Acid Reflux Diet: A Nutrition Guide

Acid reflux is a condition that arises when gastric acid in the stomach finds the way to the esophagus. It is a result of weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Researchers identify the real cause of the problem, but contributing factors include poor diet, take heavy meals before bedtime and bad posture. The unpleasant symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty in swallowing necessitate looking for ways to deal with the condition. One way to involve coming up with an acid reflux diet geared towards eliminating the triggering factors of the condition.

Acid reflux diet

Acid reflux diet that can be applied to the problem because triggers differ from person to person. Several recommendations have been made to act as a guide to fighting acid reflux.

First, it is important to eat foods with high fiber such as oatmeal and brown rice because it’s aids digestion. The food is leaving the stomach fast, reducing pressure on the LES and helping to maintain its tone. Use of ginger as a digestion aid relief bloating.

Second, it is advisable to eat more low acid foods such as green vegetables and egg whites because the natural acids in the food that you consume play a role.

Third, calcium obtained from fat free milk and low fat yogurt help to strengthen LES muscles.

Fourth, boost your intake of Vitamin D. It eradicates infections in the digestive system and increases muscle strength.

Lastly, there exists evidence that spicy foods such as pepper that helps the condition. Such foods may not provide a cure, but they lessen the symptoms and reduce pain sensation by blocking nerve signals.

Foods must be eliminated from the acid reflux diet for it. For example, high fat foods like French fries, potato chips, cream sauces and butter. It may not be possible to avoid some of these foods altogether, reducing their intake has been known to reduce the symptoms. Highly processed and refined foods should be done away with as they have been known to aggregate acid reflux and they take a longer time to pass through the stomach into the lower intestines. Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges irritate an already weakened esophageal lining and it’s should be avoided.

Some beverages may not be good for inflamed lower esophagus and have been known to worsen the symptoms of acid influx. It’s stimulate production of stomach acid. Drinks such as coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, cola, carbonated drinks, tomato juice, and citrus juices are among those that should be avoided. Healthy beverages such as herbal teas, for example, licorice, chamomile, and lemon balm are preferred. They assist with digestion and soothe stomach problems associated with acid reflux.

Herbal teas with peppermint and spearmint have been known to trigger heartburn or to make the symptoms worse. Take the recommended eight glasses of water per day to suppress acid reflux to increase gastric pH. Low fat dairy products are recommended since they are easily digested. Low fat milk, for example, goat’s milk has been known to provide short term relief from the painful effect of an acid reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter.

Acid Reflux Diet and Nutrition Guide

Even as dietary modifications are introduced, the way you eat your food matters. When food is chewed thoroughly, it’s got swallowed in smaller pieces that are easier to digest. That ensures the stomach gets emptied faster to avoid exact unnecessary force on the esophageal muscle. Eat small portions of the food to distribute throughout the day. Avoid having so much food in the stomach at a time that to exert pressure. You are in a position to realize what triggers heartburns. So, you come up with an acid reflux diet that works for you.