Meaning of GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, simply known as GERD, happens when stomach acid continuously flows back to the tube connecting the mouth and stomach (esophagus). When it happens, it triggers heartburn or acid indigestion. Doctors believe that the condition happens due to an ailment called a hiatal hernia. Adjusting your lifestyle and diet can have a positive impact on GERD symptoms, including heartburn relief. However, there are those who may need to undergo surgery or medical vein treatment to treat the condition.
Do I have GERD?
You must have experienced heartburn at one point in your life. Depending on the severity, you might be left wondering whether or not you have GERD. Generally, you would need to have more frequent and worse heartburns for one to know that they have GERD. Tracking the calories you consume per meal could help manage GERD symptoms.
Heartburn medicine that your doctor prescribes alongside changes to your lifestyle and diet can serve as the best treatment for GERD. You may have to try a couple of strategies and make mistakes along the way to get it right.
What foods can relieve acid reflux?
Taking certain foods can help with acid reflux. They include:
- Brown rice – Brown rice is a moderate and filling complex carbohydrate that can relieve acid reflux. However, do not serve it fried
- Celery, lettuce, and sweet peppers – These are easy on your stomach and will not lead to uncomfortable gas
- Chicken breast – Chicken breast prepared in different strategies will do you go. Do not forget to remove the fatty skin
- Fennel – You can be sure of an all-natural and calming feeling from this crunchy vegetable that is low in acid
- Ginger – You can either take ginger tea or sip ginger coffee to relax your stomach naturally
- Melons – Melons are low-acid fruits. You can consider watermelon, honeydew, or cantaloupe as great acid reflux relievers
- Oatmeal – This nutritious meal leaves you feeling full and is a great choice for breakfast and lunch
Keep off these foods
When you make up your mind about dietary and lifestyle adjustments, it will be helpful to know what to avoid. That can go a long way in helping with indigestion relief. The following are known for causing or worsening the symptoms. Therefore, you want to stay away from them as much as you can.
- Alcohol – It triggers the stomach to make more acid while at the same time relaxing the sphincter valve
- Carbonated beverages – They increase bubbles in your stomach, subsequently making you uncomfortable. You can trade this with decaffeinated iced tea or plain water
- Chocolate – Chocolate may sound delicious, but it is the sweetness that makes things worse as it features fat, caffeine, and chocolate
- Fried foods – Avoid onion rings, fries, and fried chicken because they trigger the worst reaction to reflux
- Late-night snacks – Your bad habits of snacking at night are not doing you any justice when it comes to GERD. Furthermore, you may opt for five small meals instead of three large ones
- Orange and grapefruit – The high acidity in citrus fruits can aggravate your symptoms
- Peppermint – Even though peppermint is known for relaxing the stomach, do not take it because it causes acid reflux
- Tomatoes – Tomato products such as marinara sauce, ketchup, and tomato soup do not work well for you.
