How to Control Hearburn Acid Reflux with Diet

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn or GERD (short for Gastroesophageal reflux disease) happens when acid along with the contents of the stomach reverse back up into the gullet. This happens because the unidirectional valve at the top of the stomach, termed the lower esophageal sphincter, is not functioning, as it should. After you swallow, the valve is only supposed to open to allow food into the stomach and not let it back out again. Sufferers of acid reflux and heartburn are all too familiar with the burning sensation in the chest and throat together with a sometimes bitter, puke like taste sensation in the mouth. Quite frequently, the symptoms only become apparent during the night when the person is lying in bed. A sudden attack of acid reflux can cause the individual to awaken suddenly with an excruciating burning feeling across the chest that has oftentimes been mistaken as a heart attack because the feeling is similar.

Overeating or eating too much of the wrong types of food are amongst the biggest causes of GERD. In that regard, one of the simplest treatments for acid reflux is to make some alterations to eating habits, which can ultimately have a big affect on the condition. When too much food is consumed in one sitting, the stomach stretches in order to contend with the amount of food being swallowed. At the same time, the lower esophageal sphincter naturally relaxes which lets some of the stomach contents to rise back up into the gullet. The answer to this issue is to eat several smaller meals spread out over the day instead of three larger or even worse, one huge evening meal. Doing so will let the digestive system to work more effectively instead of being overloaded all at once.

There are Several basic foods that cause acid reflux to a greater extent than others do and to that end, chronic sufferers should make sure to follow a good acid reflux disease diet. Oily, greasy food can be a big problem, because the stomach needs to produce more acid to break down these substances. Some of that excess acid ends up coming back into the gullet. Less obvious culprits include tea, coffee and 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 impact on heartburn and acid reflux. Since you are in all likelihood on your feet or sitting upright during the day, gravity is your ally 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 remain relatively upright for two or three hours after eating or going to sleep. You should also avoid lifting and bending immediately after eating a big meal and avoid wearing tight clothing that may aggravate symptoms.

The good news is that individuals with GERD symptoms can find quick, over-the-counter relief. For the occasional sufferer, Tums, Alkaseltzer and Maalox can all counteract stomach acid quickly and effectively. Likewise, Histamine 2-Receptor Antagonists like Pepcid or Zantac can be effectual, longer lasting medications that fight acid reflux. Nonetheless, individuals with chronic heartburn will want something stronger like Prilosec or Nexium Proton Pump Inhibitors that inhibit acid production. Reglan accelerates the digestion process and a drug like the otc Gaviscon neutralizes acid and creates a foam barrier to stop acid from seeping back up again.

Acid reflux disease can make eating feel like a chore. In public, it can be very embarrassing at the very least or it can result in gut wrenching abdominal pain and a scary tightness in the chest. Simply bear in mind to keep some antacids handy for emergencies, avoid lying down after eating and do not over indulge in fatty and spicy foods. Everything in moderation, as the expression goes.

Filed under: Health

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