What Is Acid Reflux? & 10 Smart Diet Tips To Relieve Acid Reflux

Are you experiencing frequent burning pain in the chest after having your meals? Does regurgitation of sour liquid or food irritate you often? If these are your concerns, you might be suffering from acid reflux. Acid reflux is the discomforting condition which results when stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, which connects your throat to your stomach. When acid reflux occurs frequently, it’s called GERD (gastroesophageal reflux). While conventional treatment involving antacids may offer you relief, it’s temporary and may make you suffer from side effects when you use it for a long span. Fortunately, dietary modifications can help you treat the condition naturally and safely with no adverse effects. So, you might be wondering what symptoms of acid reflux are, what causes the overproduction of acid in the stomach, what are the types of acid reflux or GERD, and what foods you should include in your diet plan for acidity and gas for relief, aren’t you? Learn everything about this by reading this blog below

Symptoms of Acid Reflux/GERD

Here are some common symptoms of acid reflux.

• Frequent heartburn

• Sour taste in the mouth

• Chronic hoarseness of the voice

• Recurrent cough

• Aspiration (food rising through the esophagus and returning down the trachea)

• Trouble while swallowing

• Dental issues

• Bloating

• Nausea

What Causes Overproduction of Acid in the Stomach?

Excess stomach acid results due to:

• Helicobacter pylori

1. pylori is a kind of bacteria which damages the tissues of your duodenum and stomach. If you suffer from acute H. pylori bacterial infection in your stomach, it can lead to an increase in stomach acid. Chronic infection is also responsible for increased stomach acid levels.

• Stress

Stress inhibits gastric emptying and disrupts gastrointestinal function. It can also deplete prostaglandins which safeguard the lining of the stomach from gastric acid, thereby increasing your chances of developing ulcers.

• Ulcers

They are commonly observed in people who take high doses of NSAIDs, are infected with H. pylori, and have high-stress levels. All these factors contribute to the increased production of stomach acid.

• Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome

In people suffering from rare inherited genetic issues, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, happen to have hormone-secreting neuroendocrine tumours called gastrinomas. These tumours produce gastrin, which is a hormone that stimulates the production of stomach acid. The combination of a lot of stomach acid due to high levels of gastrin and the development of ulcers in the small intestine or stomach characterizes ZES, a rare health condition.

• Medications

Medicines such as H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors and Pepcid, reduce the production of stomach acid. However, if you are taking them regularly and stop them abruptly, you may experience a rebound in the production of stomach acid.

Types of GERD

Frequent acid reflux leads to GERD. Its types are:

• Mild GERD

In this, you experience minimal acid reflux just once or twice a month. Dietary and lifestyle modifications can help you manage the symptoms.

• Moderate GERD

If your gastrointestinal symptoms are frequent enough that they affect your daily activities negatively and make you seek prescribed medication from the doctor, it’s moderate GERD affecting you.

• Severe GERD

When the symptoms of acid reflux are very painful and you fail to get relief even from prescribed medicines, it’s severe GERD. It may affect your quality of life adversely.

• Precancer or Cancer

If frequent acid reflux or GERD is left untreated for several years, the esophagus may develop Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition. The precancerous lesions, if not treated, may lead to the development of esophageal cancer.

10 Effective Diet Tips to Relieve Acid Reflux

Making dietary modifications can help you obtain relief from acid reflux. Here are simple yet highly effective diet tips that can work wonders in promoting relief from acid reflux.

1. Eat Diet High in Fibre

Consuming a diet rich in fibre alleviates your acid reflux symptoms. Add foods abundant in fibre to your diet plan for acidity and gas. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, beans, and nuts are foods that supply you with enough fibre for smooth digestion and minimize acid reflux.

2. Sip Heartburn-friendly Beverages

If you are wondering what juice is good for acid reflux, go for carrot juice, cabbage juice, and juices extracted from beet, watermelon, pears, and spinach. You can have non-citrus juices, decaffeinated teas, plain water, and low-fat or non-fat milk. Make sure you avoid citrus juices, sodas, tomato juice, carbonated drinks, and alcoholic beverages.

3. Avoid Foods That Cause Acid Reflux

Refrain from consuming spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, garlic, tomatoes, onions, tea, coffee, mint, and alcohol, as these can trigger acid reflux. If you are eating any of these regularly, work to eliminate them from your diet to mitigate reflux symptoms.

4. Eat Food Sparingly and Slowly

When your stomach is quite full, greater reflux may occur in the esophagus. So, when following a diet chart for acidity patient, consume small meals more frequently instead of eating three large meals a day.

5. Drink Some Water After Every Meal

After you relish meals, drink a small quantity of water before getting up from your plate. Drinking water at the end of meals helps dilute or wash down stomach acid that otherwise may rise into the esophagus.

6. Avoid High-Fat Meals

High-fat meals happen to stay in the stomach for longer which can trigger acid reflux. Also, fried or greasy food can weaken the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) muscle. So, avoid eating delicacies and foods that have plenty of unhealthy fat.

7. Say No to Smoking and Alcohol Intake

Smoking or drinking alcohol before, during, or post meals can cause heartburn. Also, these unhealthy habits can weaken the LES muscle. So, if you wish to obtain relief from acid reflux symptoms, work on quitting smoking and curb your intake of alcohol.

8. Stay Up after Eating

Gravity helps keep the acid in the stomach down and prevents reflux when you are standing and sitting. However, if you lie down immediately after eating or some time post your meals, you may suffer from acid reflux. So, avoid naps immediately after meals, snacks, and late suppers. Make sure that you have your meals three hours before you go to bed even when you are following an acidity diet chart.

9. Avoid Vigorous or Strenuous Workouts after Meals

Doing vigorous exercises or getting involved in strenuous activities after having your meals is bound to trigger acid reflux. Taking a stroll after dinner is healthy but engaging in running or any exercise putting pressure on your stomach is a  big no.  Make sure that you do no activity that involves bending over that sends gastric acid back into the esophagus. If you wish to practice any exercise, wait at least 2 hours after your meals.

10. Reduce Your Weight if You are Obese

Having a lot of belly fat or being obese or overweight can exert pressure against the stomach and this can make the stomach acid rise into the esophagus. So, consult a dietician who would provide you with a diet plan for acidity and gas that also promotes weight loss.

So, if you are suffering from frequent heartburn and acid reflux and wish to obtain relief from the discomforts naturally, resort to dietary modifications. Consulting dieticians, such as health experts at Health Total, can help you receive a personalized diet plan for acidity and gas comprising all nutritious foods that prevent stomach acid reflux. We take care to eliminate foods that stimulate acid reflux from your diet. Our acidity diet chart not only alleviates your acid reflux symptoms but also nourishes you, manages your weight, improves your immunity, and reduces the risk of potential health hazards. So, be quick, reach out to us at Health Total, and obtain relief from your acid reflux discomforts naturally and safely with our customized diet plan for acidity and gas.

Sign up for a FREE consultation with Health Total experts to get more tips on obtaining relief from acid reflux naturally or for managing any other health condition. Call toll-free at 1-800-843-0206 and book an appointment!

The post What Is Acid Reflux? & 10 Smart Diet Tips To Relieve Acid Reflux appeared first on Health Total.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a natural alternative to prescription drugs that suppress appetite such as phentermine or oxycodone?

Green tea extract is the best option for anyone looking to lose weight without having to take prescription diet pills. Green tea extract has caffeine that stimulates metabolism. Also, epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG) helps reduce fat by stimulating thermogenesis.

Green tea is rich in antioxidants which help to fight free radicals as well as protect against damage from stress and oxidation.

However, it’s important to note that green tea does not cause weight loss. Instead, it simply makes your body more efficient at burning calories.

So yes, green tea does help with weight loss, but it won’t make you lose weight unless you follow a calorie-controlled diet.

L-Carnitine supplementation is also an option. This amino acid promotes muscle development and energy levels. However, it won’t curb your appetite so you will still need to eat regular meals.

What are some effective appetite suppressants?

The most popular appetite suppressants are:

• Bitter Melon – A native fruit of India and China, bitter melons have been proven to reduce appetite and promote healthy digestion.
• Green Tea – Green tea is a popular beverage that has been proven to increase metabolism and lower blood pressure.
• Ginseng – An herb found in Asia and Europe, ginseng is often taken to help enhance mental clarity and support overall health.
• Ginkgo Biloba – A tree found in Japan, Ginkgo Biloba has been proven to increase circulation and memory.

There are countless other appetite suppressants available. There are many other appetite suppressants available. Why not take a look today? You’ll be amazed at how quickly you start shedding pounds!

What are some foods that can help you lose belly fat?

Fruits and veggies are best for weight loss because they have low calories and are high in fiber. They also contain antioxidants which help to prevent cell damage. They also contain vitamins C, E. and K, which help increase metabolism and improve energy levels.

The next best thing for weight loss is lean proteins such as chicken breast, turkey breast, fish, beans, and eggs. These are rich in protein and essential amino acids, which provide the building blocks for muscle growth.

If you are looking to lose weight quickly then whole grains like brown rice, oats and pasta, as well as bread and cereals make excellent choices.

They are very filling and give you sustained energy throughout the day.

Which natural product can help you lose weight the most?

It is best to eat less and exercise regularly in order to lose weight. This goal can’t be achieved by exercise alone. This is because our bodies need food to function properly. If we eat too many calories, it is very likely that our weight will increase. However, it’s also possible to lose weight if you don’t eat enough.

You should choose foods that have low calories and high nutritional values when you are trying to lose weight. These include fruits, vegetables and whole grains as well as lean meats, fish and nuts.

Statistics

• On average, they may help you lose 3–9% of your body weight compared with a placebo (56Trusted Source (healthline.com)
• A 2003 meta-analysis of studies found that people taking orlistat for 12 months in combination with lifestyle changes saw a 2.9% greater weight reduction than the placebo group (26Trusted Source (healthline.com)
• A 2008 survey noted that 33.9% of American adults trying to lose weight took dietary supplements (1Trusted (healthline.com)
• According to a 2014 review, even prescription weight loss pills don’t work as well as you might assume. (healthline.com)
• Vitamin C:62% of the Daily Value (DV) (healthline.com)

External Links

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

• Efficacy and tolerability of a novel herbal formulation for weight management – Stern – 2013 – Obesity – Wiley Online Library
  
• Forskolin Use in Obese Men: Body Composition and Hormonal Adaptations
  

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

• A national survey of Americans’ use of dietary supplements to lose weight – PubMed
  
• African mango (IGOB131). This proprietary seed extract from Irvingia gibonensis has been found to be effective at reducing bodyweight, and improving metabolic rates in overweight people. PubMed
  

webmd.com

• African Mango: What do you know about Irvingia Gabonesis
  
• Goji Berries: Health Benefits and Side Effects
  

healthline.com

• Glucomannan — Does it Work as a Weight Loss Supplement?
  

How To

African mango extract offers potential benefits

African Mango extracts have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including cancer. These extracts can be traced back to ancient Egypt where they were used for treating wounds and diabetes, as well as stopping bleeding.

Modern science has shown that African mango extracts have certain compounds like Tannins and flavonoids, Vitamin C and Vitamin C polyphenols, carotenoids and tannin. These compounds can help reduce blood clot, fight free radicals and improve liver functions.

1. Cancer Treatment. Worldwide, more than 50% of all types of cancer are due to environmental factors like smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol or eating unhealthy food and not getting enough exercise. It is vital to find ways of preventing cancer. Numerous studies have demonstrated that antioxidants found in fruits like blueberries, tomatoes, bananas, oranges and peas can prevent cancer.
2. Antioxidants work by neutralizing harmful substances called “free radicals,” which can cause cell damage and genetic mutations. Research shows that African mango extracts can slow down, or even reverse, the growth of cancerous cells in mice. One study demonstrated that African mango extracts can stop the growth and spread of colon tumor cells in mice. This was in vitro, using cells grown in laboratory dishes. Another study found that African Mango Extract inhibited prostate cancer cell growth in vivo (in live animals). These findings suggest that the product could be used to treat certain types.
3. Prevention of cancer. The National Institutes of Health published a recent animal study that showed African mango extracts could prevent breast cancer development. They believe that the active ingredients in African mangoes inhibit the action of enzymes responsible for producing estrogen, a hormone known to increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
4. Inflammation Reduction. White blood cells produce chemicals that attack foreign tissues, which causes inflammation. Inflammation can occur when there is infection, injury, or irritation. Chronic inflammation can lead some diseases, like asthma and arthritis. Research shows that African mango extracts can reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals and thus decrease the severity of conditions.
5. Liver Function Improvement. It regulates digestion and detoxification as well as protein synthesis. Healthy livers also help regulate internal processes such as water balance, sugar levels, and red blood cells count. Research shows that African mango juice can stimulate the growth of liver cells injured by drugs and toxins. This may be why people who consume large amounts of African mango juice report feeling less tired after meals.
6. Blood Pressure Lowering. The American Heart Association recommends adults to maintain a normal reading between 120/80 mm Hg and 140/90mmHg. High blood pressure causes damage to the arteries and can increase your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. Researchers at the University of California-Davis examined the effects of African mango extracts upon high blood pressure in rats. Their research revealed that African mango extracts significantly reduced blood pressure.
7. Bone Building Bone Building. A double-blind placebo controlled trial was conducted at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. It showed that supplementation of 500mg of vitamin DD3 and 2g of Calcium daily, along with 3g of potassium citrate, significantly increased bone mineral density. The amount of potassium citrate required was equivalent in daily consumption to 10 ounces freshly squeezed African mango juice.
8. Other Benefits. African mango extract promotes skin health and blood circulation, which in turn improves the skin’s overall health. It stimulates collagen production which results in a smoother and younger-looking skin. African mango promotes hair follicle growth and prevents premature greying. It aids weight loss by increasing fat metabolism.