Getting on a proper diet plan is one of the best ways to help prevent acid reflux and heartburn. This is also a great way to generally get into better shape, as the diet you plan can affect you in many different ways beyond simply just preventing your acid reflux. The acid reflux disease diet that you choose can be very important as to the rest of your life, giving you the great opportunity to prevent all sorts of other digestive problems that may be related to acid reflux and keeping you in better, general shape. This proves that there is more than one good reason to start an acid reflux disease diet.
This diet involves cutting out a lot of foods that aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux. Foods with a lot of spice or pepper in them are generally discouraged from the list, as are fruits and vegetables that are especially gassy. These foods do nothing but rip and tear at the digestive system in terms of acid reflux, making them a very unwelcome addition to the acid reflux disease diet. The unfortunate thing is that you may, in fact, be cutting out some rather healthy options for the rest of your overall balanced health, but these can be replaced with the right supplements and additional nutrients from other sources.
Cutting, Picking, And Choosing
As you pick what foods you are going to drop from your regular diet, you should replace them with a suitable alternative so that your body does not create other problems because of a lack of a certain vitamin or nutritional entity. Always consult a medical professional before going on any sort of serious diet as it could seriously impact your health if you make the wrong choices. You should always have your health in mind, first and foremost, even before discomfort and other painful problems. Your acid reflux disease diet is important but it must not rob the body of proper nutrition.
You need to be quite selective in terms of what you will cut out because any sort of improper impact to the makeup of your body's nutrition could end up causing you far worse problems than acid reflux. This, unfortunately, is a part of creating a diet that can cut away some of the vital nutrients of an overall healthy eating plan. To create the best acid reflux disease diet, you should ensure that you always replace something you have taken out with a suitable alternative and always consult a dietician or a doctor for more help if you are unsure of what to do.
source: http://acidrefluxsymptomstips.blogspot.com/2008/07/planning-ideal-acid-reflux-disease-diet.html
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
GERD (Acid Reflux) Found in Babies as Young as One Day Old
GERD (acid reflux) is something I know about – I’ve been taking Prevacid for the last few years to control this reaction. Then I read Melinda Beck’s July 22nd Health Journal in The Wall Street Journal titled “Baby crying? Doctors Say It May Be Acid-Reflux Disease.”
Here’s the first paragraph of this article:
Oliva Manganello was 1 month old when she started screaming, usually right after she nursed. Her family tried switching to formula, then different formulas, but nothing helped. Finally a pediatric gastroenterologist diagnosed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and put Olivia on Pepcid. “In two days, she was a completely different baby,” says her mother, Trina Chiara of Avon, Conn.
When my mother read this article, her response was to wonder which of her grandchildren who cried all the time for the first few months might have had GERD.
My husband accuses me of practicing medicine without a license. But I believe it’s important, as a do-gooder Scrooge, to know about common but often undiagnosed medical conditions in order to help others.
For example, my older daughter called me from college when she worked part-time as an aide in a elementary school classroom to ask for information on allergies and asthma. My daughter could tell that a child in the class was suffering and that the mother was clueless – she needed resources to learn about her child’s medical issues. (If you need allergy and asthma resources, check out www.aanma.org.)
And that’s why I’m blogging about this topic today. (I actually woke up in the middle of the night and thought: “I haven’t shared that info yet.”)
Apparently there’s a disagreement as to whether babies are being overdiagnosed or underdiagnosed with GERD. Regardless of this, if you suspect GERD in a baby you know who cries every day for hours and hours, gently suggest to the parent that this condition be evaluated by a doctor trained to recognize it in infants and young children.
For more information, go to www.reflux.org, the website of the Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association (PAGER).
If a medical solution is found for a baby’s incessant crying, the baby as well as the parents and entire family will probably be forever grateful to you for their regained calm and sleep.
source: http://www.communati.com/pzmiller/gerd-acid-reflux-found-babies-young-one-day-old
Here’s the first paragraph of this article:
Oliva Manganello was 1 month old when she started screaming, usually right after she nursed. Her family tried switching to formula, then different formulas, but nothing helped. Finally a pediatric gastroenterologist diagnosed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and put Olivia on Pepcid. “In two days, she was a completely different baby,” says her mother, Trina Chiara of Avon, Conn.
When my mother read this article, her response was to wonder which of her grandchildren who cried all the time for the first few months might have had GERD.
My husband accuses me of practicing medicine without a license. But I believe it’s important, as a do-gooder Scrooge, to know about common but often undiagnosed medical conditions in order to help others.
For example, my older daughter called me from college when she worked part-time as an aide in a elementary school classroom to ask for information on allergies and asthma. My daughter could tell that a child in the class was suffering and that the mother was clueless – she needed resources to learn about her child’s medical issues. (If you need allergy and asthma resources, check out www.aanma.org.)
And that’s why I’m blogging about this topic today. (I actually woke up in the middle of the night and thought: “I haven’t shared that info yet.”)
Apparently there’s a disagreement as to whether babies are being overdiagnosed or underdiagnosed with GERD. Regardless of this, if you suspect GERD in a baby you know who cries every day for hours and hours, gently suggest to the parent that this condition be evaluated by a doctor trained to recognize it in infants and young children.
For more information, go to www.reflux.org, the website of the Pediatric/Adolescent Gastroesophageal Reflux Association (PAGER).
If a medical solution is found for a baby’s incessant crying, the baby as well as the parents and entire family will probably be forever grateful to you for their regained calm and sleep.
source: http://www.communati.com/pzmiller/gerd-acid-reflux-found-babies-young-one-day-old
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Link Found Between Asthma and GERD
By Jennifer Warner
WebMD Health News
Chronic heartburn may alter the immune system and raise the risk of asthma, according to a new study that helps explain why so many people with asthma also suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD).
Researchers say the link between asthma and GERD has been a mystery for years. Previous studies have shown that 50%-90% of people with asthma also suffer from gastric reflux, but until now the relationship between the two conditions was unclear.
The study shows that inhaling small amounts of stomach acid back up into the esophagus and lungs, a hallmark of GERD, slowly produces changes in the immune system that may lead to the development of asthma.
"This does not mean that everyone with GERD is going to develop asthma, by any means," researcher William Parker, assistant professor of surgery at Duke University Medical Center, says in a news release. "But it may mean that people with GERD may be more likely to develop asthma. If there is an upside to this, it is that developing GERD is something we can pretty much treat and control."
Asthma-GERD Link Explained
In the study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers mimicked the effects of GERD in laboratory mice by inserting small amounts of gastric fluid into their lungs for eight weeks. They then compared how the immune systems of these mice responded to exposure to allergens, a key factor in the development of asthma, to the immune response of normal, healthy mice.
The results showed that the GERD mice responded very differently to allergens. Specifically, they developed an immune response similar to that found in people with asthma by releasing a specific type of infection-fighting T-cell. Healthy mice responded in a more balanced manner releasing two types of immune cells.
Researchers say rising rates of reflux and GERD may be driving increasing rates of asthma, but many of the risk factors behind this phenomenon may be modifiable.
They say people who already have GERD can minimize gastric reflux and reduce their risk of developing asthma by following these tips:
Eat smaller meals
Eat several hours before going to bed
Raise the head of the bed a few inches
Maintain a healthy weight
Limit fatty foods, coffee, tea, caffeine, and alcohol because they can relax the esophageal sphincter and make reflux more likely.
"People should avoid the risk factors for GERD. We strongly believe that the rise in asthma, particularly among adults in the country, is in large measure due to lifestyle choices that can be changed," Parker says.
source: http://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20080725/link-found-between-asthma-and-gerd
WebMD Health News
Chronic heartburn may alter the immune system and raise the risk of asthma, according to a new study that helps explain why so many people with asthma also suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD).
Researchers say the link between asthma and GERD has been a mystery for years. Previous studies have shown that 50%-90% of people with asthma also suffer from gastric reflux, but until now the relationship between the two conditions was unclear.
The study shows that inhaling small amounts of stomach acid back up into the esophagus and lungs, a hallmark of GERD, slowly produces changes in the immune system that may lead to the development of asthma.
"This does not mean that everyone with GERD is going to develop asthma, by any means," researcher William Parker, assistant professor of surgery at Duke University Medical Center, says in a news release. "But it may mean that people with GERD may be more likely to develop asthma. If there is an upside to this, it is that developing GERD is something we can pretty much treat and control."
Asthma-GERD Link Explained
In the study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers mimicked the effects of GERD in laboratory mice by inserting small amounts of gastric fluid into their lungs for eight weeks. They then compared how the immune systems of these mice responded to exposure to allergens, a key factor in the development of asthma, to the immune response of normal, healthy mice.
The results showed that the GERD mice responded very differently to allergens. Specifically, they developed an immune response similar to that found in people with asthma by releasing a specific type of infection-fighting T-cell. Healthy mice responded in a more balanced manner releasing two types of immune cells.
Researchers say rising rates of reflux and GERD may be driving increasing rates of asthma, but many of the risk factors behind this phenomenon may be modifiable.
They say people who already have GERD can minimize gastric reflux and reduce their risk of developing asthma by following these tips:
Eat smaller meals
Eat several hours before going to bed
Raise the head of the bed a few inches
Maintain a healthy weight
Limit fatty foods, coffee, tea, caffeine, and alcohol because they can relax the esophageal sphincter and make reflux more likely.
"People should avoid the risk factors for GERD. We strongly believe that the rise in asthma, particularly among adults in the country, is in large measure due to lifestyle choices that can be changed," Parker says.
source: http://www.webmd.com/asthma/news/20080725/link-found-between-asthma-and-gerd
Monday, May 18, 2009
Acid Reflux Disease: Its Symptoms & Diagnosis
By Frank Robson
Though it is true that acid reflux has specific characteristics, some physicians choose to run a series of tests to determine the possibly natural source of the problem. If a change in lifestyle and diet does not resolve the problem, your doctor may decide to perform one of the procedures explained herein to determine the root cause.
These procedures would be classified as invasive because they require placing a tube into your esophagus in order to gather information.
The 24-Hour Esophageal Ph Test, and the 48-Hour Bravo Esophageal pH test, recommended by the Cleveland Clinic Foundation involve the insertion of a tube through your nose that is pushed way down so as to be near the Esophageal Sphincter muscle, the kingpin in this Acid Reflux Saga. .
A thin, small tube with an acid sensing device on the tip is gently passed through your nose, down the esophagus ("food tube"), and positioned about 2 inches above the lower esophageal sphincter. The tube is attached to the side of your face with clear tape. The end of the tube exiting from your nose is attached to a portable recorder that is worn on your belt or over your shoulder. The recorder has several buttons on it that you press to mark certain observations.
What happens is that you follow certain food and medication restrictions from a week prior to your test. During the 24-hour test, you avoid showers; record your mealtimes, and meal contents, as well as your rest periods, when you lie down. There are certain buttons to be pressed on the recorder mechanism, in case you have certain symptoms, After 24 hours, the nurse removes this contraption, and the information is downloaded onto a computer that allows the doctor to review the situation and plan your treatment.
The Esophageal Manometry Test takes less time. It is performed by placing a small tube that is sensitive to pressure into the oral or nasal cavity and into your esophagus. This device calculates the assistance given to the digestive process by the esophagus by reading the intensity of the contractions of the muscles therein.
X-ray and Endoscopic procedures help in uncovering possible blockages that may hinder the digestion process. These procedures make use of a scope which allows for internal observation.
Once the doctor has confirmed that there is no physiological cause of your Acid Reflux, like narrowing of the food pipe, scarring of the food pipe, or an undefined suspicious growth where one should not exist, it is time to start thinking of medications and long-term lifestyle issues.
source: http://healthylifestyle1.blogspot.com/2008/07/acid-reflux-disease-its-symptoms.html
Though it is true that acid reflux has specific characteristics, some physicians choose to run a series of tests to determine the possibly natural source of the problem. If a change in lifestyle and diet does not resolve the problem, your doctor may decide to perform one of the procedures explained herein to determine the root cause.
These procedures would be classified as invasive because they require placing a tube into your esophagus in order to gather information.
The 24-Hour Esophageal Ph Test, and the 48-Hour Bravo Esophageal pH test, recommended by the Cleveland Clinic Foundation involve the insertion of a tube through your nose that is pushed way down so as to be near the Esophageal Sphincter muscle, the kingpin in this Acid Reflux Saga. .
A thin, small tube with an acid sensing device on the tip is gently passed through your nose, down the esophagus ("food tube"), and positioned about 2 inches above the lower esophageal sphincter. The tube is attached to the side of your face with clear tape. The end of the tube exiting from your nose is attached to a portable recorder that is worn on your belt or over your shoulder. The recorder has several buttons on it that you press to mark certain observations.
What happens is that you follow certain food and medication restrictions from a week prior to your test. During the 24-hour test, you avoid showers; record your mealtimes, and meal contents, as well as your rest periods, when you lie down. There are certain buttons to be pressed on the recorder mechanism, in case you have certain symptoms, After 24 hours, the nurse removes this contraption, and the information is downloaded onto a computer that allows the doctor to review the situation and plan your treatment.
The Esophageal Manometry Test takes less time. It is performed by placing a small tube that is sensitive to pressure into the oral or nasal cavity and into your esophagus. This device calculates the assistance given to the digestive process by the esophagus by reading the intensity of the contractions of the muscles therein.
X-ray and Endoscopic procedures help in uncovering possible blockages that may hinder the digestion process. These procedures make use of a scope which allows for internal observation.
Once the doctor has confirmed that there is no physiological cause of your Acid Reflux, like narrowing of the food pipe, scarring of the food pipe, or an undefined suspicious growth where one should not exist, it is time to start thinking of medications and long-term lifestyle issues.
source: http://healthylifestyle1.blogspot.com/2008/07/acid-reflux-disease-its-symptoms.html
Friday, May 15, 2009
Heartburn and What Causes Heartburn - Another 4 Useful Hints
Heartburn and What Causes Heartburn - Another 4 Useful Hints
When searching for heartburn and what causes heartburn information online, I happened to find some tips - 4 of them, in fact.
I hope that you find them useful…as it’s taken our researchers some time to find them all!
Nevertheless, it’s worth the effort - especially where heartburn is concerned, as there is a lot of great stuff out there on the Internet.
Tip #1
Keep a food diary to track everything you eat and drink if you suffer from acid reflux as diet plays a part in generating stomach acid, and if the acid levels are managed and kept low then you are less likely to experience the reflux.
Tip #2
Keep a food diary to track everything you eat and drink if you suffer from acid reflux as diet plays a part in generating stomach acid, and if the acid levels are managed and kept low then you are less likely to experience the reflux.
Tip #3
When the muscle that is supposed to prevent stomach acid from escaping up into the esophagus gets to weak to do its job and the acid keeps on gushing back to the esophagus, that is called acid reflux. It is a lot like heart burn but a lot more uncomfortable as generally there is much more acids and pepsins pushing back to the esophagus.
Tip #4
To relieve the burning sensations caused by acid reflux, you can use antacids as a short term relief, even though they don’t offer much long term relief.
Well…that’s enough tips for now. I’m sure 4 is enough to be getting along with!
I hope that you found these Heartburn and What Causes Heartburn resources useful, they certainly helped me!
source: http://www.eyphlo.com/health/heartburn-and-what-causes-heartburn-another-4-useful-hints/
When searching for heartburn and what causes heartburn information online, I happened to find some tips - 4 of them, in fact.
I hope that you find them useful…as it’s taken our researchers some time to find them all!
Nevertheless, it’s worth the effort - especially where heartburn is concerned, as there is a lot of great stuff out there on the Internet.
Tip #1
Keep a food diary to track everything you eat and drink if you suffer from acid reflux as diet plays a part in generating stomach acid, and if the acid levels are managed and kept low then you are less likely to experience the reflux.
Tip #2
Keep a food diary to track everything you eat and drink if you suffer from acid reflux as diet plays a part in generating stomach acid, and if the acid levels are managed and kept low then you are less likely to experience the reflux.
Tip #3
When the muscle that is supposed to prevent stomach acid from escaping up into the esophagus gets to weak to do its job and the acid keeps on gushing back to the esophagus, that is called acid reflux. It is a lot like heart burn but a lot more uncomfortable as generally there is much more acids and pepsins pushing back to the esophagus.
Tip #4
To relieve the burning sensations caused by acid reflux, you can use antacids as a short term relief, even though they don’t offer much long term relief.
Well…that’s enough tips for now. I’m sure 4 is enough to be getting along with!
I hope that you found these Heartburn and What Causes Heartburn resources useful, they certainly helped me!
source: http://www.eyphlo.com/health/heartburn-and-what-causes-heartburn-another-4-useful-hints/
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tips for Digestive Distress
Posted By PENNY FORRESTER
Have you eaten a large meal at one time or often only to end up with an upset stomach? The occasional bout of heartburn or excessive gas isn't something of great concern, but when it happens frequently, it's time to stop and take notice. Some common symptoms of digestive distress includes a burning sensation in the stomach, abdominal pain, bloating or feeling full, belching or gas, nausea or vomiting, acidic taste in the mouth or a growling or gurgling stomach.
You're not doomed to suffer from digestive distress for the rest of your life. In addition to your doctor's advice, the following dietary and lifestyle
changes can help prevent and control heartburn, indigestion, GERD, and ulcers by decreasing gastric secretions and minimizing regurgitation.
Although every person reacts to foods differently, it's a good idea to narrow the foods that might cause problems. Here are some of the most common foods and beverages known to cause irritation and spasms; alcohol, carbonated beverages, chocolate and cocoa, creamed based sauces, high fat foods, salad dressings, spicy foods, vinegar, tomatoes and tomato products, fried foods, fatty meats, coffee, citrus fruits and juices, onions, pastries, gravy, garlic and nuts.
Planning your meals and meal times can help prevent heartburn and other digestive disturbances such as; eating smaller, more frequent meals that are higher in protein (protein helps keep acid levels more consistent). Drink fluids between meals, but limit beverages during meals since they may cause bloating. Avoid stressful situations at mealtimes. Eat in a calm, relaxed atmosphere making sure to eat slowly and chew your food completely. Attain and maintain a desirable weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the abdomen and internal organs and can lead to digestive problems. Stop eating several hours before bedtime. If you lie down or fall asleep soon after eating, you're more likely to suffer acid reflux.
Try these lifestyle tips that may help prevent digestive distress; wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing. Elevate the head of your bed while sleeping. Ask your doctor about antacids. Don't exercise on a full stomach, wait at least one hour to prevent exercise-induced heartburn.
source: http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1125587
Have you eaten a large meal at one time or often only to end up with an upset stomach? The occasional bout of heartburn or excessive gas isn't something of great concern, but when it happens frequently, it's time to stop and take notice. Some common symptoms of digestive distress includes a burning sensation in the stomach, abdominal pain, bloating or feeling full, belching or gas, nausea or vomiting, acidic taste in the mouth or a growling or gurgling stomach.
You're not doomed to suffer from digestive distress for the rest of your life. In addition to your doctor's advice, the following dietary and lifestyle
changes can help prevent and control heartburn, indigestion, GERD, and ulcers by decreasing gastric secretions and minimizing regurgitation.
Although every person reacts to foods differently, it's a good idea to narrow the foods that might cause problems. Here are some of the most common foods and beverages known to cause irritation and spasms; alcohol, carbonated beverages, chocolate and cocoa, creamed based sauces, high fat foods, salad dressings, spicy foods, vinegar, tomatoes and tomato products, fried foods, fatty meats, coffee, citrus fruits and juices, onions, pastries, gravy, garlic and nuts.
Planning your meals and meal times can help prevent heartburn and other digestive disturbances such as; eating smaller, more frequent meals that are higher in protein (protein helps keep acid levels more consistent). Drink fluids between meals, but limit beverages during meals since they may cause bloating. Avoid stressful situations at mealtimes. Eat in a calm, relaxed atmosphere making sure to eat slowly and chew your food completely. Attain and maintain a desirable weight. Excess weight puts pressure on the abdomen and internal organs and can lead to digestive problems. Stop eating several hours before bedtime. If you lie down or fall asleep soon after eating, you're more likely to suffer acid reflux.
Try these lifestyle tips that may help prevent digestive distress; wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing. Elevate the head of your bed while sleeping. Ask your doctor about antacids. Don't exercise on a full stomach, wait at least one hour to prevent exercise-induced heartburn.
source: http://www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1125587
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Vinegar GERD
Vinegar GERD - If you are searching for a natural, totally home remedy to treat your GERD, you can try the vinegar GERD approach. There are a lot of prescription and over-the-counter medications for GERD, but there are also associated side effects of most types of medications. The high cost of these medications also make them unappealing options for sufferers of acid reflux disease. That results in a different therapy like vinegar and GERD.
Why Vinegar and GERD Work?
One type of vinegar that works very well in relieving GERD symtoms is apple cider vinegar. You can find a lot of successful results on nearly any GERD discussion board in the internet. However, there seems to be no apparent reason why vinegar GERD should be associated in any constructive manner. Vinegar is acidic and if it is added to the stomach, it should complicate GERD symptoms rather than improve the situation.
source: http://acid-reflux-tips.blogspot.com/2008/07/vinegar-gerd.html
Why Vinegar and GERD Work?
One type of vinegar that works very well in relieving GERD symtoms is apple cider vinegar. You can find a lot of successful results on nearly any GERD discussion board in the internet. However, there seems to be no apparent reason why vinegar GERD should be associated in any constructive manner. Vinegar is acidic and if it is added to the stomach, it should complicate GERD symptoms rather than improve the situation.
source: http://acid-reflux-tips.blogspot.com/2008/07/vinegar-gerd.html
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Diet for Heartburn Part 2
Cut Down On Fatty and Spicy Food
Fried or very fatty foods, including candy, encourage indigestion and should be avoided or eaten sparingly. So go easy on butter, mayo, sausages, salami, pate, meat pies, and full-fat cheese. The same applies to very spicy food such as: black pepper, chili peppers, curry, mustard and other hot spices, as well as raw onions and garlic.
Avoid Carbonated Drinks
Fizzy or carbonated soft drinks cause belching and upward pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increasing the likelihood of heartburn. The best drinks include: water, herbal teas or diluted non-citrus fruit juices. Please also note that some soft drinks (eg. cocoa, coffee, orange juice) are not helpful for heartburn as they can over-relax the LES, thus encouraging the backward flow of acid from the stomach.
Eat More Fiber, Especially Soluble Fiber
Constipation can lead to extra strain on abdominal muscles and increase the risk of heartburn. To prevent constipation, eat more high-fiber foods such as: oats, apples, pears, dried apricots and vegetables. When increasing fiber intake it’s also important to increase your water intake by at least 40 fl oz a day.
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is not helpful to heartburn for several reasons. So take steps to reduce your intake to one unit a day, or avoid it altogether. Alcohol is also a source of non-nutritious calories and can contribute to overweight.
Other Digestive Tips
For digestive disorders like heartburn, some dietitians and alternative health experts recommend patients to eat (or cook with) digestion-friendly aromatic herbs like basil, camomile, caraway, dill, fennel, rosemary and thyme. They also recommend that you end each meal with a glass of herbal tea (eg. camomile, fennel) to reduce acidity and wind.
Lifestyle Improvements To Reduce Heartburn
There are several lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the symptoms of heartburn. One obvious one is to stop smoking, as tobacco smoke increases acidity in the stomach. Other recommended changes include:
Avoid placing extra strain on your abdomen or chest. Wear loose-fitting clothes, and do not overstretch or lift heavy weights.
Do not lie down after eating, and try not to eat anything for at least three hours before going to bed. The less there is in your stomach when you come to lie down, the lower the risk of heartburn.
To minimize night-time discomfort, raise the head end of your bed by about 3 inches by using bed-blocks or by placing a solid object under the bed-legs. This helps to prevent stomach acid from leaking backwards into the esophagus. Do not use extra pillows - you simply end up with a stiff neck as well as heartburn!
Heartburn symptoms can be caused by certain over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin, or other pain-killers or anti-inflammatories. So if you take this type of medication regularly, check with your doctor or pharmacist that it’s safe to continue.
Linda Smith B.Sc., RD, aged 51, is a qualified dietitian and nutritional consultant. She is part of the editorial team at Diet-i.com which provides a range of information about diet, nutrition and weight management to more than 5 million visitors per year.
source:http://delicious-diet.com/2009/04/19/diet-for-heartburn/
Fried or very fatty foods, including candy, encourage indigestion and should be avoided or eaten sparingly. So go easy on butter, mayo, sausages, salami, pate, meat pies, and full-fat cheese. The same applies to very spicy food such as: black pepper, chili peppers, curry, mustard and other hot spices, as well as raw onions and garlic.
Avoid Carbonated Drinks
Fizzy or carbonated soft drinks cause belching and upward pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increasing the likelihood of heartburn. The best drinks include: water, herbal teas or diluted non-citrus fruit juices. Please also note that some soft drinks (eg. cocoa, coffee, orange juice) are not helpful for heartburn as they can over-relax the LES, thus encouraging the backward flow of acid from the stomach.
Eat More Fiber, Especially Soluble Fiber
Constipation can lead to extra strain on abdominal muscles and increase the risk of heartburn. To prevent constipation, eat more high-fiber foods such as: oats, apples, pears, dried apricots and vegetables. When increasing fiber intake it’s also important to increase your water intake by at least 40 fl oz a day.
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is not helpful to heartburn for several reasons. So take steps to reduce your intake to one unit a day, or avoid it altogether. Alcohol is also a source of non-nutritious calories and can contribute to overweight.
Other Digestive Tips
For digestive disorders like heartburn, some dietitians and alternative health experts recommend patients to eat (or cook with) digestion-friendly aromatic herbs like basil, camomile, caraway, dill, fennel, rosemary and thyme. They also recommend that you end each meal with a glass of herbal tea (eg. camomile, fennel) to reduce acidity and wind.
Lifestyle Improvements To Reduce Heartburn
There are several lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the symptoms of heartburn. One obvious one is to stop smoking, as tobacco smoke increases acidity in the stomach. Other recommended changes include:
Avoid placing extra strain on your abdomen or chest. Wear loose-fitting clothes, and do not overstretch or lift heavy weights.
Do not lie down after eating, and try not to eat anything for at least three hours before going to bed. The less there is in your stomach when you come to lie down, the lower the risk of heartburn.
To minimize night-time discomfort, raise the head end of your bed by about 3 inches by using bed-blocks or by placing a solid object under the bed-legs. This helps to prevent stomach acid from leaking backwards into the esophagus. Do not use extra pillows - you simply end up with a stiff neck as well as heartburn!
Heartburn symptoms can be caused by certain over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin, or other pain-killers or anti-inflammatories. So if you take this type of medication regularly, check with your doctor or pharmacist that it’s safe to continue.
Linda Smith B.Sc., RD, aged 51, is a qualified dietitian and nutritional consultant. She is part of the editorial team at Diet-i.com which provides a range of information about diet, nutrition and weight management to more than 5 million visitors per year.
source:http://delicious-diet.com/2009/04/19/diet-for-heartburn/
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Diet for Heartburn Part 1
Heartburn is a common digestive complaint which affects an estimated 15 million Americans every day, and 60 million once a month. Relief of mild heartburn is typically achieved through diet and lifestyle changes, although medication (eg. antacids) is usually necessary if the heartburn is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
What is Heartburn? What Are The Symptoms?
Heartburn is a digestive problem: it has nothing to do with your heart. It occurs when small amounts of stomach acid accidentally rise up the esophagus (the food canal running from the mouth to the stomach) causing symptoms like a burning pain in the chest which rises towards the throat. Sufferers may even taste the fluid in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. In many cases the pain and burning sensation is relatively mild, but sometimes is so severe that patients think they are experiencing a heart attack.
What Are The Causes Of Heartburn?
In general, the immediate cause of heartburn is the acidic digestive juices which leave the stomach and rise up the esophagus. The acid burns the tissue of the esophagus causing inflammation and pain - a condition called esophagitis. Heartburn may also occur in pregnancy when the baby is pressing up against the underside of the diaphragm and squeezing the stomach. An occasional episode of acid-regurgitation or indigestion is quite normal. But persistent heartburn (eg. twice a week), is usually a sign of something more serious. The two most common underlying causes of heartburn symptoms are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hiatal hernia.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
GERD is characterized by a failure of the muscular valve, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is located at the bottom of the esophagus. The function of this valve is to keep acid in the stomach and prevent it leaking back up the esophagus. When this valve doesn’t work properly, reflux (leak-back) and heartburn can occur. Factors that contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease include obesity, pregnancy, smoking and, in particular, hiatal hernia.
Hiatal Hernia
Hiatus or hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach herniates (protrudes) upwards into the chest through the hiatus (opening) in the diaphragm normally only occupied by the esophagus. This puts extra pressure on the LES valve preventing it from closing properly. As a result, stomach acid leaks into the esophagus causing heartburn. The underlying cause of hiatal hernia is unknown. Contributory factors include: obesity, pregnancy, constipation, abdominal muscle strain, and smoking.
Dietary Treatment For Heartburn
In cases of persistent heartburn, dietary improvements are not sufficient. So as well as advocating a digestion-friendly diet, your doctor is likely to recommend one or more of the following types of medication. Antacids to neutralize the acid in your stomach; H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors to reduce acid production; or prokinetics to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and expedite stomach-emptying. However, if heartburn symptoms are mild and occur only from time to time, usually you will be advised to make the following changes to your diet.
If Overweight, Switch To A Healthy Weight Loss Diet
Obesity, especially excess fat on the chest and abdomen, is a common contributory factor to GERD and hiatal hernia, and therefore to heartburn. So if you are obese (BMI > 30), take steps to normalize your weight and thus reduce your risk or symptoms of heartburn. Choose a healthy calorie-controlled diet and customize it by following the eating tips below.
Stop Eating Large Meals
A big meal distends the stomach and causes a rise in the production of stomach acid. Both these factors lead to an increased risk of heartburn. So opt for 4-6 small meals or snacks, and allow a maximum of 3 hours between eating. In addition, choose foods that are “easier on the stomach” and more more easily digested.
Avoid Acidic Food
Reduce your intake of very acidic foods by avoiding items such as: tomatoes, tomato-based sauces, citrus fruits, rhubarb, gooseberries, unripe fruit, vinegar and acidic pickles or relishes.
source: source:http://delicious-diet.com/2009/04/19/diet-for-heartburn/
What is Heartburn? What Are The Symptoms?
Heartburn is a digestive problem: it has nothing to do with your heart. It occurs when small amounts of stomach acid accidentally rise up the esophagus (the food canal running from the mouth to the stomach) causing symptoms like a burning pain in the chest which rises towards the throat. Sufferers may even taste the fluid in the back of the mouth, and this is called acid indigestion. In many cases the pain and burning sensation is relatively mild, but sometimes is so severe that patients think they are experiencing a heart attack.
What Are The Causes Of Heartburn?
In general, the immediate cause of heartburn is the acidic digestive juices which leave the stomach and rise up the esophagus. The acid burns the tissue of the esophagus causing inflammation and pain - a condition called esophagitis. Heartburn may also occur in pregnancy when the baby is pressing up against the underside of the diaphragm and squeezing the stomach. An occasional episode of acid-regurgitation or indigestion is quite normal. But persistent heartburn (eg. twice a week), is usually a sign of something more serious. The two most common underlying causes of heartburn symptoms are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hiatal hernia.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
GERD is characterized by a failure of the muscular valve, known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is located at the bottom of the esophagus. The function of this valve is to keep acid in the stomach and prevent it leaking back up the esophagus. When this valve doesn’t work properly, reflux (leak-back) and heartburn can occur. Factors that contribute to gastroesophageal reflux disease include obesity, pregnancy, smoking and, in particular, hiatal hernia.
Hiatal Hernia
Hiatus or hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach herniates (protrudes) upwards into the chest through the hiatus (opening) in the diaphragm normally only occupied by the esophagus. This puts extra pressure on the LES valve preventing it from closing properly. As a result, stomach acid leaks into the esophagus causing heartburn. The underlying cause of hiatal hernia is unknown. Contributory factors include: obesity, pregnancy, constipation, abdominal muscle strain, and smoking.
Dietary Treatment For Heartburn
In cases of persistent heartburn, dietary improvements are not sufficient. So as well as advocating a digestion-friendly diet, your doctor is likely to recommend one or more of the following types of medication. Antacids to neutralize the acid in your stomach; H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors to reduce acid production; or prokinetics to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter and expedite stomach-emptying. However, if heartburn symptoms are mild and occur only from time to time, usually you will be advised to make the following changes to your diet.
If Overweight, Switch To A Healthy Weight Loss Diet
Obesity, especially excess fat on the chest and abdomen, is a common contributory factor to GERD and hiatal hernia, and therefore to heartburn. So if you are obese (BMI > 30), take steps to normalize your weight and thus reduce your risk or symptoms of heartburn. Choose a healthy calorie-controlled diet and customize it by following the eating tips below.
Stop Eating Large Meals
A big meal distends the stomach and causes a rise in the production of stomach acid. Both these factors lead to an increased risk of heartburn. So opt for 4-6 small meals or snacks, and allow a maximum of 3 hours between eating. In addition, choose foods that are “easier on the stomach” and more more easily digested.
Avoid Acidic Food
Reduce your intake of very acidic foods by avoiding items such as: tomatoes, tomato-based sauces, citrus fruits, rhubarb, gooseberries, unripe fruit, vinegar and acidic pickles or relishes.
source: source:http://delicious-diet.com/2009/04/19/diet-for-heartburn/
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