What is Acid Reflux?
Commonly referred to as heartburn or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) by the medical community, acid reflux affects a large percentage of the population.
Acid reflux occurs when a persons liquid stomach content refluxes (backs up) into their esophagus. The lining of the esophagus can be damaged if this liquid from the stomach inflames. This content consists of stomach acid, bile and pepsin, and unfortunately this is usually a chronic yet controllable condition.
Acid Reflux Symptoms:
- Warm bitter taste in mouth
- Excessive burping.
- Dull pain behind breastbone or throat.
- Drooling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Asthma and bronchitis
- Shortness of breath
- Erosion of teeth
All of the above could be symptoms of other conditions so please do not self diagnose yourself.
Acid Reflux Diet
If acid reflux is an issue for you, you may need to take a look at your diet.The foods people eat who suffer from acid reflux can ease or make worse the condition. Choosing the right herbs and slicing the right meats and vegetables is essential.
Safe foods on a acid reflux diet that will help you avoid heartburn include:
- Fruit – Apples, bananas
- Vegetables – Baked potato, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, green beans, peas.
- Meat – Extra lean ground beef, skinless chicken breasts, egg whites, fish.
- Dairy – Feta cheese, fat-free cream cheese & sour cream.
- Grains – Multi-grain bread, bran cereal, oatmeal, corn bread, pretzals, rice cakes.
- Desert – Baked potato chips and red licorice.
Avoid the following foods if you suffer from heartburn / acid reflux:
- Orange juice
- Lemonade
- Tomatoes
- French fries
- Raw onions
- Steak
- Chicken Wings
- Ice cream
- Macaroni and cheese
- Spaghetti
- Booze
- Cigarettes
- Coffee
Treatment for Acid Reflux
The best initial treatment for your acid reflux, GERD, or heartburn problem would be a lifestyle change. This would include starting a regular exercise program and eating a healthy regime of food like the items mentioned above.
Another acid reflux treatment option would be medications such as antacids, which work by neutralizing stomach acid and proton pump inhibitors which prevent the stomach from releasing acid. Finally there are surgical options for treatment of acid reflux such as fundoplication and radiofrequency treatment but these should be used as a last resort. Acid reflux generally is non gender specific, as opposed to a condition like fibromyalgia which affects woman predominantly.