Frequently eating large, greasy meals and finishing them off with fatty desserts can lead to acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The esophagus gets repeatedly assaulted with stomach acids and partly digested food that has escaped the lower esophageal sphincter, which is meant to keep food in the stomach, leading to a burning sensation that can stretch from the chest area all the way to the throat. Too much stomach acid in the esophagus can erode the cells in its lining, and lead to conditions such as Barrett's esophagus or even esophageal cancer. However, there are steps you can take to heal your esophagus.
Step 1
Eat small meals and snacks five or six times during the day to avoid overeating and reduce the pressure on the stomach and lower esophageal valve.
Step 2
Eat complex carbohydrates while allowing your esophagus to heal. These foods aid the stomach in absorbing acids and fill you up quickly.
Step 3
Reduce foods high in fat to encourage faster digestion times. Fats are known to slow digestion and cause the esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing acids to enter the esophagus.
Step 4
Eliminate common trigger foods known to increase acid production, irritate the lining of stomach and weaken the lower esophageal sphincter. Pass on alcohol, carbonated beverages, coffee, tea, orange juice, garlic, onions and hot spices.
Step 5
Avoid milk. Milk may initially relieve burning pains, but it also creates a rebound effect, eventually encouraging additional acid production that discourages esophageal healing.
Step 6
Sleep with you head elevated at about a 45-degree angle. Use several pillows or raise the head of the bed by six to nine inches. This allows gravity to help keep acids in the stomach where they belong, and encourages the lower esophageal sphincter to heal and strengthen.
Tips and Warnings
- Whole grains and starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes are soothing and satisfying for most people, binding to acids and bringing relief from heartburn. The book "Alkalinize or Die" suggests eating the more alkaline grains, like quinoa, millet and amaranth, available from health food stores. Seek medical advice if these suggestions still leave you with reflux. Your doctor may prescribe any one of a number of medicines to reduce acid secretions.
- The information offered here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace medical advice.
References
- HealthCastle.com: Acid Reflux
- "Alkalinize or Die;" Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991
- Mayo Clinic: Heartburn
