If you have acid reflux, you are not alone about 15 million people in the USA suffer from the daily heartburn (a common symptom of acid reflux). Healthy lifestyle changes are very useful in alleviating the symptoms caused by acid reflux and are essential for stomach acid cure.
An introduction to Acid Reflux
Acid reflux also called as gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) is a very common gastrointestinal problem which develops when stomach acid rises into the esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter. The lower esophageal sphincter is a band of muscle that acts as a protective barrier and protects against reflux material by contracting and relaxing. If this barrier is relaxed, reflux happens. Recurrence of reflux allows prolonged contact of stomach material with the esophagus gives rise to symptoms of GERD. There are majorly four symptoms associated with the condition:
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- Irritation of the lining of the esophagus by the stomach material
- Reduces esophageal sphincter pressure
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Abnormal clearance of esophageal acid
Symptoms related to Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is characterized by symptoms and tissue damage that occurs due to repeated exposure of the lining of the esophagus to the gastric acid content. Heartburn is a major symptom of the condition; it is often described as a discomfort felt in the upper chest or the abdomen. Symptoms of acid reflux, however, vary from person to person. At times there may be no symptoms at all. A large number of people who suffer from acid reflux or GERD develop mild symptoms, no visible evidence of tissue damage and fewer complications.
The good news is that the symptoms of GERD can be reduced by adopting healthy lifestyle habits and by following a balanced diet plan. The diet is the foremost and most important for individuals who have complications associated with acid reflux including esophagitis, or esophageal ulcers.A healthy diet is also essential for those people who experience heartburn. However, GERD requires a combination of dietary and lifestyle modifications as well as medications and medications, in moderate to severe cases. Talk to your healthcare specialist about stomach acid relief medications that may be appropriate for you. Your health care provider will suggest medicines that neutralize stomach acid.
Dietary modifications and ways to treat Acid Reflux:
- Avoid large meals and eat slowly and more frequent meals
- Do not skip meals, and make sure that you eat a small meal, or eat snacks after every 2 to 3 hours. This may make you feel hungry more often because you are having a small meal. Do not worry; eating a smaller amount of foods will make your stomach empty faster.
- Always keep in mind that large meals put extra strain on the lower esophageal sphincter and allow the stomach contents to get entered into the esophagus that contributes to pain and irritation.
- Decrease total fat intake, encourage weight loss to reduce acid reflux symptoms
- Choose foods that contain less fat. Fried foods and high-fat meals take longer to digest and may worsen reflux. Since obesity contributes to the reflux, weight loss is suggested by a healthcare specialist to prevent reflux. A reduction in calorie intake and total fat will assist in weight loss. Even a small weight loss can make a huge difference.
Limit or avoid taking these following food items and beverages that give rise to acid reflux:
- Chocolate
- Fried and fatty food items
- Onions
- Garlic
- Coffee
- Milk
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tea and coffee containing caffeine
- Peppermint or spearmint
Limit or avoid taking foods that are responsible for irritating damaged esophagus in case of flare-ups. Such foods include:
- Citrus fruits such as apple juice, orange juice, lemon, and orange juice
- Pepper
- Chilli pepper
- Tomatoes
Carry food that supports heartburn and eat or drink the following whenever you feel stomach discomfort:
- Chewing gum
- Sucking lozenges or antacids
- Sweet pickles
- Water
Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water is one of the best stomach acid treatments. You can avoid many stomach problems, including acid reflux by drinking an adequate amount of water.
Avoid eating 3 to 4 hours before you sleep
- Do not lie down right after having a meal. This action may increase pressure to lower esophageal sphincter and stomach.
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Make other essential lifestyle changes
- Exercise regularly
- Stomach smoking and drinking alcohol
- Reduce stress
- Eat stomach acid cure foods i.e. food that is effective in curing acid reflux are oatmeal, ginger, aloe vera, banana, melon, fennel, green vegetables, and fish.
