Additional Dietary Modifications To Control Reflux
Beyond dietary choices, there are also many other simple lifestyle changes a GERD sufferer can make in their day-to-day life to reduce symptoms.
- Chew Gum: Chewing gum stimulates the salivary glands. More saliva can dilute acid in the esophagus and encourage more swallowing.
- Avoid Eating Immediately Before Bed: Your body produces more stomach acid every time you eat. Therefore, it is best to avoid eating before bed because being in a horizontal position causes stomach acid to settle closer to the esophagus. Additionally, it can be beneficial for many people with GERD to prop themselves up in bed for this same reason.
- Keep Good Posture During and After a Meal: As stated, the position of your body can displace stomach acid. Even if you do not plan to go to bed anytime soon, it is still a good idea for those with GERD to sit or stand up straight following a meal. This helps ensure that pressure on the stomach or angled posture will not displace the additional acid created by eating.
Focus On These Foods And Simple Actions To Help Tame Your Acid Reflux Symptoms
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Acid reflux is a disease of the esophagus, the muscular and tubular organ that connects your throat to your stomach. The medical term for the chronic condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease , but it is informally referred to as acid reflux, gastric reflux or heartburn. Many people experience mild cases of acid reflux from time to time, but people who have it chronically likely have GERD, the more serious condition. Symptoms of GERD can be uncomfortable and scary, including pain and tightness in the chest. Other symptoms include frequent belching, bad breath, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Not everyone sees a healthcare provider when they have occasional or frequent acid reflux, so its estimated that 15 to 30% of the population has GERD.
GERD is caused by a weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the valve that prevents food and contents from the stomach from moving back up the esophagus after it has been swallowed. In people with GERD, the sphincter opens or leaks, allowing stomach acid into the esophagus, which is problematic if it happens chronically. Anyone can get GERD, including children, but women are hospitalized for it the most. GERD occurs more often in people who:
- Are overweight or obese
- Take certain medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants and painkillers
- Smoke or frequently are exposed to secondhand smoke
- Are pregnant
Gerd Diet: Foods That Help With Acid Reflux
Getting a case of acid reflux once in a while isn’t unusual, but some people suffer from burning discomfort, bloating and belching almost every time they eat. About 20% of the population has gastroesophageal reflux disease , a chronic acid reflux condition that’s diagnosed by a doctor.
Normally, the esophageal sphincter protects the esophagus from stomach acid. However, if the sphincter relaxes, food can push upward through the loosened opening and cause acid reflux.
“Diet plays a major role in controlling acid reflux symptoms and is the first line of therapy used for people with GERD,” says Ekta Gupta, M.B.B.S., M.D., gastroenterologist with Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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What To Drink For Acid Reflux
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Overview
If you have acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease , you may spend mealtimes avoiding certain foods and drinks. These conditions cause stomach acid to leak back into the esophagus.
GERD symptoms are affected by what you eat. The symptoms can include coughing, nausea, and hoarseness. Burping, sore throat, and regurgitation are also commonly associated with GERD. What you decide to incorporate or avoid in your diet can help relieve some of your symptoms.
Beverages such as coffee, colas, and acidic juices often top the list of donts. These beverages may increase the risk of GERD symptoms. Instead, heres what you should drink to help reduce symptoms.
Herbal teas help improve digestion and soothe many stomach problems, such as gas and nausea. Try caffeine-free herbal tea for acid reflux, but avoid spearmint or peppermint teas. Mint triggers acid reflux for many.
Chamomile, licorice, slippery elm, and marshmallow may make better herbal remedies to soothe GERD symptoms.
Licorice helps increase the mucus coating of the esophageal lining, which helps calm the effects of stomach acid. However, theres insufficient evidence to confirm the effectiveness of fennel, marshmallow root, or papaya tea.
Shop for chamomile, licorice, and slippery elm teas on Amazon.
When To Talk To Your Doctor About Acid Reflux
It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor if the best foods for acid reflux do not relieve your symptoms, Dr. Khaitan says. Other options can include lifestyle changes, medications to block acid, and surgical procedures on the esophagus sphincter.
It is important to make a doctor’s appointment if you have heartburn or acid reflux that is severe or frequent, Dr. Khaitan adds. Chronic acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease and can lead to esophageal cancer.
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Does Warm Water Help With Acid Reflux
Nothing works like a warm cup of water to clear toxins out of the body. It also helps in breaking down of the food and energizes the digestive system, making it easier to digest. If you are having stomach related issues like constipation, acidity or even cough, cold, keep sipping on warm water for major relief.
How To Reduce Stomach Acid Naturally
Stomach acid is vital for your digestion and overall health. However, an increased amount of acid in your stomach can cause much trouble.
Most people tend to pop an antacid to get relief from the stomach acid pain, but one must know that such chemical compounds weaken your stomach secretion over time or can even increase the production of gastric acid, thus, increasing your trouble.
Hence, you must pick natural remedies for how to reduce stomach acid that provide you significant results without hampering your bodys digestion process.
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Ppis Linked With A 17% Higher Death Risk
For the new study, Dr. Al-Aly and colleagues examined data from the medical records of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The researchers looked at data available from mid-2002 to mid-2004, a period during which 157,625 people in the cohort received PPI prescriptions from their physicians and 56,842 people received H2 blockers, another kind of acid suppressant.
The scientists clinically followed the participants who were predominantly male, Caucasian, and 65 years old or older for up to a decade.
They used the data to build a statistical model of a clinical trial, which would see the participants randomly assigned to take either PPI or H2 blockers.
This allowed them to estimate that during the follow-up period, there would be 45.2 excess deaths per every 1,000 individuals taking PPIs.
Honing in on the causes of death, the findings revealed associations with cardiovascular disease, stomach cancer, and chronic kidney disease.
The model estimates the death rates for cardiovascular disease to be 88.7 per 1,000 people in the PPI group and 73.3 per 1,000 people in the H2 blocker group.
This scientists saw 4.3 deaths in every 1,000 people from stomach cancer in the PPI group, with 4.6 deaths from the disease in the H2 blocker group in their model. The rates for chronic kidney disease deaths were 8.6 per 1,000 people in the PPI group and 4.4 in the H2 blocker group.
Surgical Treatment For Gerd
If the above modifications and medications are not working and you are still suffering persistent symptoms of acid reflux, you need a thorough evaluation. An exam and diagnostic testing can help find the underlying cause and determine available treatment options.
Advanced Laparoscopic Associates offers surgery options for the treatment of GERD. The LINX is a quarter-sized ring of magnetic titanium beads that wraps the esophagus and reinforces the LES. It is implanted laparoscopically, has a short hospital stay and low rate of complications. Most importantly, its short recovery time means an almost immediate improvement in symptoms and a very brief interruption of your daily life.
Another surgical option is fundoplication, which is an established surgical procedure to strengthen the LES. In the most popular form, known as Nissen fundoplication, surgeons wrap the top part of the stomachcalled the fundusaround the bottom of the esophagus and suture it in place. This reinforces the LES and prevents stomach acid from creeping up the esophagus.
Most Nissen fundoplication procedures are now performed laparoscopically, with small incisions, small tools and a flexible camera called a laparoscope attached to a video monitor. As with LINX, hospital stays are brief, recovery time is short and pain levels are low.
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More Indigestion Relief Recipes
If youre ready to use the power of plants for natural acid reflux relief, then check out these recipes below. My goal is to provide ways to nourish you as well as help you feel better, and these recipes can do just that:
Eating doesnt have to be a dreaded task! Food should be delicious as well as help you fuel your passions instead of holding you back. Even this acid reflux smoothie tastes great while also helping you feel your best.
What Is The Best Diet For Heartburn
That does not have to be true, however. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be both enjoyable and heartburn-friendly if you know which foods to incorporate into your diet.
Heartburn can flare when your stomach produces too much gastric acid, and your food choices can directly affect this. Here are three meals that incorporate heartburn-reducing foods that your stomach will appreciate.
Oatmeal and Wheat: Try Whole Grains for Breakfast
Oatmeal has been a whole-grain breakfast favorite for generations. It is a good source of fiber, so it keeps you feeling full and promotes regularity. Oats also absorb stomach acid and reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease . For something sweet, top your oatmeal with bananas, apples or pears. The fructose in these fruits is less likely to trigger acid reflux than other sugars. Of course, eating oatmeal every day could get boring, so switch things up with a warm bowl of Cream of Wheat, or some whole grain toast with peanut butter.
Avoid coffee and most teas that contain caffeine, which can cause heartburn. Instead, brew a soothing cup of ginger tea. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that will help regulate acid production.
Vegetables: Add Some Color and Nutrients to Your Lunch
Try these options for a light and tasty lunch:
- Baked potato with steamed broccoli
- Mixed green salad with fresh-cut vegetables and a light oil and vinegar dressing
- Veggie wrap or veggie quesadilla
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Warnings Of Famotidine And Omeprazole
Severe GERD symptoms or ulcers may be a sign of gastrointestinal cancer in some people. Additional testing and monitoring may be needed for people who dont respond to treatment with a PPI or H2 blocker.
Famotidine should be used with caution in elderly people or those with kidney problems. Famotidine use can lead to an increased risk of CNS adverse effects such as confusion, delirium, and hallucinations.
Omeprazole tends to have more warnings and precautions associated with it compared to famotidine. Unlike famotidine, omeprazole and other PPIs can increase the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures when used long term.
Omeprazole use, especially in a hospital setting, may lead to an increased risk of Clostridium difficile related diarrhea. One study found that proton pump inhibitors are associated with more risks of serious adverse effects like pneumonia and C. diff infections. The study took data from 71 hospitals and assessed PPI and H2-blocker use in a specific population of patients.
Ways To Reduce Stomach Acid Naturally
An overly acidic stomach can easily be prevented and treated with a few simple, and very natural, approaches. Dont reach for those over-the-counter antacids just yet try some other natural options instead!
What causes an acidic stomach?
You cant fix something unless you know why it broke in the first place, right? Well, the same goes for indigestion and an overly acidic stomach. Indigestion can be a sign that your body is too acidic, so its crucial to not just ignore it and pop an antacid. In fact, some antacids can weaken the bodys natural stomach secretions over time and can sometimes cause the stomach to produce more acid. Its therefore important to know about foods that cause indigestion and an overly acidic stomach.
Here is a list of things that can cause indigestion:
- Eating too fast
- Eating while on the move
- Not chewing sufficiently
- Eating too much protein or fat at one time
- Drinking acidic beverages with a meal
- Eating an excessive amount of animal products at one meal
- Acidic foods like chocolate, sugar, refined grains, gluten-containing grains, processed foods, artificial sweeteners
- Sensitivities to citrus, tomatoes, and other naturally acidic foods
- Too little stomach acid being produced
- Greasy foods and fast foods
- Foods youre allergic to
- Food intolerances
- Poorly combining your foods
Here are five ways to reduce heartburn naturally and quickly:
Consume apple cider vinegar before a meal
Consume green juice before a meal
Have a green smoothie for breakfast
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What Causes Low Stomach Acid
One of the biggest things that affects your entire digestive system is stress. These stressors can include dietary, pathogenic, and emotional stressors, along with pain and hidden inflammation.
When stressed, the stomach produces less stomach acid. This compounds on itself, resulting in less and less stomach acid the more you are exposed to continuous stress throughout your day.
Other things that can lead to low stomach acid levels include drinking alcohol, smoking, caffeine, some antibiotics, malnutrition, and the overuse of antacids.
Low protein, high carb diets or diets high in processed foods can also reduce stomach acid levels. Deficiencies in minerals such as zinc which is needed to produce stomach acid are also often a cause of reduced stomach acid.
However, stomach acid is needed to absorb zinc, so if youre suffering from low stomach acid, simply taking zinc is not necessarily effective to improve your stomach acid levels. The stomach acid levels need to be addressed first before you can address the zinc levels.
Foods To Avoid When You Have Acid Reflux
Avoid tomatoes, onions, most fruit juices, sour cream, fried foods, or any wine or coffee. Staying away from liquor and high-fat pastries like doughnuts, could also improve your condition.
High fat meats like:
Other Most Common Questions About Acid RefluxBelow a list of the most common questions from our readers, if you have a question, feel free to contact us, well be happy to help 🙂
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Opt For Green Juices Or Smoothies Before A Meal
If you dont fancy a glass of vinegar before a meal, why not a green juice or smoothie? This is another way to get an alkaline liquid into your body to balance out the stomach acid. You can use any type of green vegetable that you want, but the dark leafy greens tend to be the best. We also tried this amazing green Superfood that we recommend.
At the same time, you get all the antioxidants and other nutrients from the leafy greens. Drinking the greens rather than eating them is one of the best ways to get the nutrients and not stomach acid . They absorb quicker since theres no need to digest them as much. Even the juices are good for you since dark leafy greens dont have that many natural sugars!
Green juices will also help to curb inflammation in the body. Those nutrients have anti-inflammatory powers. Youll find that your digestive system isnt as swollen, making it easier to digest everything that you eat. Your stomach doesnt need to hold food back while your intestines can cope, so the stomach acid doesnt stick around for as long.
You want to avoid green juices right after a meal. Your body is already starting to digest food, and you will disrupt the process. Drinking it just before is best. This way you also get the same benefit for your weight loss as you would be drinking apple cider vinegar and water.
Foods And Drinks That Help With Acid Reflux
While certain foods and drinks can trigger acid reflux, there are also several that can help to ease your symptoms:
1. Oatmeal and Whole Grains
Oat and other whole grains, such as whole-grain bread and brown rice, are full of healthy fiber, which promotes digestive health. Whole grains also help you feel fuller longer, which can reduce the risk of overeating.
2. Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Many people also use it to ease stomach upset and indigestion.
3. Lean Meats
Lean meats, such as chicken, turkey, and certain types of fish, are lower in fat than other types of meats and can help to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. Tofu is also an excellent low-fat protein source.
4. Vegetables
Vegetables, particularly green ones such as broccoli, green beans, asparagus, and leafy greens, can help to lower stomach acid, which can help with acid reflux. Theyre low in factors that can trigger symptoms, including fat and sugar.
5. Noncitrus Fruits
Citrus and other acidic fruits can trigger acid reflux. Certain noncitrus fruits such as bananas and melons can help to ease your symptoms. Bananas coat the lining of your esophagus, which can reduce irritation. Melons are high in magnesium, a mineral found in many over-the-counter antacids that helps to neutralize stomach acid.
6. Herbal Tea
7. Plant-Based Milk
8. Coconut Water
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