Foods to Avoid When You Have Acid Reflux Syndrome
Acid reflux syndrome is the inability of the esophagus muscles, or stomach muscles to hold in stomach acid or food. Chronic acid reflux syndrome will result in burning pain in the chest, burning of the esophagus, a sour taste and burning of the mouth and throat, as well as possible esophageal scarring and corrosion of teeth enamel. There are several types of foods that you can avoid and eating habit changes you can make to minimize the damage from acid reflux.
You may try eating earlier in the evening, eating smaller meals, drinking copious amounts of water, and making sure that you're an upright position for at least 30 minutes after eating. Eating smaller meals more often can helps reduce the effects of acid reflux as well as making sure that you do not lie down, or use pillows to elevate your chest while lying prone or sleeping. Along with eating and lifestyle changes you may find that avoiding the following foods can help you reduce the effects of acid reflux disease.
Stay away from caffeinated drinks, especially if your stomach is empty at the time, caffeine will have your stomach producing more acid than your esophagus can handle. Caffeinated drinks can include coffee, tea, and certain sodas or chocolate drinks. Watch tomato-based foods, tomato acid is highly corrosive and heartburn is often the result. Citrus fruits, onions, some fruit juices, and other spicy foods can also produce copious amounts of stomach acid, resulting in pain and inflammation for the acid reflux patient.
Spearmint, peppermint and even chocolate can produce excess stomach acid and should be avoided, especially on an empty stomach. You'll find that avoiding foods that increase the acid in your stomach a good way to treat your acid reflux syndrome. Permanent damage, scarring, as well as pain and inflammation can result if you continue to eat large meals before lying down, eat foods that produce excess acid, or do not get treatment.
There are a variety of treatment programs as well as lifestyle changes that you can make in order to reduce the effects of acid reflux syndrome. Severe cases can actually undergo surgery to tighten the esophagus muscles, make the esophagus sphincter a one-way valve, and tighten the stomach walls in order to hold stomach acids.
Acid reflux syndrome usually starts out with heartburn and is usually treated through antacid therapy in the form of pills or liquids. If it continues, a visit your doctor should be made as soon as possible. There are many new treatments out, many well-known treatments, and possible surgery procedures for those who suffer from severe acid reflux syndrome.
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