Most of us have felt the burning pain in our chests that comes from heartburn or felt the distress of acid-reflux. We can choose from an entire arsenal of products meant to combat the agony of indigestion. Many have limited success is suppressing heartburn or bringing long-term relief. Heartburn affects millions of Americans and, if left untreated, can have severe consequences.
Or you can take a look at all the things you are doing that are behind your gastronomic distress. In my case I found that many of my daily habits were the root cause of my chronic heartburn and acid-reflux. Being the type of person who dislikes taking pharmaceuticals for indefinite periods, I was inclined to look for other solutions. Despite the aversion to drugs I was consuming large amounts of over the counter anti-acids that have been around for decades. At least the chalky taste had been improved with the introduction of the fast dissolving tablets. A small victory for a Rolaids junkie.
Initial relief came as an unintended consequence of my desire to quit smoking. This life long habit had begun to take its toll on my health and I had decided to curtail the habit once and for all. With the tobacco smoke no longer irritating my throat and lungs I discovered that I was not only breathing better but was experiencing a decrease in the frequency of heartburn episodes.
Along with the nicotine went the beer. Having been a typical "one of the guys" I was usually found enjoying a cold, frosty mug of my favorite brew when the opportunity arose. Backyard Bar-B-Qs and Football Sundays were always perfect occasions to join the gang in downing a few beers. Whether it is the fermented hops or the carbonation, the excessive gas and irritation of the upper GI tract create a formula for disaster when coupled with smoking and overindulging in pizza and jalapeno smothered Nachos.
This brings up another lifestyle choice that factors into the equation. Our eating habits can contribute to the problem in several different ways. In addition to the types of food we eat, the combination of the foods we eat can cause us distress, especially when combined with our compulsion to overeat. One particular habit of mine was late night snacking, which proved to be the cause of occasional reflux. The most disturbing part of it was that during the night it became possible to aspirate the stomach fluids into the lungs with dire results. This motivated me to seek solutions to the symptoms that were plaguing me.
Choosing a more healthful diet along with eliminating offending food and drink was the first step. It was helpful to keep a journal of when and what I was eating in order to determine which items caused the greatest upset. I found that switching to decaf made a major difference. I can now enjoy the occasional cup of the high-octane brew without unpleasant side-effects.
Additional benefits from making these lifestyle changes included increased energy and outlook from having lost weight. My overall health has improved, in general I feel better than I have in years. I noticed a decrease in sinus allergy attacks. Mental functions are also improved. I would attribute better memory to improved mental focus that was a direct result of changes in diet and exercise. Keeping a journal was helpful in identifying the offending food and drink.
While undergoing treatment for back pain and having surgery to remove bunions from both feet have also been factors in my life, I find that addressing the issues of lifestyle choices that I have outlined was the major contributor to relieving my heartburn and GERD*. Since I do not advocate the continued use of medications I also want to qualify my comments by adding that I do not intend to be overly critical of their use. This is certainly a personal preference on my part. I suggest you ask your family physician to advise you in choosing the best approach for you.
When it comes to our health, one size doe not fit all. We should all take greater interest in and control over the habits that directly affect our health. This was the path the lead my to greater health and happiness and I share it as a means of making others aware or the need to empower themselves in order to master the events and circumstances of their lives.
*GERD: a chronic condition in which the esophageal sphincter allows gastric acid to reflux into the esophagus; causing heartburn, acid indigestion, and possible injury to the esophageal lining. If left untreated can have drastic long-term consequences to health. Always consider consulting a qualified medical practitioner when symptoms these persist.
Richard Quindry writes fiction and non-fiction on his website. He can be contacted via email at the email address shown below. He accepts free lance assignments and enjoys researching topics of every sort. He is an avid reader of many other Blogs and likes to share ideas with other writers.
His favorite books include mysteries, science-fiction and biographies. He also enjoys writing poetry, a talent he acquired from his grandfather. His recently published book "Marvelous Miriam's Magical Hawaiian Adventure" is dedicated to his granddaughter.
Richard Quindry
askhugh@hughcares.net
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