We have all suffered so-called “heartburn” from time-to-time and we all know that it isn’t very comfortable. The technical name for this is acid reflux. Acid reflux is usually easily dealt with by taking over-counter treatments designed to balance out the acidity in the stomach.
There is a chronic form of this condition called Gastro esophageal reflux disease (“GERD”) which needs more rigorous treatment which might involve analysis of the diet and identification of the foods that cause the problem.
It is already known that the symptoms of reflux can be wiped out if some food products are avoided, in much the same way as foods that cause allergies should be avoided. The problem is not called acid reflux for no good reason. While the ‘reflux’ bit is clear enough, it is easy to lose focus on the ‘acid’ bit. Many of the foods we eat everyday, meat (i.e. protein), sugars (i.e. carbohydrates) and dairy products serve to increase the acidity in the stomach
Some common behaviours can contribute to acid reflux, for example, eating too much, eating too quickly and lying down/sleeping too soon after a meal.
An acid reflux disease diet needs to be preceded by a food diary, though which the sufferer learns to associate certain foods with the reflux.
Keeping a food diary will also help identify excessive quantities of food, for overeating can also be a cause. Keeping a food diary isn’t so easy to do, since most people eat and drink almost without thinking – just ask yourself to recall the detail of everything that’s been taken in the last 24 hours!
The food/drink taken needs to be divided into food groups like meat, beverages, sweets, and so on, then the quantities and the physical feelings that follow recorded.
In this way (and if done properly) it should be possible to identify the foods that cause the problem. It will take at least two weeks and must be done in association with a doctor. A dietitian may also be involved. The end result should be to create a healthy and nourishing food diet through which the reflux is eliminated.
There are, of course, foods we can eat that help to reduce acid levels in the stomach. These include fruit and vegetables. Products like chewing gum, particularly if unsweetened, can help.
This is achieved by the production of saliva, which is alkaline, which swerves to reduce acidity in the stomach. Small behavioural changes might also help: use a smaller plate.
Many misconceptions about this disease have come to light through research. For example, milk, which sometimes drunk in order to settle stomach upsets, may not help.
Remember, it is a dairy product which may actually cause further difficulty. In addition, some people suggest that hot, spicy, possibly acidic foods may also bring on the indigestion but this is not true for everyone.
No, for sufferers of chronic acid reflux disease, there is no escaping the food diary which, if done properly, will show the way to better health.
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