Acid reflux is commonly experienced by most of us. It becomes problematic when every time you eat food results in burning discomfort, windy noise from the stomach and bloating.
What happens in acid reflux?
The muscles between the esophagus and stomach acts as a guard to prevents the flow of food back into the food pipe. During acid reflux the guard muscles relaxes and is not able to perform its function. As a result, the food may move upwards or remain in the stomach for a longer duration, this causes acid reflux.
What is a cure for acid reflux?
Acid reflux and its symptoms can be managed by a proper diet plan. Eating selective foods is effective and is recommended the first step to manage acid reflux.
In this article we will learn about the foods that causes acid reflux and foods that works on acid reflux.
Foods that may cause acid reflux
Eating too much of fast foods, pizza, deep fried foods, chocolates, aerated drinks, or food containing too much of fats, salt and spices causes acid reflux. If you cannot eliminate these foods from your diet, you can always try to have it in moderation.
Foods effective in acid reflux
There are number of foods that can help you prevent or manage acid reflux.
Fiber rich foods
Foods high in fiber makes you feel full and this prevents eating unnecessarily. When you stop eating unwanted foods, you keep acid reflux at bay. Eat foods such as oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potatoes, broccoli, green beans, etc.
Foods with high water content
High water content foods are effective as they weaken the stomach acid. Foods such as cucumber, watermelon, herbal tea, lettuce, etc. are high in water.
Alkaline foods
Acidic foods cause reflux and foods that are alkaline can combat acid reflux. Bananas, nuts, cauliflower, etc. are some of the examples of alkaline foods.
Milk
Drinking low fat milk develops a layer between the stomach and the acid contents in the stomach, this can give you immediate relief from acid reflux symptoms. Make sure to drink low fat milk as high fat milk increases the acid reflux.
Yogurt
Yogurt has a soothing effect on the food pipe. It contains probiotics that improves the flora of digestive system and is also a good source of protein.
Ginger
The anti-inflammatory property of ginger is effective in gastrointestinal problems. You can add ginger in your diet through soups, smoothies, in food, etc.
Lemon water
A small amount of lemon and honey mixed in warm water is effective in suppressing the alkaline in the stomach.
Healthy fats
Too much of fats can cause acid reflux. Unhealthy fats when replaced with unsaturated fats such as olive oil, walnuts, avocados, etc are healthy fats.
Apple cider vinegar
Concentrated apple cider vinegar irritates the food pipe, adding it with warm water is effective in acid reflux.
Chamomile tea
Drinking green tea or black tea may cause acid reflux. In such conditions you may substitute it with chamomile tea that has soothing property, lowers stress level and eliminate acid reflux.
Conclusion
Acid reflux is a treatable condition with a proper diet and a healthy lifestyle pattern. If you are not able to manage acid reflux at your end, a healthcare professional can help you manage the problem of frequent acid reflux and also prevent the food pipe from any damage.