08/26/2020 / By Divina Ramirez
Burning abdominal discomfort, chest pain and bloating after eating are all tell-tale signs of acid reflux. Getting a case of heartburn from time to time isn’t unusual, but it might be a sign of a more serious problem if it persists in the long run.
Ekta Gupta, a gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine, states that diet has a major role in controlling the occurrence of acid reflux. In fact, diet is one of the go-to therapies for people that suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the chronic form of acid reflux, said Gupta.
This is because certain foods tend to encourage GERD flare-ups, according to gastrointestinal surgeon and specialist Leena Khaitan. On the bright side, this means that eating certain foods can soothe flare-ups or keep them from occurring altogether, added Khaitan.
To minimize the occurrence of acid reflux or GERD flare-ups, it’s important to eat a balanced diet that contains plant-based foods as much as possible, said Khaitan. Here are some of the best foods to include in a GERD or acid reflux diet:
In general, foods that can trigger heartburn are those that cause the esophageal sphincter to relax, said Gupta. In effect, this lets the food sit in the stomach for longer periods, stalling digestion. Some of the most common culprits include:
Besides eating the right foods and cutting back on the bad ones, healthcare professionals might recommend making certain changes that could further minimize the occurrence of acid reflux or GERD flare-ups. Common recommendations include:
Experts recommend a diet-first approach to treating GERD, but it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all GERD diet. It should be tailored according to a person’s taste preferences and focused on foods that promote good gut health, such as those rich in fiber and probiotics.
For people unable to eliminate some of the bad foods from their diet, moderation should be practiced, said Gupta. That being said, it’s best to steer clear of problem foods late at night to keep them from coming up the esophagus during sleep. (Related: Natural remedies for acid reflux.)
Read more articles about managing acid reflux and GERD flare-ups at Healing.news.
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