Acid reflux happens when stomach acid and undigested food rise into your esophagus, often because of a problem with your lower esophageal sphincter muscle, which can open spontaneously. There are many causes of acid reflux, but certain foods and being overweight can trigger an episode. The Jenny Craig diet program can help control acid reflux, by promoting weight loss and limiting food choices. You may have to avoid tomato-based Jenny Craig packaged foods, but the diet already eliminates many other food culprits.
Jenny Craig Foods and Acid Reflux
Common foods that cause acid reflux are tomatoes, garlic, onions, chocolate, citrus fruits, spicy foods, fried foods and caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. The Jenny Craig program allows you to select from a variety of packaged meals and snacks. Because the food must appeal to a wide range of people, it is not particularly spicy. Foods are low in fat and calories, so nothing is deep fried. Although alcohol is allowed, it's suggested that you avoid it because of its calorie content and affect on blood sugar. You supplement the Jenny Craig meals with fresh produce and dairy products. You choose your own fresh fruits and vegetables, so you can simply avoid choosing foods that trigger your acid reflux.
Obesity
Being overweight or obese can cause acid reflux, notes the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Jenny Craig is a weight-loss program that provides nutritional counseling and teaches portion control and calorie counting. Most daily diets are limited to 1,200 calories; the goal of the Jenny Craig program is safe and steady weight loss of 1 to 2 lbs. weekly. Reaching and maintaining your goal weight may stop your acid reflux.
Pros
The Jenny Craig program is safe for people with a variety of health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. In 2011, "U.S. News & World Report" rated Jenny Craig No. 2 in Best Commercial Weight Loss Programs. Jenny Craig has programs designed specifically for women, men, seniors and Type 2 diabetics. The program is adaptable and individualized and teaches the importance of physical activity while offering emotional and mental support. The flexibility of Jenny Craig means you will have plenty of food options that don't trigger your acid reflux, and losing weight may prevent future occurrences.
Cons
There is a fee to join, weekly membership dues and you must buy much of your food directly from Jenny Craig. For some people, the cost of the program is prohibitive. If you don't enjoy the taste of the food, you will have a difficult time sticking to the plan. At the beginning of your new diet you may be hungry, as 1,200 calories is a dramatic decrease for many overweight people.
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