Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is a common condition that affects millions of adults and children world wide. It is characterized by the relaxation of a muscular ring called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which lies at the juncture of the esophagus and stomach (see picture). When this ring relaxes or does not close completely, hydrochloric acid from the stomach refluxes back into the esophagus. This acid is produced by the stomach in response to food to help break it down into smaller particles. The stomach has a natural mucosal lining that protects it from this acid while the esophagus does not, therefore causing uncomfortable symptoms when this reflux occurs.
More common acid reflux symptoms include tasting a sour liquid in your mouth or feeling a burning sensation (heartburn) in the throat or lower chest. Other symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, nausea, chronic cough, bronchospasm, and chest pain. If symptoms persist for more then two days a week you may have the diagnosis of acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease which can lead to long term complications in the esophagus. Symptoms from acid reflux can be so intense that at times it is difficult to distinguish feelings of heartburn and chest pain from characteristics that mimic a heart attack. According to a recent study, 60% of individuals who presented to an emergency room with chest pain were diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Foods Causing Acid Reflux
Because of the large number of individuals with symptoms, pharmaceutical companies have produced over fourteen medications that are currently on the market to combat acid reflux. One area of focus that should be highlighted more is ways to combat acid reflux by making changes to your diet. The most common foods that contribute to acid reflux are:
• Tomato based foods – are acidic and allows the LES to relax
• Citrus fruits and spicy foods – may irritate the esophagus
• Fatty or fried foods – stay in the stomach longer causing a need for more acid to also be present for longer periods of time
• Chocolate or caffeinated drinks – are acidic and relaxes the LES
• Alcoholic drinks – can damage the lining of the esophagus and are also acidic
• Garlic and onions – are acidic and can trigger relaxation of the LES
• Mint flavorings – can stimulate acid reflux in some people
Avoidance of these foods may result in improvement of symptoms of acid reflux. You may want to try and layer your approach to incorporating these changes in your diet one food group at a time to try and identify which one is contributing to an increase in symptoms. Additionally, making sure that you exercise portion control when you eat as well as staying upright at least 3 hours before lying down helps as well.
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