Foods to Avoid with Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, also known as heartburn or GERD (short for Gastroesophageal reflux disease) comes about when acid combined with the contents of the stomach reverse back into the oesophagus. This occurs 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 let 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 individual is asleep. A sudden onset of acid reflux can cause the individual to wake abruptly with a painful burning feeling across the chest that has often been mistaken as a heart attack since the feeling is similar.
As far as treatments for acid reflux go, the main route involves a change in everyday habits. One of the largest 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 extent causing some of the stomach contents to seep back up into the gullet. The answer to this malady is to consume several smallish meals spread over the day instead of consuming three larger meals or one oversized evening meal. Doing so will let the digestive system to do its job more effectively rather than having to contend with too much at one time.
There are Some 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. Fatty, greasy food can be a big problem, since the stomach needs to produce more acid to break down these substances. Some of that excess acid ends up coming back up into the oesophagus. Less apparent perpetrators include tea, coffee and several other drinks that have caffeine in them. Spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus fruits, ice cream, chocolate and red wine should also be avoided since they can all aggravate heartburn acid reflux.
The time of day and post-eating rituals, have a significant impact on heartburn and acid reflux. Because you are probably standing or sitting upright during the day, gravity is your ally and acts as a barrier against acid reflux. Nevertheless, when you lie down at night after eating a meal, you no longer have that gravity barrier working for you. Therefore, to prevent nighttime acid reflux attacks, it is a good idea to remain relatively upright for two or three hours after eating or going to sleep. You should in addition avoid lifting and bending immediately after consuming a large meal and avoid wearing tight clothing that may aggravate symptoms.
The good news is that people 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. Nevertheless, folks with chronic heartburn will need something stronger like Prilosec or Nexium Proton Pump Inhibitors that repress acid production. Reglan speeds up the digestion process and a drug like the otc Gaviscon neutralizes acid and creates a foam barrier to prevent acid from seeping back up again.
Acid reflux can be so uncomfortable that many folks go to the hospital, fearing coronary failure. Others believe they might have food poisoning, asthma or some sort of sleeping disorder. Nevertheless, it is reassuring to realize that it might simply be a case of heartburn acid reflux that can be treated with some alterations in eating habits.
