Difference Between Acid Reflux and Acid Reflux GERD

Acid reflux disease is sometimes referred to as gastroesophogeal reflux disease or GERD for short. However, what exactly is acid reflux GERD, and what can you do to ensure that you do not experience the symptoms?

First, it is important to understand why acid reflux disease can cause so much discomfort.  The stomach is filled with acid, and the purpose of the acid is to help you digest foods. The acid in your stomach is about the same strength as battery acid, but your stomach is designed to process this acid and to aid in the digestion process. Your oesophagus, however, is not equipped to handle the strong acid that your stomach produces, and when this acid finds its way to the oesophagus due to indigestion, acid reflux GERD occurs.

Everyone may experience heartburn from time to time-this can happen if you eat something too fast, or are digesting spicy foods. But if you find that you are having heartburn more than a few times a week, and it doesn't go away, you may be experiencing acid reflux GERD, and you need to see a doctor right away. You may also find that you are having difficulty sleeping, or are sleeping for longer periods, then waking up tired. Having a sour or bitter taste in your mouth could also be a sign of acid reflux GERD, as well as difficulty swallowing. Irritability and headaches can also accompany this condition, so you will want to talk to your doctor or nutritionist about ways that you can adjust your diet, so that you can start feeling better quicker.

In order to properly treat acid reflux GERD, your doctor may recommend an over the counter medication initially, so that you can try it for a week or so to see if you feel better. If the problem persists, you may have to have amino acids added to your diet, so that it will be easier for you to digest your food. However, there are some lifestyle changes that you will have to make as well. For instance, you will have to minimize your alcohol intake significantly in order to see improvement for your acid reflux GERD, and you'll need to develop a plan to stop smoking as well, since this habit is inflicting extra damage on the oesophagus and throat.

You can also use natural remedies to help treat your acid reflux GERD. Taking supplements like burdock and Devil's claw before or after your meals will help your food go down smoother, and you can take digestive enzymes to prevent stomach acid from settling in the oesophagus. These practices should help you to manage your acid reflux, if you are dedicated to following them.