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Do you often feel a burning sensation in your food pipe, after having a heavy meal? This is a sign of acid reflux. This condition occurs when your stomach acid splashes back into your esophagus. Consumption of spicy meals, alcohol, certain medications and pregnancy, among other reasons, can cause acid reflux.
If left untreated, the stomach acid can cause ulcers in your esophagus or lead to serious medical conditions like esophageal cancer. To avoid constant bouts of acid reflux, it is best to follow the diet that we have outlined for you, right here.
Diet Tips For Acid Reflux
Protein Rich Foods
Include foods rich in protein, in your daily diet. This strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, which in turn disallows your stomach acids to splatter back into the esophagus.Add low fat milk, yogurt, tofu, lean beef, turkey and fish to your diet. In fact, low fat milk is known to soothe the burning sensation in your food pipe that occurs with an acid reflux.
Rice, Whole Grains And Oats
Whole grain cereals and whole wheat bread have high selenium content. Selenium protects your esophagus from the harmful effects of stomach acids. Rice, oats and whole grains are excellent contributors to an acid reducing diet. Mix steamed vegetables with rice or oats for a better alternative to stir fried rice.
Fresh Vegetables And Fruits
Make fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber, a part of your acid free diet. However, make sure that you avoid citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, pineapples and lemons that are acidic in nature. You may munch on apples, bananas, mangoes and melons.Fresh vegetables like potato, carrots and zucchini are beneficial for people who suffer from constant acid reflux problems. Carrots also have a high fiber content that aids digestion, reducing the possibility of an acid reflux.
Drink Warm Water
Drink plenty of water, but make sure it is warm. Warm water dilutes the stomach acids and makes you feel better immediately. You can also add 4 – 5 drops of fresh ginger juice to a cup of warm water before drinking, to get instant relief from heartburn.
Natural Antacid Foods
Several natural foods like licorice, marshmallow, fennel and ginger have antacid properties. These foods provide relief from acid reflux symptoms by neutralizing the stomach acids. Introduce these foods in your diet.
Foods To Avoid
Acid reflux sufferers must avoid certain foods that are known to aggravate this condition further. These foods include spicy foods, chocolates, fried foods with high fat content, alcoholic beverages, caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee, acidic fruits and carbonated drinks. Also refrain from eating tough meats and vegetables with their skin intact.
Watch Your Meal Portions
Instead of having three large meals a day, it would be beneficial to consume smaller portions more often. This will lessen the production of stomach acids and promote faster digestion. Note that if your symptoms persist for several days, it may indicate an underlying medical condition. In such cases, do not hesitate to consult a doctor immediately.
