Most people experience gastric upsets. But for some people it can be a regular problem resulting in pain and discomfort. Heartburns and pains and acidic taste in your mouth can be symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux or acid reflux disease. The frequency varies from person to person. It may be experienced daily or even monthly or every time your food intake schedule is disturbed.
The symptoms are triggered when the food return back from the stomach to the esophagus causing irritation. In normal case, the food that goes into the stomach is prevented from coming back by a set of muscle fibres called lower esophageal sphincter, or LES.
It is best to avoid certain foods and habits to reduce this heart burn. Fatty, fried and spicy food is in no ways good for people who have gastric problems. Alcohol and smoking should be completely avoided. Proper food habits, more of fruits and vegetables (avoid tomatoes), proper exercise and sleep can reduce the trouble of acidity to a great extent. Stress busters should be an integral part of your daily routine and ways to remain calm and happy should be adopted to help the smooth functioning of your digestive system.
Antacids can reduce the discomfort for a while but they aren't a great help to cure the disease. Water can dilute the acids in the stomach but again it is just to an extent and a temporary help. The medicines prescribed for this disease do have negative side effects and hence it would be better to resort to herbal remedies for the cure of the same.
Apple cider vinegar can be used to reduce the effects of acid reflux. It can be taken diluted with water and has no side effects. Water is a magical cure for most diseases and so it is for acid reflux. Drink sufficient water to keep your system toxin free.
It is important to identify the kind of foods that trigger acidity in your stomach and avoid them. Citric fruits and juices should be avoided, so should onions and fried foods. It is also better to avoid ice-creams and milk shakes, unfortunately. Coffee and tea can disturb your digestive system even more. Chocolates, salad dressings and desserts also are better avoided so as to maintain a comfortable digestive cycle.
It is ideal to have smaller meals and to have your dinner at least 2 hours before your retire to bed. Over eating is a big NO. Complex carbohydrates can absorb some of the acid and hence include more whole grains into your diet, more of rice, whole grain breads and pasta. Also, an apple a day can keep the acid reflux away.
Most important, do not take acid refluxes lightly. It can lead to esophageal cancer and requires medical intervention. Do not delay in consulting a doctor and have regular check ups as a preventive therapy. It is important to be aware of what is happening to your body so as to enable you to act accordingly towards better health and well being.
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