Diet For Acid Reflux
Acid reflux or heartburn occurs when the stomach acid flows back from the stomach into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter, located between the esophagus and stomach, prevents the stomach acids from entering the esophagus.
However, sometimes the lower esophageal sphincter might fail to perform its function. Wrong diet is often blamed for this condition. Overeating, eating excess fatty foods or alcohol consumption tend to increase the risk of acid reflux.
Often acid reflux occurs during pregnancy. Acid reflux might be a sign of peptic ulcer, inadequate secretion of digestive enzymes or hiatal hernia. Whatever the cause, acid reflux could be treated with diet.
Diet for acid reflux
People prone to acid reflux should not stay on empty stomach for a long time. Neither should they overeat. Heartburn could be prevented by having five to six smaller meals throughout the day. Include complex carbohydrates or whole grain products in your daily diet.
These food substances could bind with the excess stomach acid, reducing the acid content in the stomach. A low fat diet helps to prevent excessive acid secretion in the stomach. Excess fat in the diet slows down the digestion speed and triggers acid synthesis. The symptoms of acid reflux could be prevented by following a vegetarian diet.
To lower the risk of acid reflux, do not go to bed immediately after dinner. An early dinner could prevent acid reflux. You should not lie down after having a meal. Before lying down on bed, elevate the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches. Try to stay in an upright position at least for 45 minutes after meals.
Foods that prevent acid reflux
Including few slices of ginger in your diet could slow down excess acid secretion. You can drink ginger tea to heal problems of heartburn and acidity.
Certain herbal tea such as chamomile, lavender and fennel seed teas are good for your stomach health. Apple is beneficial for people suffering from acid reflux. A teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted with water could help to cure digestion disorders.
Foods to avoid
To prevent acid reflux, limit alcohol consumption. Beer is especially bad for people prone to acid reflux. Chronic acid reflux patients should limit consumption of dairy products and caffeine.
