Nelly Favis-Villafuerte One may ask: What is acid reflux? What causes acid reflux? What are the symptoms? Let me share with you some basic information about acid reflux researched in the Internet: •Do you know that millions of people around the world are suffering from acid reflux? Not only adults but even children; •Do you know that acid reflux which is simply a chronic condition where acid goes up from the stomach into the esophagus is causing acid indigestion or heart burn (burning chest pain). In some cases, the burning sensation flows all the way into the throat. Acid reflux gets worse when a person lies down or bends; •Do you know that acid reflux, once it gets severe, is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); •Do you know that some women experience acid reflux during pregnancy especially during the third trimester of pregnancy? After delivery however, the symptoms of acid reflux disappear. There is sometimes acid reflux during pregnancy because of the increasing levels of hormones combined with the pressure from the growing fetus; •Do you know that there are some common foods that can trigger symptoms of acid reflux – like alcohol, chocolate, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits such as oranges or lemons, fatty or fried foods, coffee or tea (regular or decaffeinated) and even foods containing tomatoes like spaghetti sauce or pizza; also garlic and onions and spicy food like curry; •Do you know that being overweight or obese may also cause acid reflux? Even taking a snack close to bedtime or lying down right after a meal is a cause of acid reflux; •Do you know that eating at least two or three hours before bedtime may lessen reflux because this will allow the acid in the stomach to decrease? Decreasing the size of food portions per meal also helps reduce the occurrence of acid reflux; •Do you know that cigarette smoking contributes to the occurrence of acid reflux; •Do you know that elevating the head of your bed 6-inch reduces heartburn by allowing gravity to confine stomach acid only in the stomach and not allowed to roam elsewhere; •Do you know that ginger is an effective treatment for heartburn due to its ability to absorb excess stomach acid; •Do you know that apple cider vinegar is considered one of the best home remedy for acid reflux because it helps improve digestion by balancing the stomach acid. Taking 1-2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 20-30 minutes before meals can relieve the symptoms and pain; •Do you know that eating banana or a few slices of red apple reduces acid production in just a few minutes. Grapes, too is good treatment for acid reflux; •Do you know that acid reflux if not treated can lead to more serious complications like cancer of the esophagus known as esophageal cancer; •Do you know that research has shown that people who have acid reflux at least once a week have 800 percent greater risk of developing esophageal cancer; •Do you know that taking post dinner naps in a chair rather than lying down in bed can alleviate heart burn; and •Do you know that nausea, sour taste of the mouth, sore throat, dry cough and chest pains are some symptoms of acid reflux. The message I am trying to convey is for us not to ignore symptoms of acid reflux. While acid reflux is not really life-threatening, it restricts one’s daily activities and causes a lot of discomfort. We should be more serious in dealing with acid reflux to relieve us of symptoms and prevent its complications. Have a joyful day! (For comments/reactions please send to Ms. Villafuerte’s email: [email protected])