Acid reflux is a common health issue. It can affect both women and mens health. In this condition, there is reflux of stomach content high in acid into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which remains tightly closed, prevents reflux and opens when peristaltic waves herald the imminent arrival of swallowed food. When the lower esophageal sphincter becomes faulty acid reflux will result. This is called GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

So can you cure your acid reflux? If there is true lower esophageal incompetence, then there is no cure. In LES incompetence, you need maintenance acid suppressant treatment such as omeprazole, or surgical treatment like fundoplication will relieve your symptoms if very severe or you develop secondary problems.

However, the effeciency of the LES can be affected by several factors. Eliminating these factors may avoid a trip to your doctor or taking over the counter medication. A lifestyle change is sometimes all you need.

A contributory cause of acid reflux is obesity. It is more likely in the apple type distribution of weight. The extra weight increases bulk in the upper abdomen and makes effective discharge of food from the esophagus into the stomach difficult. In addition obese individuals are prone to developing hiatus hernias. A hiatus hernia can weaken the LES. Losing weight is an important aspect of GERD treatment.

Acid reflux can be caused by wearing tight fitting clothes especially if it is two sizes too small. The increased pressure on the stomach may trigger back flow into the esophagus. Wear loose clothes and your reflux symptoms may go away.

A large meal entering the stomach will put pressure on the LES and can trigger acid reflux. We all experience this at some time or other. The large volume also increases gastric clearance time allowing more opportunity for reflux. Eating smaller portions more frequently will counter this problem.

Certain foods can affect acid reflux. Cow’s milk protein intolerance can cause esophagitis. It is called Allergic Eosinophilic Esophagitis. This is controlled by removing cow’s milk protein from the diet. Other foods such as fats, coffee, alcohol, tea and some spices can affect the lower esophageal sphincter.

The lower esophageal sphincter can be affected by some drugs and cause acid reflux. Broncho-dilators such as theophylline, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), tri-cyclic antidepressants ie amitryptilline and drugs for Parkinson’s disease are in this list.

Acid reflux is affected by female hormones. Women on hormones, in a Scandinavian Study had showed a greater risk. These drugs include the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Sedatives and tranquillisers can slow down peristaltic waves in the esophagus affecting proper discharge of food from the esophagus.

Opt for liquid medication if you have GERD and need treatment. Tetracycline and certain other drugs are corrosive to the esophageal lining. Tablets and capsules (gelcaps) can get stuck in the esophagus. Always drink a glass of water to wash the medication down. Try not to take medication while lying down. It is best for GERD patients to take medication sitting up or standing and avoid lying down immediately after.

Smoking relaxes the LES and nicotine is corrosive to esophageal lining. Stop smoking and your GERD might improve.

GERD risk is increased by certain exercises. This is the case in competitive weightlifting and cycling. Joggers can develop GERD symptoms.

If by eliminating all the risk factors, your symptoms disappear, then you have actually cured your acid reflux. However, if the symptoms persist, the next step is a visit to your doctor.