Besides drug base medication, experts suggest to follow an acid reflux diet for those who frequently experiencing hearth burn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Someone is categorized has GERD if experiencing acid reflux two times or more in a week. The food management is not dedicated to cure the disease but to prevent of getting worst condition and to reduce the frequency of the acid reflux.
According to WebMD.com, acid reflux may be occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle is weaken or relax too frequently. In normal situation, the LES keep the gate that connect between stomach and esophagus closed and prevent the acid from backwash the esophagus. In people with acid reflux, the LES muscle become weaken allow the acid from the stomach to flush up causing heartburn sensation.
Untreated condition leads to several chronic complications such as esophagitis, an inflammation at the wall lining the esophagus, and ulcers. If you experience heartburn sensation for more than twice a week, meet your doctor soon to get a proper diagnose. If you are positively have GERD, the doctor may prescribe you drugs such as antacids, H-2-receptor blocker drugs (famotidine or cimetidine), and proton pump inhibitors drugs (omeprazole). Besides medical treatment, they may also suggest you to follow an acid reflux diet plan to reduce the symptoms.
Acid reflux diet tips and ideas
1. Avoid high-fat foods. According to the mayoclinic.com, high-fat foods can also weaken the LES muscle. Including to this food group is deep fried and greasy foods. Fats also stay longer in the stomach since it harder to digest compared to carbohydrates and proteins.
2. Avoid foods that can weaken LES muscle. Including to this items are alcohol, peppermint, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty foods. Those who experience GERD should also avoid foods that may irritate an inflamed esophagus lining such as chili pepper, black pepper, tomato, and citrus.
3. An acid reflux diet plan suggest to drink a small glass of plain water after the meal will help to dilute and flush out the stomach acid that may splash once you eat.
4. Avoid sodas since it may bloat the abdomen and trigger the stomach acid splashing into the esophagus wall lining. Choose heartburn-friendly beverages such as mineral water, low-fat milk, decaffeinated tea, and non-citrus juices.
5. Increase foods with high dietary fiber such as vegetables, wholegrain products, fruits, seeds, and nuts. Choose fresh and self-prepared foods rather than processed commercially foods such as canned vegetables or canned fruits. Besides good to your digestive systems, a recent study shows that people who follow a high-fiber diet plan were 20 percent less likely to get GERD symptoms.
Conclusion
An acid reflux diet plan is often recommend by the expert to lower the risk of getting heartburn condition. If you experience frequent acid reflux, meet a doctor and try to stick to the acid reflux diet plan. Avoid foods that may aggravate the symptoms and focus on foods that can tame the flare up. Eat small but frequent, avoid lying down after the meal, and try to wait several hours after the meal before exercising.
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