What is the best way to relieve acid reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid damages the lining of the oesophagus. The digestive system consists of the stomach and the oesophagus, with the lower oesophageal sphincter in between. The oesophageal sphincter of people with acid reflux doesn’t relax and constrict as it should. So, acidic stomach content rises into the oesophagus. The constant backwash or backflow of stomach acids burns or irritates the oesophagus lining, leading to heartburn-like symptoms. Some cases of acid reflux occur due to hiatal hernia, obesity, pregnancy, and connective tissue disorders. But you don’t have to endure acid reflux symptoms. You can rely on acid reflux tablets to manage or avoid stomach acid effects. People with acid reflux can buy omeprazole in the UK to eliminate the discomfort. Lansoprazole also provides quick relief from acid reflux.

Acid reflux symptoms include heartburn, bloating, burping, hiccups, nausea, weight loss, dry cough, and sore throat. Some people with acid reflux experience dysphagia and regurgitation of bitter or sour acids. Doctors recommend several strategies to treat acid reflux symptoms. Here are three options for people with acid reflux:

One of the best ways to relieve acid reflux is by taking acid-reducing medications. Doctors use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor blockers, and antacids to treat acid reflux.

Ø  PPIs: There are several proton pump inhibitors, including omeprazole, lansoprazole, dexlansoprazole, esomeprazole, and rabeprazole. Lansoprazole and omeprazole are sold in small doses over the counter. You can buy lansoprazole tablets or omeprazole from UK pharmacies to treat acid reflux symptoms. These reflux tablets prevent the parietal cells in the stomach from over-producing gastric acid. Another quick-relief medication is Losec MUPS 10 mg. These acid reflux tablets can help you manage the symptoms, including heartburn, bloating, nausea, dry cough, and sore throat.

Ø  H2 blockers: These medications help suppress gastric acid formation in the stomach. They are acid-reducing drugs that work, like lansoprazole and omeprazole. Examples of over-the-counter H2 blockers include cimetidine, famotidine, and nizatidine. Each category has several brand names. For instance, Pepcid AC and Zantac 360 fall under famotidine.

Ø  Antacids: These acid reflux medications neutralize stomach acid to reduce heartburn, acid indigestion, and stomach upset. Examples of antacids include aluminium hydroxide gel, Pepto-Bismol, calcium carbonate, and magnesium hydroxide. Some antacids contain simethicone that helps the body eliminate gas from the stomach.

Whether you use PPIs, H2 blockers, or antacids, ensure you take the recommended dose as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.

What you eat and how you live influence your overall health. This principle also applies to people with acid reflux. Doctors recommend several lifestyle changes to relieve acid reflux. You can combine these strategies with acid reflux tablets to achieve the desired results.

Ø  Some people experience acid reflux symptoms after eating certain foods. Identify the foods and beverages that trigger your heartburn and avoid them.

Ø  Eating large meal portions in one sitting can increase the risk of acid reflux. Think of your stomach as a water tank with the lower oesophageal sphincter as the lid. A weak sphincter may not handle too much food in your stomach, leading to backflow into the oesophagus. Eat smaller meal portions frequently throughout the day.

Ø  Stomach content pushes harder on the oesophageal sphincter when your body is horizontal than vertical. Don't lie down for 2 to 3 hours after eating. Ensure to sleep with your head raised 4 to 9 inches above the bed. The idea is to elevate the upper side of your body. Another trick to reduce the risk of acid reflux is to start sleeping on your left side when you go to bed.

Ø  Tight-fitting clothes and excess body fat put pressure on your stomach and oesophageal sphincter. So, avoid clothes that fit tightly around your waist and adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle to maintain a moderate weight.

Ø  Quit smoking because nicotine interferes with the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter.

These lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing acid reflux. But they don’t guarantee quick relief from acid reflux symptoms.

Some people use baking soda solutions to relieve symptoms of acid reflux. But this home remedy can do more damage than good. Drinking too much baking soda may be harmful to heart health. It can also alter the acid-base balance in the blood. Another home remedy for relieving acid reflux is ginger. Some studies indicate that ginger can help alleviate digestive problems, such as nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and pregnancy-related vomiting. But researchers still don’t know the benefits or the correct dose of ginger needed to relieve acid reflux. Some people recommend Rikkunshito for treating acid reflux symptoms. However, researchers have not determined whether this Japanese herbal remedy is safe or effective for managing acid reflux.

The best way to relieve acid reflux is through medications. Your doctor can recommend acid omeprazole or lansoprazole. These reflux tablets suppress acid production more effectively and for longer than H2 blockers. They also provide a more targeted treatment than lifestyle changes and home remedies. You can buy omeprazole or lansoprazole to manage acid reflux. Take acid reflux tablets before or after meals to suppress or reduce stomach acids. Omeprazole and lansoprazole can relieve heartburn, nausea, and other symptoms.  

Specialists recommend several strategies to manage acid reflux, including lifestyle changes, medication, and home remedies. But the best way to relieve the symptoms is by taking acid reflux tablets. You can buy lansoprazole or omeprazole from UK pharmacies to manage acid reflux. Ensure you get your reflux tablets from a trusted pharmacy.