But that doesn’t have to be the case.” His new book, The Acid Reflux Solution (Ten Speed Press, $21.99), outlines a cooking and lifestyle plan to manage and cure heartburn symptoms. He recommends snacks and meals to dig into, and warns against those that will cause flare-ups. What’s on the menu may surprise you. [See: Acid Reflux ReliefWithout a Pill .] Forget, for example, what you’ve heard about avoiding tomatoes and spicy dishes. While these are indeed acidic, they’re not “trigger foods,” Rodriguez says. (Keep in mind, however, that everyone responds to food differently and has different tolerance levels.) Fewer than 12 substances have actually been scientifically proven to trigger GERD. These include: mint and anything containing mint oil, chocolate, deep-fried foods, coffee, and alcohol. Some of these foods, like chocolate and mint, chemically cause the lower esophageal sphincter to loosen, triggering acid reflux. Others that are greasy or high in saturated fat slow digestion, which can spell heartburn. Most likely to spur an acid reflux attack? Deep-fried foods, since they’re extremely hard to digest. Spicy meals, meanwhile, are OK, provided you’re not in the midst of an attack. “They don’t cause heartburn,” Rodriguez says. “But when your esophagus is already irritated, they will burn on the way down. Once you’ve healed, you can eat anything you want in moderation.” [See: Wean Yourself Off Processed Foods in 7 Steps ] While there’s no absolute eat-this-not-that list, Rodriguez suggests following these tips: Get lots of fiber. Fiber improves digestion: Some types draw moisture into the gastrointestinal tract, while others add bulk or feed the good microbes in our gut. Load up on fiber-packed fruits, veggies, nuts, and whole grains, Rodrigruez suggests. Each day, aim to eat one whole fruit, four different non-starchy veggies, and a mix of soluble and insoluble fibers, like beans, grains, and nuts. Befriend ginger and fennel.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2012/03/30/is-there-an-acid-reflux-diet
The Acid Reflux Diet: My Year of Treatment
You can read in the November 8, 2010 issue of Woman’s World, the article in the “Your Good Health” section, “Sore throat remedies doctors swear by.” Also see the sites, Can chiropractic adjustment fix a hiatal hernia? – Yahoo! Answers . How is sore throat related to acid reflux issues? You may think you have a sore throat, but what it might be are lesions in your esophagus. Acid reflux can burn your esophagus and stomach, leading to ulcers or even cancer. That’s why you need to treat your acid reflux if it happens frequently. So get checked out by your health care team. When it comes to acid reflux, by eating fruit on an empty stomach instead of right after meals or with meals, it may help acid reflux that’s burning out your esophagus. Also in that article is a tip to take 5,000 I.U. of vitamin A daily. But please check with your doctor or health care team to prevent any toxic effects of taking excess vitamin A, since it builds up in the body. The idea of eating fruit, such as a papaya, on an empty stomach is that when you eat fruit as part of meals, the fruit begins to ferment along with the fat in the foods while in your stomach. The stomach then expands from the fermenting fruit and fat in any food being disgested by stomach acids in your belly. As the fermentation process continues, the gas produced from the fermentation process in your stomach expands. Soon the expanding gasses from the fermentation puts a lot of pressure on the valve that connects your stomach to your esophagus. The result is worsening acid reflux that steadily erodes your esophagus, burning lesions. Then you get more pain, more burping, and more acid reflux with more wounds on your esophagus. You can help by just eating a piece of fruit on an empty stomach. Also check with your doctor to see whether it’s safe to take a little vitamin A to speed healing of those seared membranes, which are wounds in your esophagus caused by your stomach’s acid. If you’re an older person, also take a test to see whether you have H. pylori bacteria which destroys the mucous lining of your stomach. You’d also feel acid reflux, coughing from acid reflux, which sometimes looks like asthma symptoms or wheezing, and problems with wounds from your stomach’s hydrochloric acid burning lesions in your esophagus. Check your stomach also for bleeding ulcers and other problems such as hiatal hernia. It’s a condition in which a portion of the upper part of your stomach protrudes upward into your chest, through an opening in your diaphragm. Acid reflux disease shows symptoms of acid reflux usually on a daily basis and grows worse when you lie down. It often disrupts sleep. Find out whether any natural remedies can help such as a change in diet or various vitamins or digestive enzymes before you take a drug you’ll be on for years. Perhaps digestive enzymes may be of help. See your doctor to find out what can be done for hiatal hernia and learn what caused it. Also see the Mayo Clinic article, Hiatal hernia – MayoClinic.com . The site contains a comprehensive overview covers symptoms, surgery and other treatments for this stomach hernia. By age 60, up to 60% of people have it to some extent. See the site, How To Live With a Hiatal Hernia . Hiatal hernia can be caused by constipation. Or increased pressure in the abdominal cavity also can be caused by constant hard coughing–for example from a bout of flu, or from vomiting, or simply straining during bowel movements can tear a whole in your diaphragm. Don’t leave it at that if all you’re told is that you’re getting older or your body is falling apart because you’re over a certain age.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.examiner.com/article/foods-that-help-acid-reflux-conditions
Foods that help acid reflux conditions
Luckily, you do not have to suffer in silence and this article will help you control your acid reflux symptoms. Your last meal of the day should be consumed a minimum of three hours prior to going to bed. When you remain upright, your stomach acid and food is pulled down into the stomach. If you lie down, your stomach acids can rise into your esophagus. So, you should allow a few hours to pass prior to going to sleep. Pregnant women often experience acid reflux. A growing child puts pressure on the stomach, which can push the acids of the stomach into the windpipe. To help combat this issue, it’s important to eat foods that have a low-acid and low-fat content, and stay away from drinks that contain caffeine. If this isn’t helping, you can drink some teas that are safe for the baby and that can neutralize stomach acid. If you smoke, it’s time to stop smoking. Smoking aggravates acid reflux, and it is possibly the cause. This is because smoking slows digestion and increases stomach acid, while reducing saliva production. The esophageal sphincter is weakened as a result. This is the reason you should quit today. Do not wear clothes that are too tight. Belts, pantyhose or waistbands that are too tight can cause problems. These garments put pressure on the stomach. Heartburn symptoms will soon be on their way. Wear loose clothes and relax. It may not be wise to exercise immediately after eating. This is because you can force digestive acids upwards as you exercise. Hold off exercising for at least a couple hours after eating. Are you pregnant? If so, then your baby’s weight may be putting additional pressure on your stomach, causing acid reflux. Talk with your doctor to see how you can alleviate your symptoms. Avoid drinking alcohol if you don’t want acid reflux. Alcohol leads to acid build-up and stomach lining deterioration. Do not drink too much while out with friends if you don’t want a lot of discomfort later that night. Particular foods can lead to acid reflux. You’ll want to limit consumption of these foods to prevent acid reflux. Avoid spicy foods, acidic foods and fatty foods. Staying active can help fight acid reflux. Walking and water aerobics are two low-impact exercises that can ease acid reflux. The body is upright and gravity will aid digestion while also keeping the food in the stomach right where it should be. Slim down. A few additional pounds could put too much pressure on your stomach and cause acid reflux. Extra fat that’s around the belly area can put pressure on your stomach and cause reflux. Sometimes, losing even a few pounds will make a big difference. Do you now know a lot more about acid reflux? How is your grasp about the true cause of acid reflux? Are you ready to take action to get rid of these painful symptoms?
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.pressbox.co.uk/detailed/International/The_Acid_Reflux_Advice_That_You_Can_No_Longer_Live_Without_1275352.html
Alkaline-forming foods prevent acid reflux, heartburn, GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus
After hearing about my symptoms and the sound of my raspy voice, she suggested I come to her office for treatment so that I could write my story from a patients perspective. I was so happy about the project that I nearly burst into tears while telling my mother about it on the phone later that night. Dr. Koufman diagnosed me not only with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), but also with Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). In other words, stomach acid was not only coming back into my esophagus, but was also reaching my voice box and throat. This not only causes the discomfort of heartburn, but also puts patients at risk for conditions like Barretts disease and possibly even throat cancer. Many of the patients Dr. Koufman sees in her New York City office suffer from LPR but not the classic reflux symptom of heartburn . This condition, for which she coined the term Silent Reflux, is often misdiagnosed as allergies or asthma. The first red flag is that patients come with symptoms that arent getting addressed by their doctors, says Dr. Koufman. The lung doctors really dont recognize that reflux is in the throat all the time, and if its getting in the throat its getting in the lungs. She explained to me that diet alone could treat about 30 percent of her patients, but that my condition was serious enough to warrant medication as well. Dr. Koufman explained that the tissues in the throat are much more sensitive than those in the esophagus below, which means that Silent Reflux needs more aggressive treatment. Normally diet plays a bigger role, she says, in addition to giving me a combination of two medications to prevent reflux. We need closer to 24-hour suppression. For that reason, we use twice daily proton pump inhibitors, before breakfast and before the evening meal, and an H2 antagonist at night. For the first two weeks of treatment, I followed an extremely restricted diet that was low in both acid and fat. This was easily the most challenging part of the treatment. I have always liked healthy foods, but having been always very active Ive never really had to worry too much about what I ate. During these first weeks, patients can eat breads and starches, most vegetables, lean protein, herbs, bananas and milk. I mostly ate a lot of bananas, cereal, graham crackers and carrots. I spent a lot of time feeling pretty hungry and sorry for myself. However, my cough went away, along with the feeling of having something caught in my throat. As time went on, my hoarse voice also disappeared. After the first two weeks, I was allowed to start adding foods back into my diet, but continued to avoid high-acid foods like citrus and soda. I also needed to avoid eating three hours before bed, and work at eating smaller meals and snacks throughout the day. Simply eating too much at one sitting can also cause reflux. I was a little nervous about expanding my diet, adding only eggs and cheese at first. I learned that tomatoes and onions are trigger foods for me, in addition to coffee and oranges. My heartburn lessened more and more as time went on. I found the recipes in Dropping Acid to be very useful, and often used them as models to create new recipes.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.dietsinreview.com/diet_column/02/the-acid-reflux-diet-my-year-of-treatment/
Avoid these six foods that could trigger acid reflux and IBS symptoms
ICV syndrome, the ileocecal valve remaining open too long, may be the most overlooked basis of many IBS issues and other more serious digestive diseases. All the other recommendations regarding foods and eating habits are relevant for ICV syndromes. Apparently, most chiropractors and some and naturopathic doctors (NDs) understand ICV syndromes more than most MDs. (5) MSG and artificial sweeteners: Sorbital may not be as neurologically dangerous as aspartame and other artificial sweeteners. But it does stimulate IBS symptoms. (6) Non-soluble fiber foods Yes, we all need fiber. But non-soluble fiber alone can cause IBS problems. Here’s a list of non-soluble fibers. ( http://www.helpforibs.com/diet/fiber2.asp ) It’s recommended that you eat mostly soluble fiber foods. Here’s that list: http://www.helpforibs.com/diet/fiber1.asp . IBS expert and author Heather Van Vorous explains that non-soluble fibers form a gel that is gentle and consistent to help avoid spastic colon. Heather adds that you can judiciously mix soluble and insoluble fibers if you start with a base of soluble fiber foods. Follow soluble fiber meals with non-soluble salads instead of starting meals with salads. Avoid overeating. Stop at 75 percent percent of your capacity. Chewing more and eating consciously and more slowly helps determine when to stop. Never go to sleep or lie down after a meal. If you must rest, lie on your left side. But it’s better to take a walk, which assists your digestion.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.naturalnews.com/038066_acid_reflux_foods_IBS.html
The Acid Reflux Advice That You Can No Longer Live Without
High-potassium foods Foods with high levels of potassium may help prevent or resolve acid reflux. The list is considerable and many are foods you may already include in a daily dietary plan. Bananas, honey, lemons, apple cider vinegar, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes – to name a few – are excellent sources of potassium. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) in particular is touted by many people as an effective cure for acid reflux. If using ACV, it is best to mix one to two tablespoons with an eight-ounce glass of water and drink it all at once. If that’s too much vinegar, reduce the amount and work back up to the full quantity. Always use organic vinegar with “the mother” visible in the jar; it looks like a swirling cloud and indicates the vinegar is organic. Lemon juice makes a slightly milder drink than does the ACV and works in a similar manner, to neutralize stomach acids and reduce heartburn and acid reflux . Squeeze the juice of one half lemon into eight ounces of filtered water and drink it at once. It’s even more effective if the water is warm, but avoid warming it in a microwave oven. Ancient grains Certain ancient grains, or tiny grains, are alkaline-forming and high in potassium, making them a good bet to include in a diet that targets acid reflux . Tiny grains – consisting of millet, quinoa and amaranth – make good replacements for processed, white flour products that have been stripped of their nutrients and fiber. Tiny grains are also an excellent replacement for people who have problems with gluten, because all three are gluten free, nutty and delicious. Baking soda Although not considered a food in its own right, baking soda is one of the primary ingredients that can help relieve the burning pains of acid reflux – fast. Baking soda is extremely alkaline and can not only neutralize stomach acids quickly, but will alkalize the entire system, reducing acidosis systemicly. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in an 8-ounce glass of water and drink immediately. Because it is high in salt, baking soda can raise your blood pressure. If you take medicines for hypertension, speak to your health care professional before using baking soda for acid reflux. Raw foods The majority of raw vegetables and fruits are alkaline and easy to digest. Cooking these foods lowers their alkalinity, making them somewhat more acidic. Raw fruits and vegetables contain lots of enzymes to assist digestion. Choose the freshest, blemish-free items. The sweeter the fruit, the more alkaline it becomes – in other words, ripened bananas are better for your digestive tract than those that are still yellow or even green. Sources for this article include: The Acid Alkaline Balance; Felicia Drury Kliment; 2002 Drugs.com: Baking Soda The pH Miracle; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003 Drugs.com: Potassium Content of Foods Alkalize or Die; Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991 Mayo Clinic: Heartburn READ MORE OF JEAN (JB) BARDOT’S ARTICLES AT THE FOLLOWING LINKS: The JB Bardot Archives: http://www.jbbardot.com Natural News: http://www.naturalnews.com/Author1686.html JB Bardot is an herbalist and a classical homeopath, and has a post graduate degree in holistic nutrition. Bardot cares for both people and animals, using alternative approaches to health care and lifestyle. She writes about wellness, green living, alternative medicine, holistic nutrition, homeopathy, herbs and naturopathic medicine. You can find her at The JB Bardot Archives at http://www.jbbardot.com and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001364941208&ref=tn_tnmn or on Twitter at jbbardot23 or https://twitter.com/jbbardot23 Stay informed! FREE subscription to the Health Ranger’s email newsletter Get breaking news alerts on GMOs, fluoride, superfoods, natural cures and more… Join over four million monthly readers.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.naturalnews.com/034947_acid_reflux_GERD_foods.html