Acid Reflux

List of Safe Foods For Acid Reflux

2009-04-04T23:38:00.000-07:00

How Do You Define Safe Foods For Acid Reflux

Have you been in pain recently because of acid reflux? Most people have suffered from heartburn, a major symptom of acid reflux disease, at least once in their life. Those who suffered from this condition will know how uncomfortable and painful it is. If you want to avoid the symptoms of acid reflux, then you have eat certain foods that do not activate them. So, the next time you want to eat, make sure you eat foods that are safe for your acid reflux..

Dealing acid reflux with foods requires planning and selection of food choices. Always pick foods that do not make your discomfort worse than before. Wrong preference of food can cause you to suffer even more.

What are safe foods? Whatever food you choose, it must not cause heartburn. Most of the cases of acid reflux disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is because of too much stomach acid. In order to reduce the acidity, your diet should consist of alkaline based foods. There are two kinds of safe foods. The first one contains food that you can consume without any concern of the flare up of heartburn The second group requires you eat moderately. Not everyone respond the same with this group.

Courtesy of jwalsh

Worry about heartburn after this meal?

Recommended Safe Foods For Acid Reflux

Safe foods for acid reflux include

apples
bananas
cabbage
broccoli
carrots
peas
green beans
carrots
extra lean meat such as skinless chicken breast
egg white
low fat cheese
low fat salad dressing
bran
oatmeal
corn

The Importance of Food Journal

If you are not sure which food can spark off the symptoms of acid reflux, then you have to monitor your reactions on different types on food in a journal. Every day, write down everything you eat. Write down any irritation you encounter. This way you can determine which food you should not take. Always use the food table as a guideline only. No one share the similar bodily traits. You should not assume the accuracy of the list of safe foods. Not all food produce the same results for your body.

Your diet cannot be altered once you have established what is going into your stomach. Otherwise, you will experience a relapse of acid reflux. However, safe food alone is not enough. Your lifestyle has to change as well. Food is not the only culprit for heartburn or other discomforts of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Remember to check with your doctor or dietician first before you make any changes in your diet.

Acid Reflux in Pregnancy

2008-02-29T04:31:00.000-08:00

Acid Reflux in Pregnancy.

By: Dr Phil Hariram

Acid reflux is a common condition in the West and there is a suggestion that it is increasing. Obesity is increasing in the West and since obesity can cause or worsen acid reflux, the increase in acid reflux is likely to be related to a combination of our diet, lifestyle and obesity. There is, however, a group that develops acid reflux as a part of life's natural process. Pregnant women develop GERD symptoms as a result of pregnancy.

It is estimated that as much as 80% of pregnant women have GERD symptoms and the symptoms vary from mild to very severe. It is rarely serious in this group and, of course, it is limited to the length of the pregnancy.

Nausea and vomiting is common in the first trimester and is mainly due to the rising level of the female hormone, estrogen and progesterone circulating in the blood stream. Acid reflux symptoms are more common in the third trimester.

In the third trimester, the uterus is large and has pushed up into the upper abdomen distorting the configuration of the organs in the abdomen. The stomach is pushed up against the diaphragm. This can affect the competence of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) and cause acid reflux. It can also force part of the stomach up through the diaphragmatic hiatus. This is a hiatus hernia. A hiatus hernia can result in acid reflux.

In addition weight gain during pregnancy (especially in the apple shape) will settle around the waist. This weight will press on the abdomen and increase the intra-abdominal pressure. This pressure on the LES may force food up into the esophagus.

During pregnancy estrogen and progesterone levels need to be high to maintain the pregnancy. These two female hormones are produced by the ovaries until the placenta takes over. These hormones relax smooth muscles of the uterus and are necessary to allow the uterus to stretch to accommodate the developing pregnancy.

Unfortunately this muscle relaxation is not confined to the uterus. The muscles of the GI tract are affected. In the large bowel reduced strength of peristaltic contraction leads to slow transit time and likely constipation. In the esophagus it reduces the tone of the LES allowing reflux and slows down peristalsis along the esophagus. The food swallowed is cleared slower and the LES is lax. A double whammy.

Patients who have had GERD symptoms before falling pregnant tend to have severe GERD in pregnancy. Sometimes in pregnancy GERD can be so severe that hospitalisation is necessary. Also vomiting can be so severe that weight loss follows. In pregnancy regular weight gain is expected. Weight loss suggests a referral to a gastro-enterologist especially if the weight is below the pre-pregnancy benchmark.

Severe GERD can lead to mal-nutrition. This can be harmful to the mother and may put the foetus at risk at a time of vital development and growth.

Ginger is a good safe treatment of GERD in pregnancy and you only need a small amount. It can stimulate saliva production. Saliva is a natural antacid. Ginger helps relieve nausea and vomiting and it is a carminative (relieve gas). Lifestyle change is important. If still smoking and drinking alcohol, then it is time to stop. Elevating the head of the bed is beneficial and lying on the left side is best because in this position the stomach is lower than the esophagus.

Avoid or reduce your intake of fats, coffee, tea, chocolate, certain citrus fruits, certain spices, tomatoes and garlic. When exercising, avoid bouncing up and down and exercises that involve bending forwards. Stick to exercises that keep you upright. Stretching exercises and power or brisk walking are unlikely to aggravate GERD symptoms.

Antacids are safe in pregnancy because they do not cross the placenta into the baby's circulation. However, antacids containing sodium (sodium bicarbonate) can cause fluid retention. Aluminium containing antacids can make constipation of pregnancy worse. Magnesium can slow down labour. These drugs are in Category A. The categories were laid down by the FDA in 1979 and are related to safety profile and potential harm to the foetus. Category A is safe in pregnancy.

The H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors are in Category B except omeprazole which is in Category C. These drugs cross the placenta but trials results are not adequate to consider them safe during pregnancy. So far no trial has shown any harm to the foetus.

Article Source: http://www.ApprovedArticles.com

Dr. Phil Hariram is a retired General Practitioner who has spent 27 years treating acid reflux. www.acidrefluxguru.com

Acid Reflux Syndrome

2008-02-29T00:16:00.000-08:00

What Is Acid Reflux Syndrome ?

Acid reflux is an irritating and at times hurting disease that crops up when acid and other materials in the tummy back up or reflux into your esophagus. The esophagus is the muscular tube that connects between your throat and your stomach.

When acid reflux occur, the refluxed materials from the stomach may stay in the lower part of the esophagus. This can give the sufferer a feeling of heartburn and nausea. Eventually, this will result in injury to the esophagus.

Sometimes, the refluxed materials will flow back all the way into the mouth. This will give the sufferer a burning feeling in the throat. At times, it is even possible to discover tiny, undigested fragments of food in the mouth.

What Causes Acid Reflux?

The most common cause of acid reflux is a malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter. The esophageal sphincter is a muscular ring at the bottom of the esophagus that prevents stomach contents from backing up into the throat and mouth. When food is swallowed, the sphincter contracts muscularly to drive the food into the stomach. If that sphincter is not working right, the acids from the stomach can come back into the esophagus causing painful heartburn, burning in the throat, and an acidic taste in the mouth.

Common Treatment For Acid Reflux?

Doctors typically propose lifestyle changes as the initial treatment. These alterations might consist of eating less for each meal, getting rid of extra weight, refraining from alcohol and cigarettes, keeping your body upright for a couple of hours after meals, and sleeping with your head elevated.

Additionally, there are over-the-counter medications that you can purchase to relief the symptoms. These medications include Pepcid and Zantac. They are called Histamine Receptor Antagonists. They work by reducing the quantity of acid in the stomach. Other medicines such as Mylanta and Tagamet, work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach.

If over-the-counter medications do not work, doctors may prescribe proton pump inhibitors such as Nexium and Prevacid. These medicines put a stop to the discharge of acid into the stomach and intestines.

If you are suffering from acid reflux, consult your doctor to find out which treatment alternatives are most excellent for you.

Home remedies

2008-02-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

It is Easy to Treat Acidity with

Home Remedies for Acidity

The stomach generally secrets acid, which is an essential substance in digestive process. This acid will help in breaking down the food during the digestion and when there is excess production of the acid in the stomach, it turns in the condition called as acidity or APD - acid peptic disorder. Generally, there are some protective mechanisms naturally present in the body, in the stomach and the proximal intestines. Nevertheless, between the protective mechanism and the level of acid secreting gets disturbed and the balance is altered, the entire situation is then known as acidity.

Acidity is caused due to many reasons such as diet, organ deformity, weakness of the valve between the stomach and esophagus, heavy and spicy meals etc. Here are some of the useful home remedies for the treatment of acidity -

• If you are not diabetic, acidity is quite easy to treat. You can have a small piece of jaggery after the meals and whenever you feel an attack, you can have the plain water with sugar.

• One can take a cup of water and boil it. After that, add one teaspoon of Aniseed and then leave it for the whole night. In the next morning, filter the water and then add one teaspoon of honey to it. Have it three times a day and you can treat acidity in a very effective manner.

• You can also have a cardamom and a clove and powder it. Take it as a mouth freshener after each meal. This will not only take care of your acidity, but it will be also helpful to cure your bad breath.

• Take about one and a half liter of water and add one teaspoon Caraway seeds to it. Boil the solution and simmer it for 15 minutes. Have it while it is lukewarm at least twice or thrice a day for minimum one week. This is very good remedy for treating acidity.

• Many experts suggest that almonds are really good for treating the acidity problem. For this, one can eat them or can paste and then simply lick it.

• One of the best home remedy for curing acidity is sucking one piece of clove after the meals. This will not only give instantaneous relief from acidity but will also help in reducing the onslaught of the disease arising out of acidity. Cloves also have direct effect on the digestive process. They help in building appetite, removing phlegm and increasing the white blood cell count in the body to fight against various infections.

• As a part of home remedy for acidity, you can squeeze the juice of whole orange and mix it with roasted cumin seeds. To enhance the formula, add pinch of rock salt. Have it as once and it will give good relief from the acidity.

• One of the proven and old home remedy for treating acidity is drinking coconut milk. Have it about 200 ml and then drink plain water.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet

2008-02-28T05:58:00.000-08:00

Purpose
The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. However, it is not just a simple tube. The lower esophagus has a specialized muscle around it that usually stays tightly closed, opening only to allow food and liquid into the stomach. It acts to prevent the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.

Symptoms occur when this specialized muscle weakens and allows stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus. These symptoms include heartburn, chest discomfort, and bitter fluid flowing up into the mouth. Chest discomfort can occur. If the stomach juice trickles into the breathing tubes, hoarseness, cough, and even shortness of breath can occur. This entire problem is called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). A number of factors, including certain foods, may cause the lower esophageal muscle to relax, causing GERD.

Nutrition Facts
A diet designed to prevent or reduce acid reflux is usually easy to follow. The basic food groups of cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meats can be eaten with only a few limitations. So, this diet generally meets the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of the National Research Council. A vitamin C supplement may be needed if an individual does not tolerate citrus foods such as orange, tomato, etc.

Special Considerations

The lower esophageal muscle can be weakened by factors other than food. The following recommendations may be helpful in reducing symptoms:

Stop using tobacco in all forms. Nicotine weakens the lower esophageal muscle.
Avoid chewing gum and hard candy. They increase the amount of swallowed air which, in turn, leads to belching and reflux.
Do not lie down immediately after eating. Avoid late evening snacks.
Avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating.
Eat small, frequent portions of food and snack if needed.
Lose weight if overweight. Obesity leads to increased reflux.
Elevate the head of the bed six to eight inches to prevent reflux when sleeping. Extra pillows, by themselves, are not very helpful.
The following foods aggravate acid reflux, and should be avoided:

fatty or fried foods
peppermint and spearmint
whole milk
oils
chocolate
creamed foods or soups
most fast foods

The following foods irritate an inflamed lower esophagus and may need to be limited or avoided:

citrus fruits and juices (grapefruit, orange, pineapple, tomato)
coffee (regular and decaffeinated)
caffeinated soft drinks
tea
other caffeinated beverages

Spicy or acidic foods may not be tolerated by some individuals.

Food Groups
Group	Recommend	Avoid
Milk or milk products	skim, 1% or 2% low-fat milk; low-fat or fat-free yogurt	whole milk (4%), chocolate milk
Vegetables	all other vegetables	fried or creamy style vegetables*, tomatoes
Fruits	apples, berries, melons, bananas, peaches, pears	citrus*: such as oranges, grapefruit, pineapple
Breads & grains	all those made with low-fat content	any prepared with whole milk or high-fat
Meat, meat substitutes	low-fat meat, chicken, fish, turkey	cold cuts, sausage, bacon, fatty meat, chicken fat/skin
Fat, oils	none or small amounts	all animal or vegetable oils
Sweets & desserts	all itmes made with no or low fat (less than or equal to 3 g fat/serving)	chocolate, desserts made with oils and/or fats
Beverages	decaffeinated, non-mint herbal tea; juices (except citrus); water	alcohol, coffee (regular or decaffeinated), carbonated beverages, tea, mint tea
Soups	fat-free or low-fat based	chicken, beef, milk, or cream-based soups
*Individually determined

What is Acid Reflux

2008-02-28T05:40:00.000-08:00

Acid Reflux

What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is a condition where gastric juices containing acid travel back from the stomach into the esophagus (gullet or swallowing tube).

Symptoms of acid reflux include:

• Heartburn (a burning feeling rising from the stomach or lower chest up towards the neck).
• Regurgitation (bringing food back up into the mouth).
• Chest pain.
• Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia).
• Hoarseness, dental erosion and asthma (because acidic juices can make their way into the throat, mouth and air passages of the lungs).

How do you get Acid Reflux?

Some people experience this problem regularly and have a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD.

• The food in the stomach is partially digested by stomach acid and enzymes, which are special chemicals that help to break down food so the body can use it.
• Normally, the partially digested acidic content in the stomach is delivered by the stomach muscle into the small intestine (bowel) for further digestion.
• In patients with acid reflux, stomach acid content travels backwards into the esophagus, causing inflammation and damage.
• Factors contributing to acid reflux include fatty foods, cigarettes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, obesity, pregnancy and delayed stomach emptying.
• Obesity and pregnancy increase pressures within the abdomen (body trunk), pushing the stomach contents back into the esophagus.
Some patients have stomachs that empty their contents into the intestines very slowly.
• A stomach full of food and acid is more prone to reflux, especially when the patient lies down (supine)..