Archive for category Acid Reflux (GERD)
Acid Reflux Symptoms and Diet Advice
Posted by admin in Acid Reflux (GERD) on January 21, 2012
Acid reflux disease or gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition when the acid in our stomach flows up to the esophagus. This can happen when the tube which functions to deliver food from the esophagus to the stomach fails to hold back the acid. The most common of acid reflux symptoms is heartburn. Heartburn is the burning sensation that originates from abdominal area which goes up to the chest and esophagus. This symptom can occur occasionally or frequently in some people. If it happens frequently for a week or two and the condition does not improve even after medication, then you can be sure that you are suffering from GERD.
However, heartburn is only one of the many acid reflux symptoms. People suffering from GERD also display other signs of the disease include chest pains (due to acid traveling up the chest), nausea (feeling of discomfort in the stomach and the urge to vomit), regurgitation or vomiting, dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), dyspepsia or indigestion (which often leads to regurgitation), chronic sore throat, asthmatic symptoms (such as wheezing and coughing), and recurrent hiccups. Needless to say, acid reflux symptoms can be really discomforting and it is hardly possible to do perform daily activities with ease when one is suffering from this condition. Medications will only help ease the symptoms for a while and they can reoccur in the future. To prevent the disease from happening again, you are advised to make some changes to your diet.
As the first step, a person with GERD has to avoid or decrease the consumption of foods that can trigger the disease such as alcohol, citrus fruits, tomatoes and derived products, foods containing peppermint, peppers, raw onions, raw garlic, spicy and fried foods, chocolate, as well as coffee and other caffeinated drinks. Rough-textured foods such as cereals, crackers, and potato chips should also be avoided as they can irritate the esophagus. Smoking will not help to lessen the acid reflux symptoms as it will allow the acid to travel up the esophagus. Read the rest of this entry »
Acid Reflux Disease Diet – Who Else Wants the Diet For Acid Reflux Disease
Posted by admin in Acid Reflux (GERD) on November 21, 2011
Acid reflux is a disease that causes acid in the stomach to flow back into the food pipe of our body. The acid causes irritation in the food pipe. The common symptoms of acid reflux are chest pain, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing and soar taste in mouth. There are many factors that can aggravate the acid reflux. These factors include irregular eating habits, consuming very large meals. The diet must not include fatty and spicy foods which can increase the chance of aggravating the condition.
Acid reflux disease diet plays a very important role in treating the disease. Avoid foods that contain too much of fat and spices. When the diet in the stomach increases the acid secretion also increases. You should also avoid carbonated beverages. Avoid drinking coffee. The caffeine in coffee can lead to it. Eat a diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables. Vegetables like cabbage, beans and carrots are good diet to avoid having heartburn. Baked potatoes and acidic fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapes can be avoided.
Always eat protein rich foods like chicken, fish, eggs and diary products containing very low fat. Include whole grains, oatmeal along with your diet. Eat smaller meals. This will definitely put less pressure on the stomach. Avoid fatty foods, garlic, onion and chocolate. Apart from this things to be noted are don’t go to sleep immediately after a meal. Lying down immediately after a meal will make the food contents stay on the food pipe. There must be a time gap of (2-3 hours) that is between the time you eat your meals and the time you go to sleep. Control your body weight. Overweight increases the risk of this condition, also called as heartburn. Always check your body weight frequently. Read the rest of this entry »