Medslant Acid Reflux Newsletter

A Few Tips To Cope With Acid Reflux

If you have acid reflux disease or GERD, it may be better to drink liquids between meals rather than with meals. According to medicine.net's editorial board of physicians, reflux is more likely to occur when the stomach is distended or filled with food and liquid. By reducing the volume of food and liquid in the stomach, reflux is less likely to occur. This is the same reason doctors recommend eating smaller meals.

Jay W. Marks, M.D., a board certified gastroenterologist, explains why gastroenterologists generally do not prescribe fast-acting over the counter calcium-carbonate containing antacids for patients with acid reflux. Unlike other over the counter antacids, antacids that contain calcium carbonate stimulate the release of gastrin, the hormone primarily responsible for the stimulation of the stomach's acid secretion, Once the calcium carbonate has completed its direct acid neutralizing effects, secretion of acid rebounds because of the gastrin release and there is overproduction of acid. Theoretically, this acid overproduction is not good for the stomach, although clinically, acid rebound has not been shown to be important. Acid rebound has been well documented; however, in practice, occasional use of calcium carbonate antacids is probably not harmful. The best suggestion is to check with your own physician or health care professional.

For us acid reflux sufferers, belching may mean more than compliments to the chef. Belching occurs when swallowed air is rapidly forced out of the esophagus through the mouth. Several things, including GERD may lead to air swallowing. There is no specific relationship between belching or burping and digestive tract irritation; however, antacids taken to relieve heartburn symptoms can, because of their effervescence, cause bubbles to form in the stomach. No pharmaceutical remedies exist for belching; Allen Douma, M.D., a health and medical syndicated columnist recommends therapy that relies on behavior changes such as eating slowly and avoiding liquids with food.

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