Can You Feel the Burn? Do You Want it to Stop?
Acid reflux is an unpleasant condition that affects many people. It is caused by an easily loosened lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which the circular muscle that acts as door between the esophagus and stomach. When it opens it allows the caustic gastric acid from the stomach to leak into the esophagus resulting in the burning sensation known as heart burn, although it's not really the heart burning.
There are some foods that can relax the lower esophageal sphincter which should be avoided with those who have this condition. For example: mint, saturated fats, highly processed meat, caffeine, coffee (regardless as to if it is caffeine free or not) deep-fried items, and carbonated drinks have been shown to chemically loosen the LES promoting acid reflux or reduce the speed of digestion due to the high fat content and oils increasing the likelihood of foods backing up in the digestive system when other edibles are consumed causes acid reflux, and as such should be avoided.
Besides avoiding triggering foods, try choosing more healthy low fat options such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and try to include a wide variety in your overall diet, like four types of fruit and veggies per day. Ginger and fennel are also digestion aids, so you might want to consider including some ginger and fennel in the diet tea. Try cooking more by boiling and baking instead of frying foods, but if frying reduce the amount of oil used.
People can also control their heart burn by reducing the portion size even of good foods. Aim for four different kinds of non-starchy vegetables each day but try not to eat more than 1 1∕2 cups of leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach and broccoli, at once. Eating less will relieve pressure on the stomach and reducing the amount of stomach acids released and can reduce the chances of heartburn flare ups. Increasing the fiber in one's diet can help regulate the digestive system to aid the chronic constipation often associated with gastroesophageal reflux but don't eat too much whole grains as some people have problems digesting it.
So overall avoid triggering foods, eat healthy foods, and reducing the amount of foods consumed can manage the flames of heartburn and help put some fires out.
This article is not intended as a diagnosis for any condition, nor is it intended to take the place of professional medical care. Please ask a doctor knowable in natural healing tips for help regarding what is best for you.
Originally found here
Picture originally found here
