What is a Good Diet for Acid Reflux
Chronic heartburn sometimes referred to as acid reflux or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is estimated to affect roughly fifteen million Americans every year. Symptoms of heartburn acid reflux vary from one individual to the next but it is often characterized by a burning feeling in the chest and a sometimes bitter taste sensation in the mouth. Acid reflux quite often strikes in the middle of the night causing you to awaken with a sharp burning feeling in the throat and across the chest. Many people have mistaken the symptoms of GERD with that of a heart attack since the sensation is very similar. Even though it has nothing to do with the heart, the name heartburn emanated from the burning sensation that felt the same as that of a heart attack. Nighttime acid reflux can additionally cause coughing fits together with a bitter morning mouth and a sore throat.
As far as treatments for acid reflux go, the main route involves a change in daily habits. One of the biggest causes of acid reflux has been attributed to overeating and the type of foods consumed. Consuming too much in a single sitting causes the stomach to stretch while the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes to a certain degree causing some of the stomach contents to seep back up into the oesophagus. The answer to this malady is to eat a number of smaller meals spread over the day rather than eating three larger meals or one enormous evening meal. Doing so will let the digestive system to do its job more effectively instead of having to deal with too much all in one go.
There are Several standard foods that cause acid reflux more than others do and to that end, chronic sufferers should make a point to follow a good acid reflux disease diet. Fatty, greasy food can be a big problem, because the stomach needs to produce more acid to break down these substances. Some of that extra acid winds up coming back into the oesophagus. Less obvious culprits include tea, coffee and several other beverages that have caffeine in them. Spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, ice cream, chocolate and red wine should also be avoided because they can all exacerbate heartburn acid reflux.
The time of day and post-eating rituals, have a significant affect on heartburn and acid reflux. Because you are likely standing or sitting upright during the day, gravity is your friend and acts as a barrier against acid reflux. However, when you lie down at night after eating a meal, you no longer have that gravity barrier working for you. Consequently, to stop nighttime acid reflux attacks, it is advisable to stay comparatively upright for two or three hours after eating or going to sleep. You should in addition avoid lifting and bending immediately after eating a large meal and avoid wearing tight clothing that might aggravate symptoms.
If you are unwilling to give up any of your favorite foods, your doctor may advocate heartburn medication to help you fight the immediate symptoms of acid reflux. Most of these products can be purchased otc, but some forms are doctor prescribed. For mild symptoms, calcium carbonate antacids such as Tums, Rolaids or Maalox bonds to and counteracts acid for rapid relief. The effervescent Alka-Seltzer is a widely applauded favorite in drinkable form that might cause some burping but quickly extinguishes the stomach nausea and chest pains. Proton Pump Inhibitors such as Prilosec or Nexium are claimed to work best by suppressing excessive acid production after big meals. Histamine 2-Receptor Antagonists like Pepcid AC or Zantac reduce the amount of acid in the stomach to assist individuals with severe heartburn symptoms.
Acid reflux disease can make eating feel like a chore. In public, it can be really embarrassing at the very least or it can cause gut wrenching abdominal pain and a frightening tightness in the chest. Just remember to keep some antacids on hand for emergencies, avoid lying after eating and do not over indulge in fatty and spicy foods. Everything in moderation, as the expression goes.
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