs of either Barrett’s esophagus or even cancer. If your symptoms remain mild and relatively common, try these natural remedies to cure GERD. First, abstain from known GERD triggers such as:
- Alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes
- Greasy, spicy, or fatty foods
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Onions
- Mint
- Chocolate
Weight loss may also help alleviate GERD symptoms, as various studies have suggested that extra pounds can exacerbate acid reflux. The following lifestyle adjustments can also potentially improve your GERD symptoms:
- Eating smaller meals and not eating within three hours of bedtime
- Taking a daily shot of apple cider vinegar
Avoid managing GERD with over-the-counter medications such as chewable calcium carbonate antacids, ranitidine tablets, Prilosec, or Nexium— not only do these products merely cover up your symptoms without addressing the root of the problem, but they can also cause serious side effects. Overuse of over-the-counter antacids can inhibit the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals and lead to problems such as osteoporosis, vitamin deficiencies, and electrolyte abnormalities. No one wants to deal with additional health problems on top of uncontrollable and unbearable stomach acid.
Unfortunately, the potential side effects of antacids get even worse. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a group of drugs most commonly used to treat acid reflux disease and ulcers. Some of the best-known PPIs include Prevacid (lansoprazole), Prilosec (omeprazole), and Nexium (esomeprazole). PPIs were developed to slow down the production of stomach acid, but it turns out they do much more than that. PPIs also increase the risk of bone fracture, pneumonia, and clostridium difficile infection. Most recently, PPIs have been linked to a very serious complication: kidney disease and even kidney failure.
Therefore, it is crucial to take the initial signs of indigestion seriously and avoid allowing the condition to escalate into a more severe ailment. Steer clear of PPIs at all costs. Furthermore, be sure to take action and seek professional help if you begin to experience any of the five potentially serious symptoms listed above. Your health depends on it.
