Those who suffer from acid reflux know that it can be a chronic condition that can significantly impact your daily function. People report carrying antacids in their pocket just to make it through meals which is not ideal, particularly when dining out or in a social setting.
Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach refluxes through the esophagus by way of relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The acid can travel all the way to the oral cavity. This often causes the sensation of heartburn or a sour taste in the mouth. Symptoms can also include chest pain, nausea, chronic cough and dysphagia – just to name a few.
There are several different classes of medications that are over the counter and some that are prescription only that include antacids and proton pump inhibitors. These medications work to either neutralize stomach acid or block excess production of acid from the cells in the stomach. One component of this disease that is necessary to focus on is the way that our diet and what we put into our body affects the output and how our body feels.
Diets That Help Cure Acid Reflux
Let’s take a look at ways in which you can make small changes in your diet to help decrease acid reflux symptoms and improve your quality of life. These dietary changes can include:
1. Milk – try changing from whole milk to skim, 1% or 2% milk. This will reduce your fat intake allowing your stomach to not produce as much acid
2. Desserts – yes, you can eat desserts however try ones that are low-fat which are not only healthier for you but also decrease the amount of acid needed
3. Meats – leaner cuts of meat that do not have a high fat content such as skinless chicken (baked) or extra lean ground beef also ease the work of the digestive system by decreasing the fat needed
4. Vegetables – incorporating more vegetables into your diet such as potatoes (baked), broccoli, green beans and peas can facilitate gastric motility
5. Fruits – an intake of non-acidic fruits such as bananas and apples help neutralize acid in the stomach
6. Bread – try low fat, multigrain bread that decrease your fat intake
7. Beverages – increase your intake of water and try to switch from caffeinated products to decaffeinated products. If it is too hard to give up caffeine all at once then first try and have half caffeine and half decaf then slowly increase the amount of decaf present
8. Dairy – incorporate more fat free cream cheese or sour cream in your diet to replace foods that are higher in fat content
9. Salad Dressings – Switch to low fat salad dressings to go with your healthy salad
10. Cooking Oil – Consider using broth instead of cooking oil or butter to try and reduce fat intake
Please remember to consult with your medical provider if your acid reflux symptoms are worsening or affecting your daily activities.
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October 18th, 2009 at 1:22 am
Excellent article – I do all the things you suggested and more…plus I like to be quiet after a meal. Partly in gratitude and partly in just enjoying the feeling of contentment after a nice healthy meal. I seldom experience heartburn, etc. anymore since I changed my lifestyle.
bobbi henderson
4yourhealth.wordpress.com