Our bodies are the most complex machinery that we can come across. We need to keep this machine well-oiled or lubricated to lead a healthy life. Having suffered the painful effects of acid reflux, I can vouch for how important every body part is. Our stomach may seem like a hardy organ but it definitely is not. We can easily harm our stomach, which then leads to serious repercussions for the rest of the body.
Acid reflux causes the acid produced in our stomach to flow back to our oesophagus. This is a very painful disorder and can leave one with a bitter taste – literally. The acid causes a burning sensation and prolonged acid reflux can be an indicator of some serious disease.
When the lower oesophageal sphincter does not close then the stomach acids are likely to go into the oesophagus and cause irritation. The lower oesophageal sphincter may not close due to a number of reasons. The reasons may be as varied as pregnancy, obesity, over eating or even consumption of certain kinds of food.
This is a question, the answer to which is subjective. There are many products that cause acid reflux in some people, while for others the same food causes no trouble at all. For example, I cannot eat fruits on an empty stomach but many other people who have acid reflux can eat fruits, anytime, anywhere. So, you may not know what food causes acid relfux that is the reaction at first. With careful observation, you can eventually identify and stop consuming the foods that cause you to suffer from acid reflux.
Though the acid reflux causing food is hard to pin point, the food that can help you fight acid reflux is more or less uniform. The products are generally safe for most people. Hence there are multiple food items that one can consume to prevent or reduce acid reflux.
As I mentioned before, there are a number of products that can help reduce acid reflux greatly. With the help of such products one can combat acid reflux and beat it completely. One can simply take some medicines to do the same. But who wants to become dependent on medicines? Hence we see that the food to avoid acid reflux is very commonly used around the world.
Here are a few of the food items that I find helpful when I get a heart burn:
1. If I am hungry and I need a filling meal, I turn to oatmeal. When you have any gastronomic problem it is a good idea to make use of this wonderful meal. Oatmeal absorbs acid and keeps you full for long hours. So, you can stay full but acid free with oatmeal.
2. The wrong kind of fast food as a snack can be a major cause of acid reflux. So, if you eat a healthy snack, chances of acid reflux is greatly reduced. Banana is a fruit that is very filling and can help prevent acid reflux. Though your body, like mine, may reject banana on an empty stomach, it is a good acid reflux suppressant otherwise.
3. Herbs can help fight many kinds of health problems. No, you do not have to have a broad knowledge of herbs to use them. All you need to do is add a few parsley leaves to your diet to fight acid reflux.
4. When no food or medicine works, I turn to rice. This complex carbohydrate works well to fill my stomach without making me feel heavy. It controls my acid reflux to a great extent. So try the humble rice if you are looking for relief.
These are merely four of the products that I turn to in my hour of gastronomic need. Apart from these items there are many others, which can also help you with your acid reflux. But if you do see that the symptoms are not going away then you should visit your doctor to rule out any other medical complication.