Acid reflux 101 Acid reflux 101 (April 14, 2004)

Prevention

- Avoid fatty, greasy or fried foods - Avoid caffeine. - Don't overeat - Cut back on smoking - Avoid excessive alcohol consumption - If overweight, lose weight - Reduce stress levels

Treatment

- Eat smaller meals - Raise head higher while sleeping - Wear looser clothes - Avoid wearing belts - Don't recline sooner than three hours after eating - Take antacids - Try prescribed herbal remedies - Try acupuncture - Undergo endoscopic methods (i.e., swallowing a tube that allows a doctor to tighten the esophageal valve) - Undergo valve surgery

Causes

- A poor diet (see prevention, above) - Being overweight - Pregnancy - Vomiting often - Hormonal or menstrual changes - Side effects from other drugs
Sources: Gerda Endemann, Ph.D.; George Triadafilopoulos, M.D.; Chris Macie, L.Ac.
--Avital Binshtock

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