Some Tips For An Acid Reflux Diet
Before turning to harsh medications, most doctors suggest
that people with acid reflux problems make some lifestyle changes. Adopting a
diet that reduces acid reflux is one very useful and simple change that people
can make.
Here are some ideas for a diet to reduce acid reflux.
Lose Weight
If you are overweight, you are much more
vulnerable to acid reflux than if your weight is normal. If you can reduce your
weight even as little as 10%, you may be able to improve your symptoms
noticeably. Eating fewer calories and trying to get a little exercise every day
should quickly get your weight under control.
Avoid Large Meals,
Especially Right Before Bedtime
Most acid reflux diets call for
eating several small meals per day instead of three big ones. Eating a lot of
food just before bedtime is especially apt to cause reflux problems, since the
stomach must manufacture large amounts of acid to digest the meal. The unused
acid is then apt to back up into the esophagus when you lie down.
Remain Upright For At Least An Hour After Meals
Gravity is a
powerful weapon in the war against acid reflux. If you are lying flat it is
much easier for the contents of the stomach to flow back into the esophagus
than if you are sitting or standing.
Eat Foods High In Complex
Carbohydrates
After years of being told to avoid carbs, you may be
surprised to learn that this is one case where a diet rich in complex
carbohydrates can actually help you. Breads and pastas can help bind with the
acid in your stomach so there is less to reflux back into the esophagus.
Avoid Fast Foods
Most fast foods are high in fat and
will encourage your stomach to produce more acid. Fast foods can also lead to
weight gain, which will increase problems with acid reflux.
Limit
Or Abstain From Alcohol
Alcohol will increase the production of
acid in the stomach. It may also inhibit the contractions esophageal sphincter.
The esophageal sphincter is a rim of tough muscles at the bottom of the
esophagus. It is the failure of this muscle to contract tightly that leads to
acid reflux, or stomach acid being drawn back into the esophagus.
Avoid Foods That Stimulate Acid Production
An acid reflux diet
aims to avoid foods that increase acid in the stomach. These foods include
coffee, tomatoes, citrus fruits, spicy foods, chocolate, and alcohol.
These tips are only intended to get you started. For more detailed information
on the acid reflux diet that is right for you, talk to your physician.
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Symptoms Of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is
associated with several unpleasant symptoms. They may even disappear for a few
weeks, but they eventually come back. Once acid reflux is diagnosed, it is
considered a lifelong condition and should be treated as such.
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