According to Wikipedia, gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GORD), gastric reflux disease, or acid reflux disease is a chronic symptom of mucosal damage caused by stomach acid coming up from the stomach into the esophagus.
That’s the definition, but can it be cured.
The answer is probably not. The symptoms may be alleviated but for the most part acid reflux cannot be cured. Sufferers will have to make lifestyle changes, diet changes, etc. to cope with this disease. It can be controlled to a large extent but it cannot be cured. Final resorts such as surgery may bring lasting relief but that only done for extreme cases.
Acid reflux occurs when the stomach acid rises up into the esophagus and burns it. This causes heartburn. Your stomach entrance has a muscle known lower esophageal sphincter (LES). If this muscle does not function well and stay closed, the stomach acid rises up.
People suffering from acid reflux should do whatever they can to mitigate the symptoms even if they’re not present. Prevention is better than cure.
Try to be lean and healthy. Avoid fatty foods, large meals and eating before bed. Alcohol, chocolate, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, tomatoes, garlic, onions, mint and even spicy foods are best avoided. Smoking is bad for people who don’t suffer from acid reflux. It’s worse for sufferers. Quit as soon as you can. Pregnancy may cause acid reflux too.
Acid reflux has a few symptoms. If you notice some of these symptoms happening to you, do see a medical professional for a diagnosis. If you have heartburn which is a burning sensation in your chest or stomach, that is the most common indication of acid reflux.
Other symptoms include a bitter taste in your mouth, a voice that is getting hoarse for no apparent reason, nausea, constant hiccupping or burping, a bloated feeling, etc. All these symptoms should be examined more closely.
Once your doctor has diagnosed you for acid reflux, you may feel depressed. Questions such as why is this happening to me? Or what did I do to deserve this? may appear in your mind. This is natural. However, it is never a good idea to wallow in self-pity.
Acid reflux can be controlled and in most cases, it is not life threatening. The only difficulties you will face will be in the initial stage when you are changing your diet and eating patterns. You know what the best part is? You should be doing this even if you don’t have acid reflux.
You will have to switch to healthier foods, eat smaller amounts at smaller intervals, avoid unhealthy substances, etc. The benefits will be tremendous. You will lose excess fat from eating less fatty and unhealthy food. You will look better, feel better and be stronger. If you incorporate some daily exercise, you will be in better shape than most people who do not have acid reflux.
The choice lies with you. Make changes for a better and healthier lifestyle and concomitantly your acid reflux will get better. It may even disappear if you keep at it. Have faith and be strong.