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Loading ...It seems like people today want a quick fix for every problem. Pop a pill, feel better and forget about it. (Until the pill wears off, anyway.) But popping pills won’t solve your problems permanently. Taking antacids or histamine-receptor blockers won’t cure your acid reflux; they just relieve your symptoms.
To make a permanent change in your acid reflux and stop symptoms before they happen, you will need to make some changes in your life and take some preventative measures.
Preventing acid reflux through diet
Diet is an important tool for managing and preventing acid reflux. By eating certain foods and avoiding others, you can feel better and lead a more productive life.
Foods you should eat to manage acid reflux
One important key to managing your acid reflux is to eat lots of fiber. People who eat lots of fiber are 20 percent less likely to experience symptoms. Fiber is found in whole grain products and unprocessed plant foods. Other foods to try:
- Aloe Vera juice
- Apples
- Milk
- Rhubarb
- Pineapple
- Papaya
- Fennel seeds
- Mustard
- Banana
- Chamomile or green tea
- Drinking lots of water can dilute and wash away any stomach acid hanging around in your esophagus.
Foods to avoid to keep acid reflux under control
Some foods can weaken the muscle in your esophagus that keeps the acid in your stomach. Try to avoid these foods or limit your consumption:
Other foods irritate the inflammation in your esophagus caused by acid reflux. You will feel better if you avoid these foods:
- Citrus
- Tomatoes
- Chili peppers
- Black pepper
Give up some bad habits to relieve acid reflux
No one is perfect, but some habits will have to go if you want to keep the acid reflux at bay.
Stay away from large and high-fat meals. They put pressure on the stomach, which can make the acid flow up into the esophagus. They also stay in the stomach longer and can weaken the esophageal sphincter that keeps the acid in your stomach.
Give up smoking; it also weakens the esophageal sphincter. If you are overweight, try to shed some pounds. Extra weight also puts pressure on the stomach.
Some things you probably haven’t thought of before
These little changes may seem strange, but they can help acid reflex a lot. Try some out:
- Elevate your upper body when you sleep
- Sleep on your left side, instead of the right
- Have dinner earlier in the evening, well before bed
- Chew gum (but not peppermint)
- Don’t lie down after eating
- Make sure your belt is not too tight
- Take vitamin B1, B5 and choline
Learn more about Acid Reflux and Heartburn here.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/11-meal-planning-tips-prevent-heartburn?page=2
http://www.home-herb-garden.com/heartburn.html
Written by Gwen Novak for MicroNutra Health™