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Acid Reflux Treatments
Acid Reflux Treatments and Medications

Acid Reflux or GERD can be treated on many fronts, by using prescriptionand over the counter medications and drugs, by improving the sleeping position, by reducing bad habits such as smoking, controlling stress and anxiety, and changing your diet.

Acid Reflux Medicines


A popular GERD medication for mild acid reflux occurrences is the consumption of antacids in the form of a liquid or pill. The theory behind taking antacids for acid reflux is that the antacid will neutralize the acid and combine to form water. The main ingredients of antacid tablets are magnesium, calcium, and aluminum. Natural forms of antacids also exist in dairy products such as milk, which is high in calcium.

Histamine Receptor Antagonist Treatments


There are other acid reflux medicines called histamine receptor (H2) antagonists. This heartburn drug lowers the amount of stomach acid that is produced by the parietal cells, thus lowering the chances of acid going into the esophagus. Most histamine receptor antagonists can be purchased without a prescription from a doctor, including Axid, Pepcid, and Zantac. A major advantage of H2 antagonists over antacids is that H2 antagonists last longer (6-10 hours) compared to antacids (1-2 hours).

Promotility Agent Drugs


Another method of treating heartburn symptoms is by physically reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. This is accomplished through promotility agents that better facilitate the digestion process, which decreases the amount of time that acid lingers in the stomach. Promotility agents are most effective when taken on an empty stomach.

Acid Reflux Prevention

The healthiest way to overcome gastroesophageal reflux disease is with prevention. The most beneficial advice is to quit smoking. It actually encourages further stomach acid production, and nicotine is known for relaxing the esophageal sphincter. You can also help overcome acid reflux by eating more frequently (with smaller meals) to limit the expansion of the stomach, as well as overcome obesity, which also causes acid reflux.

A more stringent diet with less acidic fruits such as lemons, oranges, and pineapple is also recommended. Consuming more proteins may also help develop the esophageal sphincter muscles. Regular exercise may also reduce acid reflux by reducing anxiety and stress.