|
Home
>
Search
>
Acid Reflux
Avoid for Acid Reflux
People with heartburn should first try
lifestyle and dietary changes. In one study,
44% of patients who experienced symptoms of
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
reported improvement after changing their
diet.
Some suggestions are the following:
-
People with heartburn should avoid or reduce consumption of
foods and beverages that contain caffeine, chocolate,
peppermint, spearmint, and alcohol. Both caffeinated and
decaffeinated coffee increase acid secretion.
-
All carbonated drinks increase the risk for GERD.
-
Although physicians often advise patients with GERD to cut down
on fatty foods, studies are finding no evidence that a low-fat
or high-fat meal make any difference in symptom exacerbation.
Better studies are needed to confirm this. In any case, as a
rule, it is always wise to avoid saturated fats (which are from
animal products), and cut down on all fats if one is overweight.
-
Increasing protein may help strengthen muscles in the muscle
valve. Patients should choose low-fat or skim dairy products,
poultry, or fish, in such cases.
-
Whole grain products rich in selenium may have some protective
role against dangerous cells changes in Barrett's esophagus.
-
Patients should have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables,
although avoid acidic vegetables and fruits (e.g., oranges,
lemons, grapefruit, pineapple, tomatoes).
-
Patients who have trouble swallowing should avoid tough meats,
vegetables with skins, doughy bread, and pasta.
Prevention of Nighttime GERD
Nearly three-quarters of patients with
frequent GERD symptoms have them at night.
Patients with nighttime GERD also tend to
experience severe pain. It is very important
to take preventative measures before going
to sleep. Some suggestions for preventing
acid reflux at night are as follows:
-
After meals, take a walk or, at the very least, remain upright.
-
Avoid bedtime snacks. In general, avoid eating for at least two
hours prior to bedtime.
-
When going to bed, try lying on the left side rather than on the
right. The stomach is located higher than the esophagus when a
person sleeps on the right side, which can put pressure on the
lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increasing the risk for fluid
back-up.
-
Sleep in a tilted position to help keep acid in the stomach at
night. To do this, raise the bed at an angle using four -to six-
inch blocks at the head of the bed and use a wedge-support to
elevate the top half of the body. (Extra pillows that only raise
the head actually increase the risk for reflux.)
-
A reflux board is prescribed for use in children who have
gastroesophageal reflux. A board tilts the child upward while he
is lying in bed to prevent the stomach contents from going back
into the esophagus and mouth, and possibly into the lungs.
Other Preventive Measures :
-
Quitting smoking is essential.
-
People who are overweight should try to reduce food intake.
-
People with GERD should avoid tight clothing, particularly
around the abdomen.
-
If
possible, GERD patients should avoid nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen
(Motrin, Advil), or naproxen (Aleve), among others. Tylenol
(acetaminophen) is a good alternative pain reliever.
|
