| Does that cup of morning coffee cause you pain and | | | | some antacids cause diarrhea or constipation. |
| suffering? Are you frustrated when an evening dinner | | | | Avoid heartburn-triggering foods such as caffeine, |
| out with friends ends in discomfort instead of relaxed | | | | chocolate, alcohol, citrus, spicy or tomato-based foods |
| conversation? Do you carry and take antacids every | | | | as well as fatty or fried foods, onions or garlic. |
| day? | | | | Smoking or being overweight also increases the risk of |
| Heartburn is a lot more than a mere nuisance. It can | | | | GERD. Lifestyle changes may help to control the |
| detract from enjoying a good meal and force you to | | | | symptoms. |
| change your routine. It dictates your every decision - | | | | Activities such as lying down after a meal, bending |
| what you can eat, what you can drink, when you need | | | | forward, lifting heavy items or eating large meals can |
| to lay down. | | | | cause the onset of acid reflux. Avoiding these activities |
| What is this vexing problem and how can you find | | | | after a meal and eating smaller portions may help. |
| relief? | | | | A few natural products such as extract of orange |
| WHAT CAUSES HEARTBURN? | | | | peel are being researched for their abilities to curb |
| Heartburn occurs when stomach acid makes its way | | | | heartburn. |
| back into the esophagus. A burning sensation and | | | | WHO IS AT RISK FOR GERD? |
| bitter taste are commonly experienced by heartburn | | | | Anyone. But it should be noted that pregnant women, |
| sufferers. | | | | the overweight and smokers are all good candidates. |
| If you are suffering more than a couple of times each | | | | Additionally, young babies have immature digestive |
| week you may have the more serious problem of | | | | systems, so they may be prone to GERD. Precautions |
| acid reflux disease - also known as GERD | | | | like frequent burping and keeping the infant upright for |
| (gastroesophageal reflux disease). | | | | 30 minutes after eating can minimize the occurrence. |
| Not all heartburn is caused by GERD. Occasional | | | | Older children may have to take precautions in diet |
| heartburn can be caused by many different factors. | | | | and activity just as adults do. You should always |
| However, if you have regular episodes there are a | | | | consult your physician when you suspect GERD, just |
| number of things you can do to help. | | | | to avoid future complications. |
| WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? | | | | If you suspect GERD, contact your doctor right away. |
| If you have regular heartburn, the first thing you should | | | | There can be harmful side effects of persistent |
| do is stop regularly using antacids. Antacids can | | | | heartburn including scarring of the esophagus, erosion |
| alleviate the pain of occasional heartburn, but because | | | | of the teeth and even an increased risk of esophageal |
| they are designed to neutralize the acids in your | | | | cancer. Frequent, persistent heartburn can also be a |
| stomach they can cause the stomach to create even | | | | symptom of other serious conditions and should be |
| MORE acid - a vicious cycle called 'acid rebound'. Also, | | | | checked on by a physician. |