Acid reflux has many names: heartburn, gastroesphageal reflux, acid indigestion, pyrosis or reflux esophagitis. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid backs up, or refluxes, into the esophagus. Pregnancy, alcohol, certain medications and some foods can cause acid reflux. It is important to prevent or treat acid reflux because over time, stomach acid can cause damage to the esophagus.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary in type, intensity and duration. Commonly reported symptoms include pain below the breastbone, feelings of fullness and pressure, regurgitation, bloating and bitter fluid flowing into the mouth. If stomach acid trickles into the airways, hoarseness, cough and shortness of breath may also result.
Causes
During normal digestion, the lower esophageal sphincter, the circular band of muscle at the end of the esophagus, relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into the stomach. Once the food has passed, the esophageal sphincter closes in order to prevent any backflow. According to the Mayo Clinic, the cause of acid reflux is the weakening or abnormal relaxation of the esophageal sphincter.
Complications
If acid reflux occurs more than twice a week, this could be gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that requires medical attention. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, if chronic acid reflux is left untreated, stomach acid can cause bleeding and ulceration of the esophagus. Tissue damage can then lead to the narrowing of the esophagus, making swallowing difficult. Over time, acid reflux can transform healthy esophageal cells into abnormal shapes and colors that can cause Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer.
Diet
A good diet for acid reflux is not much different than a diet for those who do not suffer from acid reflux. A balanced, nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and fat is ideal. For individuals with acid reflux, a healthy diet is planned by recognizing which foods bring on acid reflux. Penn Medicine identifies the foods most commonly associated with reflux symptoms as high-fat foods, fried foods, coffee and other caffeinated beverages, alcohol, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits and juices, vegetable juices, spicy foods, tomatoes and related products, peppermint, spearmint and chocolate. It is helpful to keep a food diary and record when symptoms occur, then eliminate the problematic foods.
Other Tips
In addition to avoiding troublesome foods, other strategies may also be helpful. These include eating small, frequent meals, avoiding tight clothing, quitting smoking, drinking only a small amount of liquid with meals, eating upright, and losing weight if overweight.
References
- Penn Medicine: Managing Heartburn with Diet
- Medline Plus: Heartburn
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gsatroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
- Mayo Clinic: Heartburn
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
