Acid reflux is a painful condition that occurs when your stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. This irritation causes the heartburn sensation and can lead to more serious problems if left untreated. If you have these symptoms more than two times per week, you may have a condition that is known as GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Acid reflux is also called gastroesophageal reflux, acid regurgitation, acid indigestion and heartburn.
Causes
Acid reflux occurs when the muscle at the end of your esophagus does not close properly, which allows your stomach contents to leak back into the esophagus and irritate it. Acid reflux is common and is caused by a variety of factors like obesity, pregnancy, smoking, anatomical abnormalities and food choices.
Effects
When acid reflux occurs, the first thing that you notice is the taste of food or fluid in the back of your mouth. When the refluxed stomach acid touches the lining of the esophagus it causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn or acid indigestion. If this occurs infrequently it is considered heartburn or simple reflux, but if it happens more than twice per week it may be classified as GERD.
Significance of Diet
One of the causes of acid reflux is the types of foods that you eat. Citrus fruits, chocolate, fatty or fried foods, spicy foods and tomato-based foods are some of the most common causes of acid reflux. Others like caffeine drinks, alcohol, garlic, onions and mint-flavored foods can be additional triggers of acid reflux. What you eat plays a big role in your acid reflux, but there is no specific diet that prevents the condition. Instead it is recommended that you avoid any foods that worsen your symptoms.
Considerations
In addition to avoiding certain foods, there are some other things to consider that may help with your acid reflux symptoms. Many people can improve their symptoms by avoiding alcohol and spicy, fatty or acidic foods that trigger heartburn and by making specific lifestyle changes related to eating habits. Medications may also help with symptoms.
Prevention/Solution
Specific lifestyle changes to prevent acid reflux include eating smaller meals, not eating close to bedtime, losing weight if needed and wearing loose-fitting clothes. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends that you stop smoking and avoid laying down for at least three hours after eating. If you make these changes and choose the foods that you eat wisely, by avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms, you can prevent attacks of acid reflux.
