Acid reflux is a condition wherein the excessive acid produced in the stomach oozes out and goes up the food pipe, damaging its tissues. There has been a surge in the number of people suffering from acid reflux due to the changes in their eating habits. Such people are advised to refrain from consuming foods and beverages that increase the acidic content in our body. Acidic foods lead to excessive levels of acid in the stomach which sometimes splashes up the acid into the food pipe and causes the erosion of oesophageal tissues. Patients with acid reflux should abstain from foods such as tomato sauce, fried foods, spicy foods, tomato-based products, high-fat foods, beef, greasy foods, chocolates, caffeine, garlic, citrus fruit juices, onions, soda, and peppermint, in order to maintain the balance in the stomach.
Heartburn
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
The common symptoms of acid reflux are:
- Heartburn: This is a condition wherein you feel a burning sensation in your stomach, abdomen, chest, or throat.
- Regurgitation: the taste of a sour or bitter acid in your throat or mouth.
Other common symptoms of acid reflux include:
- Burping
- Hiccups
- Bloating
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Hoarseness in voice
- Cough
- Wheezing
How can acid reflux be treated?
One of the most effective ways to treat acid reflux is to cut the foods and drinks that trigger it from your diet. Keep in mind the following:
- Eat small but frequent meals in a day. Do not overeat
- Quit smoking and drinking alcohol
- Obese people should shed weight by making changes in diet and workout.
- Raise the head of your bed by supporting it with blocks to at least 4 inches.
- Do not lie down immediately after eating.
- Stop wearing tight clothes or belts
What are the preventive methods?
- Drink ginger root tea: Ginger root has the potential to treat all the major stomach woes. Be it nausea or acid reflux, ginger root is the easily available panacea for a malfunctioning belly. If you drink a cup of fresh tea 20 minutes before taking your meal, it will act as a buffer against the acid and give relief from acid reflux.
- Eat alkaline fruits like melons: You can make a smoothie by mixing honeydew, melon, and cantaloupe and eat it. Avoid berries, especially blackberries which are highly acidic and trigger acid reflux.
- Quit drinking and smoking: Consult your doctor to learn about quitting smoking. There are rehabilitation and health centers that will guide you on ways to quit this deadly habit of smoking and drinking. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of suffering from acid reflux problems as it weakens the sphincter muscle.
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