Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is caused by stomach acid and other stomach contents moving up the esophagus from the stomach. GERD can be caused by the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. When contents reflux into the esophagus, irritation can occur. You can make changes to your diet to prevent the lower esophageal sphincter from relaxing and further irritation to the esophagus.
Symptoms
If you have GERD you may experience heartburn, chest pain, coughing, trouble swallowing, sour taste, regurgitation of food, hoarseness, sore throat and hiccups. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, more than 60 million people in the United States experience heartburn. If you are among the millions that experience frequent heartburn, you should consider seeing your health care provider to be diagnosed. Your provider may recommend treatment based on your symptoms. However, if your symptoms are vague, you have severe symptoms, or your symptoms are not responding to treatment, your doctor may need to order tests to diagnose your condition.
Treatment
If you are diagnosed with GERD, there are a variety of treatment methods available. Initially, your provider may recommend lifestyle modifications. Lifestyle modifications include changes in your diet, activities and habits. If you do not respond to these modifications alone or your provider thinks it is necessary, over-the-counter and prescription medications can be used to treat GERD. You may need surgical treatment if you disease is severe or uncontrolled.
Trigger Foods
You may run into problems if you incorporate numerous high-fat foods, high-sugar foods, chocolate, peppermint, coffee and even onions in your daily diet. These foods can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to relax. When this relaxation occurs, you can experience symptoms of or increased symptoms of reflux. If you have been diagnosed with GERD, avoid or at least limit these foods.
Additional Triggers
GERD can cause irritation to your esophagus and even your throat. If you eat acidic foods such as citrus fruits and juices, tomato based foods and spicy foods you can cause more irritation to the lining of your already irritated esophagus. If you limit these foods, you may experience a decrease in your reflux symptoms.
Obesity and Reflux
If you are an overweight or obese patient suffering from GERD, not only can you benefit from limiting the previously mentioned foods; you may also benefit from obtaining a healthy body weight. If you are obese, you have increased pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter which can cause you to experience reflux. If you eat a healthy diet and lose weight, you may experience an improvement in your symptoms.
