When the stomach acid back up in the food pipe appears intense burning sensation in a form of a pain in the lower chest area this is usually known as acid reflux or heartburn.
It is common to occur after certain type of food but if it repeats more than twice a week then is a sign of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Luckily it could be treated with certain eating regimen.
By including these 7 types of food you can relieve the acid reflux symptoms:
1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has the ability to regulate the stomach acid. In a cup of water mix one tablespoon apple cider vinegar and drink it 5 minutes before meals.
2. Green Leafy Vegetables
Because these greens are easily digested they are consumed to prevent acid reflux.
3. Kefir
Kefir is common and pleasant in several treatments of digestive tract. The kefir grains calm acid reflux, soothe digestive tract and help in digestion. For maximum effect use the fermented kefir with live and active cultures which are no older than 24 hours.
4. Almonds
The skin of the almond helps in treating indigestion, boosting gut health and calming the stomach.
5. Coconut water
This water is rich with potassium and electrolytes both responsible for proper hydration of the body. For better results you should drink this water throughout the day and one glass at bedtime.
6. Ginger
Small doses of ginger can relieve acid reflux symptoms. Take fresh and small cut one or two times per day.
7. Fermented vegetables
Because of the lactobacillus which is in great amount, fermented vegetables should be consumed in order to prevent heartburn.
As there are foods that prevent heartburn, also there are foods that cause acid reflux. Here are they:
1. Processed food
Potato, salt and corn are ingredients common for processed food. They are increasing the risk of acid reflux.
2. Mint and peppermint
These two ingredients lower the pressure in the esophageal sphincter and increase the acid which can intensify the symptoms of acid reflux.
3. Sugar and artificial sweeteners
These ingredients are pretty much activators of inflammation in the body and also promote overheating, both have negative effect in the case with acid reflux.
4. Tomato and onions
These two ingredients can only worsen the situation with acid reflux.
5. Caffeine
Not only coffee but tea, energy drinks which are loaded with caffeine can also increase the inflammation of the esophagus and change the sphincter’s work.
6. Chocolate
Because of the ingredients consisted in chocolate like caffeine, sugar and fats it has been shown that chocolate increases the acid reflux.
7. Alcohol
Limit or completely avoid the use of alcohol, and if you still have need to drink, avoid to drink close to bedtime or in a combination with foods that also cause acid reflux.
Also take a look on these few tips; they can help you in the treatment of the heartburn:
- Try to sleep on your left side
- Eat slowly and chew the food thoroughly
- Stop smoking
- Keep exercising everyday
- Avoid drugs for acid reflux
- Take a treatment with acupuncture to calm the symptoms
- Avoid tight-fitting clothes during and after a meal.
- When you have heartburn do not bend over, you can only worsen the situation.
Source: www.davidwolfe.com