What Is Acid Reflux or Gerd?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic condition that affects the esophagus, a tube connecting the mouth to the stomach. The esophagus becomes inflamed, which can lead to a few complications. GERD is usually treated with medication and lifestyle changes. However, surgery may be needed in severe cases.

Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, dry cough, and trouble swallowing. These indications can be worse after eating or lying down. Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux and occurs when acid from the stomach flows back up into the esophagus. Some people with GERD do not experience heartburn.

The symptoms of GERD can also be triggered by other health conditions. Among other things, obesity increases the risk of GERD. Other factors that can contribute to GERD include smoking, drinking alcohol, and using certain medications. Medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help prevent the occurrence of GERD, but it is not always possible to avoid GERD.

If GERD is suspected, a doctor will do a physical exam to evaluate your symptoms. They may perform a series of tests, which could include impedance testing, upper endoscopy, and esophageal manometry. This test will determine if the lower esophageal sphincter is working properly. In addition to allowing food to pass into the stomach, the esophageal sphincter prevents food from coming back up into the esophagus.

Upper endoscopy is the most common diagnostic procedure. It is performed by passing a long tube through the mouth and stomach. Your doctor will look for signs of inflammation or a narrowing of the esophagus. Another symptom of GERD is regurgitation, or the backflow of stomach contents into the mouth. Regurgitation can also cause an acidic taste in the mouth.

The pain caused by GERD is often relieved by taking an antacid. Antacids are available over the counter or through a prescription. While these medications can alleviate some of the pain associated with GERD, it is important to consult a physician if your symptoms do not improve.

In order to treat GERD, your provider will recommend a variety of procedures and drugs. Medications such as antacids, PPIs, and H2 blockers can help control your symptoms. You can also make changes to your diet to help reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces. Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger GERD can also be helpful. For example, eliminating full-fat dairy products from your diet will lessen the chances of GERD.

GERD can have other effects on your life, such as bad breath, trouble sleeping, and choking spells. Because of the potential for these to be dangerous, it is recommended that you see a physician as soon as you notice the onset of any of the symptoms. A physician will assess your overall health and may recommend other treatment options, including surgery.

Pregnancy and infants are at an increased risk for GERD. The condition is often not serious during pregnancy, but it can be more troublesome if it is left untreated.

What Are Foods That Trigger GERD?

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease can be a painful and uncomfortable condition. While it may be difficult to deal with, there are things you can do to control the symptoms. One of the best ways to do this is to know what triggers your symptoms. You can learn which foods to avoid and which ones to eat in moderation. This will help you to enjoy your meals without worrying about what can trigger your GERD.

Keeping a food diary can help you identify which foods are triggering your GERD. By keeping a list of what you eat and drink for a week, you will be able to pinpoint the culprits. When you do this, you will be able to reduce your intake and prevent your symptoms from escalating.

Some of the most common GERD triggers are spicy foods, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. These foods all contain chemicals that can irritate the esophagus. They also cause the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax, allowing acid to leak into the esophagus.

A healthy diet should include lean sources of protein, complex carbohydrates, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. You will also want to eat a good amount of healthy fats. These are found in nuts, avocados, olive oil, flaxseed, and sesame oil. In addition, you should consume foods high in fiber. Foods high in fiber will fill you up and will lessen the pressure on the LES.

Another food that can aggravate your GERD symptoms is full-fat dairy products. Dairy contains proteins and fats that can be hard on the LES. Because of this, you should limit your dairy intake. If you cannot eliminate dairy from your diet, you should choose low-fat alternatives. Other options to consider are almond milk, soy milk, or nondairy alternatives.

Chocolate is another food that can aggravate your GERD. The caffeine in chocolate can worsen your symptoms. It is important to keep in mind that not all types of chocolate are alike.

Similarly, foods that are high in acid can cause your GERD to get worse. Acidic foods can backwash into your esophagus, which can cause heartburn. Therefore, you should avoid foods that are high in acid. For example, tomatoes, cheese sauces, and carbonated drinks.

Avoiding citrus fruits is important for people who suffer from GERD. They contain a lot of citric acid, which can exacerbate GERD. However, you can still enjoy non-citrus fruits to ease your symptoms.

Changing your eating habits is one of the most important steps you can take if you are suffering from GERD. There are many things you can do to manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. Managing your diet will give you the opportunity to try new foods, which can be a great way to enjoy your food.

Many people with GERD find that they can eliminate certain foods from their diets. You can make individual changes to your diet based on your needs, or you can eliminate all possible triggers at once.


The Best Things to Eat If You Have Acid Reflux

If you're suffering from acid reflux, then it's vital to make some changes to your diet. These changes can reduce the discomfort you're feeling and can also help to prevent reflux in the first place. However, there are some foods that you should avoid if you have GERD. 

In addition to following the recommendations above, you should also keep a food diary. This will allow you to identify which types of food trigger your symptoms. Once you have determined which foods cause your symptoms, you can eliminate them.

Avoid eating fried foods, fatty meats, and other greasy foods. Fatty foods are difficult to digest, and they can exacerbate your stomach acid. Instead, choose lean cuts of meat and low-fat dairy. Also, avoid pasta sauces, heavy sauces, and spicy foods.

Eat at least three to five smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large ones. Eating at frequent intervals allows your stomach to settle and avoid triggering your reflux symptoms. Another way to do this is to drink water with electrolytes. Electrolytes promote a healthy pH balance, which is important in controlling acid reflux.

You can also replace unhealthy fats with unsaturated fats. Good sources of healthy fats include olive oil, walnuts, and avocados. Other good choices include flaxseeds, soy products, and fish. Aside from helping to keep your acid levels in check, these foods can also provide you with vitamins and fiber.

Fruits and vegetables are also a great source of healthy fiber. These foods have a high fiber content, which can help you feel full longer. Additionally, these fruits and vegetables are low in calories and are easy to digest. Some fruits, including bananas, are especially helpful for people who suffer from GERD because they are low in acidity.

Drinks can also play a role in your GERD symptoms. Coffee can cause heartburn, but drinks that contain carbonation and caffeine can also relax the LES muscle. Alcohol can aggravate your esophagus, but drinking alcohol may not necessarily trigger reflux.

Among the best things to eat if you have GERD are brown rice, oatmeal, and whole grain bread. Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber, which helps to keep your gut regulated. They also help you feel fuller, and they reduce your chances of overeating.

Those who suffer from acid reflux should also avoid eating foods that contain too much sugar. While sugar is a great source of energy, it can also stimulate the production of acid. So, if you are trying to maintain a healthier diet, try to stay away from desserts that are loaded with sugar.

Choosing a mix of lean protein and vegetables will reduce your reflux symptoms. Lean proteins include chicken, tofu, and egg whites. Meats and poultry should be cooked without frying. Likewise, vegetables should be steamed, grilled, poached, or boiled.

For some people, chocolate can exacerbate acid reflux. Chocolates contain capsaicin, which can irritate the esophagus.

Natural Cures For Acid Reflux

If you are looking for ways to cure acid reflux, there are many natural remedies out there for you to choose from. You just need to decide on which ones work for you.

Fennel Tea

Fennel tea is a popular drink with many benefits. In addition to its antioxidant properties, fennel has been used as a digestive aid for centuries. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties are known to soothe stomach upset and bloating.

It has also been proven to help reduce acidity in the body. The seeds in fennel are rich in fiber, which can stimulate the digestion process. They also contain antifungal and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Some research suggests that fennel tea can help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. This condition occurs when the acids in the stomach come back up into the oesophagus. While it's not a cure for acid reflux, it can help to reduce the discomfort and irritation associated with the disease.

Fennel tea isn't for everyone, however. If you suffer from frequent acidity, speak with your doctor or health professional to see if it's safe for you.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint oil has many health benefits, especially when used internally. It is considered to be an antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant.

Peppermint can also improve digestion and relieve upset stomach. The herb can be taken by mouth, or used topically.

One study of peppermint found that it was effective in reducing nausea. It has been recommended for treating heartburn, indigestion, headaches, and sinus infections.

Another study found that a combination of peppermint and caraway oil improved functional dyspepsia. This condition includes abdominal pain, flatulence, and diarrhea. However, it is not known whether the peppermint and caraway combination works alone.

Peppermint oil has been used for digestive complaints since ancient times. A number of studies have been done on its ability to help with irritable bowel syndrome.

Peppermint oil can be added to drinks to provide a refreshing taste. Alternatively, it can be inhaled with scented gels or room diffusers.

Coconut Oil

If you're suffering from acid reflux, you may want to consider a coconut oil natural cure. The good news is that there are many ways to incorporate this oil into your diet.

Coconut oil has been shown to boost heart health and reduce the symptoms of gallbladder disease. It is also beneficial for the digestive system and skin. Adding a tablespoon of it each day will help alleviate symptoms.

Although it contains saturated fats, it does not increase cholesterol levels as much as other oils. Instead, it promotes the formation of HDL, or good cholesterol.

Studies have also found that the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil work as an antibiotic. These MCFAs break down the lipid walls of bacteria, which helps kill them.

Another benefit of coconut oil is that it stimulates the metabolism. This increases energy production and gives your body longer, sustained energy.

Coriander

Coriander is a great herb for treating acid reflux and other digestive problems. It promotes digestion, reduces bloating, and is a great source of vitamins and minerals.

Coriander can be taken internally, such as in tea, or externally. For example, a fresh coriander decoction can be applied to the scalp to treat dandruff. Other preparations include using the paste of coriander seeds, which are available in the market.

Another use for coriander is as a natural remedy for hyperglycemia. The herb contains vitamins B, C, and A and may reduce high blood sugar levels. Moreover, it has antimicrobial properties that can help kill parasites and other microorganisms.

Another advantage of taking coriander is that it increases blood flow. This helps improve the filtration rate of the kidneys. When the kidneys are working at their optimal level, they can produce more urine. Also, the increased filtration of the kidneys leads to lower water retention.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a natural remedy that is used to treat various diseases. It helps to improve liver function and reduce symptoms of heartburn, cramping, vomiting, and acid reflux. This natural herb also reduces oxidative stress, which can damage blood vessels.

The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, which has antioxidant properties. In addition, it may help protect the liver, boost the immune system, and even fight cancer.

In general, milk thistle is safe, but it may interact with other drugs. So, it is important to consult with a physician before taking a supplement.

One possible downside to taking milk thistle is a loss of appetite. Another possible side effect is a mild laxative effect. Other possible negative side effects include a skin rash and intestinal gas.

*This article is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition but to be used as a source of alternative information. The writer of this article dealt with heart burn and GERD for many years and used popular over the counter and prescribed medications before trying more natural alternatives. Talk with your professional healthcare provider about what is right for you. We hope this article has has provided value to you and for your well being.