3/27/07
What Foods To Avoid To Relieve Acid Reflux Disease
Author: Gerri Stone
Acid reflux disease or GERD can cause a great deal of discomfort for anyone diagnosed with it. Some people will only suffer occasional episodes of it, while for others it turns into a chronic state.
Acid reflux disease starts when the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus becomes weak, and does not properly work. Generally, it functions as a one-way valve- allowing food to pass through into the stomach, then closing to prevent stomach acid from splashing back up. When this valve malfunctions, stomach acid can back up into the esophagus, irritating the lining, and causing a persistent burning sensation. Left untreated, the damage can develop into complications such as hoarseness, coughing, asthma-like symptoms, and even pre- cancerous conditions due to cell damage.
The first step in solving the puzzle of what foods to avoid is to keep a food diary. Track which foods trigger symptoms in your own digestive system. Often, identifying your personal food triggers and avoiding them is all that is needed to relieve the problem.
Common food triggers include acidic fruits and juices, such as orange and grapefruit, strong spices, tomato sauces, dairy products, coffee, alcohol and tobacco. This list may appear to include all of your favorite foods, but not all foods are triggers for all people. You might find that eliminating only one or two foods from this list will bring you relief.
For some people, changing from eating three full meals a day to having six smaller meals is successful for controlling the symptoms. Others find that not eating for three hours before bed solves the problem.
Most physicians will recommend these types of dietary and lifestyle changes before prescribing medications. There are many different types of acid reflux medications available, and you may have to try several of them before you discover one that works well for you.
You might be one of the lucky ones that easily discover what food to avoid to make the symptoms disappear. If not, it is important to see your health care provider and work out a plan to get your acid reflux under control before severe damage is done.
¶ 2:27 PM
Author: Gerri Stone
Acid reflux disease or GERD can cause a great deal of discomfort for anyone diagnosed with it. Some people will only suffer occasional episodes of it, while for others it turns into a chronic state.
Acid reflux disease starts when the muscle at the bottom of the esophagus becomes weak, and does not properly work. Generally, it functions as a one-way valve- allowing food to pass through into the stomach, then closing to prevent stomach acid from splashing back up. When this valve malfunctions, stomach acid can back up into the esophagus, irritating the lining, and causing a persistent burning sensation. Left untreated, the damage can develop into complications such as hoarseness, coughing, asthma-like symptoms, and even pre- cancerous conditions due to cell damage.
The first step in solving the puzzle of what foods to avoid is to keep a food diary. Track which foods trigger symptoms in your own digestive system. Often, identifying your personal food triggers and avoiding them is all that is needed to relieve the problem.
Common food triggers include acidic fruits and juices, such as orange and grapefruit, strong spices, tomato sauces, dairy products, coffee, alcohol and tobacco. This list may appear to include all of your favorite foods, but not all foods are triggers for all people. You might find that eliminating only one or two foods from this list will bring you relief.
For some people, changing from eating three full meals a day to having six smaller meals is successful for controlling the symptoms. Others find that not eating for three hours before bed solves the problem.
Most physicians will recommend these types of dietary and lifestyle changes before prescribing medications. There are many different types of acid reflux medications available, and you may have to try several of them before you discover one that works well for you.
You might be one of the lucky ones that easily discover what food to avoid to make the symptoms disappear. If not, it is important to see your health care provider and work out a plan to get your acid reflux under control before severe damage is done.
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Find the information you need to conquer acid reflux and heartburn Stomach Solutions
Find the information you need to conquer acid reflux and heartburn Stomach Solutions
¶ 2:27 PM
