Acid reflux, or Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is a serious medical condition that should not be ignored. Often times, people try to treat acid reflux on their own, unaware that a special acid reflux diet must be followed.
Acid reflux occurs when the acids and contents in the stomach are pushed back up through the esophagus. This causes pain and discomfort in individuals, including symptoms of nausea and heartburn. While these feelings are uncomfortable, perhaps more serious, is that the esophagus can be permanently damaged by the constant flow of acids.
While it is normal to experience some symptoms of acid reflux on occasion, frequent symptoms of reflux need to be addressed immediately. Keep in mind that while certain factors may contribute to the onset of acid reflux, there is no way to prevent it. Some of the common triggers for acid reflux include obesity, heredity factors, certain diets or medications, and frequent vomiting.
Acid reflux is determined by a medical professional who performs a variety of tests. Some acid reflux tests are quite easy and include doing a simple X-ray that highlights how the stomach, small intestine and esophagus are working. Other tests are more invasive and involve taking an endoscope through the esophagus to look for obstructions and measure the levels of acidity in the esophagus.
While acid reflux can be treated by taking certain medications such as acid blockers and antacids, one of the most beneficial treatment methods is a special acid reflux diet. An acid reflux diet is helpful because certain foods are known to weaken the muscles in the esophagus, causing acid reflux symptoms.
While it may seem limiting at first, an acid reflux diet is actually quite easy to follow. Sticking to the basic food groups of fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and grains will surely have an acid reflux sufferer in good hands. Most of these foods can be eaten with few restrictions. Some acidity fruits however, such as oranges and grapefruits, can trigger acid reflux, so a Vitamin C supplement can be taken in its place.
An acid reflux diet avoids fatty foods as much as possible, including fried and fast foods, whole milk, oils, and creamed soups and foods. Caffeinated beverages such as teas, coffees and sodas should be eliminated as well. Peppermint and spearmint are known to cause acid reflux, so it is important to avoid those flavors in candies and gums.
Once again, citrus foods such as tomatoes, pineapples, oranges, and grapefruits are not tolerated well by acid reflux sufferers and should be eliminated from the diet. Spicy foods are often responsible for adding to feelings of acid reflux, so steer away from pungent spices and hot foods.
The acid reflux diet does not just consist of food, however. The acid reflux diet also takes into account certain lifestyle changes that should be made to make a person more comfortable. After eating, a person with acid reflux should not lie down immediately. He or she should remain active for at least 30 minutes or more. Late night snacks or meals should also be avoided.
During sleep, a person with reflux should elevate his or her head six to eight inches above the bed. Special supportive pillows can be purchased to help with this, as regular pillows are not as effective. Having the head elevated can help prevent acid reflux symptoms during the sleep cycle.
Perhaps one of the most beneficial changes in the acid reflux diet is eating smaller portions of food. Often times it is not what the person is eating, but how much the person is eating that is causing the reflux symptoms. For this reason, it is best to eat more frequent, small meals and snacks.