Heartburn
isn’t something to take lightly. In addition to the almost unbearable pain, the
acid consistently irritating the esophagus can lead to lasting damage and
increase your risk of esophageal cancer.
Interestingly,
health professionals prescribe medications known as proton pump inhibitors to
reduce the amount of acid build up when the condition is actually caused by too little acid in many cases, not too
much acid. In some cases, the disorder is caused by a faulty valve between the
stomach and the esophagus. However, in others, it is only made worse by diet.
“After food passes through your
esophagus into your stomach, a muscular valve called the lower esophageal
sphincter (LES) closes, preventing food or acid to move back up.
Gastroesophageal reflux occurs when the LES relaxes inappropriately, allowing
acid from your stomach to flow (reflux) backward into your esophagus.”
Foods to Avoid with
Acid Reflux
In addition to utilizing these 5 natural remedies for acid
reflux, here are some foods to avoid when heartburn and acid reflux
are a common problem:
·
Chocolate - Apparently chocolate works to relax
the sphincter muscle, allowing acids to flow back into the esophagus. But that
isn’t the only reason it’s bad for acid reflux—it also contains the next thing
on our list:
·
Caffeine - Whether you get your daily jolt from
coffee or soda, caffeine is a known contributor to acid reflux.
·
Soda - The bubbles in soda can expand in the
stomach, causing acids to back up. Sodas that are caffeinated are doubly bad.
·
Alcohol - Like chocolate, alcohol relaxes the
sphincter, allowing acid to flow freely. One drink may not be a problem, but
when paired with other heartburn culprits, you’re only asking for greater pain.
·
Citrus fruits - The acid content in
these fruits are especially problematic when consumed on an empty stomach or
when paired with other acidic foods.
·
Tomatoes - While they are otherwise good for
you, tomatoes are very acidic too.
·
Spicy foods - Among other foods to avoid with
acid reflux, hot and spicy foods can make heartburn a problem. Simply swap out
milder alternatives for the spicy dishes you like.
·
Fried and other high fat foods - Fried foods are a
common heartburn culprit, but even high fat dairy and meat products can be
problematic for some sensitive people.
·
Meat – Meat is one of the hardest
foods to digest. Limit consumption and try to choose non-fatty meats like
chicken or turkey.
·
Dairy – Dairy may provide temporary
relief, but it could also cause problems.
If acid reflux is a problem for you, learn
your triggers and how best to avoid them. In the end, you will have to find
out exactly which foods are OK, and which foods to avoid with acid reflux.
Learn to know your body.
Source : TruthTheory.com
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