Acid Reflux Symptoms & Relief

17 Jan

Posted by editor as Eating tips, Foods

Acid reflux is totally an uncomfortable and, oftenly very painful, condition. It occurs when the ring of muscle between the esophagus and stomach, known as the lower esophageal sphincter(LES), relaxes inappropriately. This provides the conditions for acidic liquid from the stomach to splash up into the esophagus causing irritation to it’s lining. There are many other reasons why this might happen including: the presence of a hiatal hernia, abnormalities in the functioning of the stomach; problems with the contractions that should occur within the esophagus (that help to keep acidic material in the stomach), pregnancy and lifestyle factors. In addition, to these factors there is a link between eating and acid reflux. Here, we explore how what you eat can trigger acid reflux.

If you are prone to bouts of acid reflux, Then actually you need to look at what you’re eating. There are some foods that are known to irritate the LES and/ or increase the level of acidity in the stomach. Unless you want to cut out all the foods that are known to trigger acid reflux, you should try and identify which foods specifically affect you. You can do this by developing an acid reflux diary in which you should keep a daily log of what you have eaten or drank and any symptoms that you have experienced. Over time you should be able to identify the foods/ drinks that are problematic for you.

The kinds of foods that could well cause you difficulties are:

When addressing the link between eating and acid reflux, the key factor is to stick to a diet that comprises of low fat/ low acidity food. It is also advisable to include plenty of complex carbohydrates in your daily intake of food diet.

Complex carbohydrates contain fiber, vitamins and minerals including foods such as whole grains, wholemeal bread, brown rice, wholemeal pasta, vegetables, lentils, peas, beans and fruit. These foods in nature tend to have the capacity to soak up acid in the stomach. This means that if any of the stomach’s contents leak in the esophagus it is less likely to cause discomfort or pain.

In order to minimise episodes of acid reflux you need to be aware that there is often a link between eating and acid reflux symptoms. It is advisable to try and identify the foods that are likely to contribute to your acid reflux problem and to eliminate these from your diet. It is important to always consult a medical professional before embarking on a restricted diet. In addition, to cutting out food the adoption of a healthy low fat diet, high in complex carbohydrates is likely to assist in keeping your symptoms and problem under control.