Contents
General description of the disease
Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux reflux – This is an involuntary entry of stomach acid into the esophagus due to weakness or non-closure of the lower esophageal sphincter, which prevents the reverse flow of food and acid. The latter can cause severe chemical burns to the esophagus, vocal cords and pharynx. These parts of the gastrointestinal tract do not have such a protective epithelium as in the stomach, so acid damage is quite painful and can cause discomfort.
If the disease is not treated for a long time (more than 10 years), then the risk of developing Barrett’s disease, esophageal cancer, ulcers increases. In the initial stages of acid reflux, adherence to dietary rules is sufficient. At later stages, a mandatory examination by a gastroenterologist, endoscopy and X-ray of the esophagus, pH-metry, Berstein’s test, pressure measurement and the degree of closure of the esophageal sphincter are required.
If neoplasms of unknown etiology are detected, a biopsy of tissue samples is performed. If therapy and diet do not bring a positive effect, patients are prescribed Nissen’s operation to wrap the upper part of the stomach around the esophagus, thereby eliminating the diaphragmatic hernia and narrowing the end of the esophagus.
Varieties of acid reflux
- acute acid reflux – symptoms occur periodically, mainly in the off-season and after consuming large amounts of fatty foods and alcohol;
- chronic acid reflux – symptoms occur after every meal.
Causes
- congenital anatomical features of the lower esophageal sphincter, as a result of which symptoms of the disease may appear when bending forward, downward, or simply in a horizontal position;
- pregnancy – especially if there is a large fetus or more than one baby is developing in the uterus. This increases the pressure on the stomach, and food can fall back into the esophagus;
- systematic overeating;
- excess weight;
- improper diet;
- diaphragmatic hernia – when part of the stomach through the opening in the diaphragm enters the chest cavity;
- a small amount of enzymes that break down food;
- peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum;
- asthma, in which a persistent cough can provoke a weakening of the sphincter;
- smoking and drinking alcohol in large doses;
- taking painkillers and antibiotic medications.
Acid reflux symptoms
- dysphagia – difficulty swallowing food due to scar formation on the esophagus or open ulcers;
- frequent heartburn;
- bleeding;
- chest pain in the area of passage of the esophagus;
- asthma and hoarseness due to burns of the airways and vocal cords, respectively;
- belching with swallowed food and stomach acid back in the mouth;
- erosion and damage to tooth enamel.
Healthy foods for acid reflux
General recommendations
To reduce the stress on the stomach, it is necessary to eat food at regular intervals and in small portions. The last meal should not be later than 3 hours before bedtime. Because in many people, the main symptoms of acid reflux appear in a horizontal position, then the head of the bed should be raised by 10-15 cm.
The diet should be antioxidant, i.e. include foods that reduce the acidity of the stomach, remove toxins from the body and help prevent further damage to the cells of the esophagus.
Healthy foods
The diet should include:
- orange and yellow fruits (oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, persimmons, apricots, peaches) and vegetables (pumpkin, peppers) – they contain antacites, which naturally reduce acidity and soothe arising pain;
- baked tomatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, as well as freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, apple cider vinegar – foods high in potassium, which alkalize stomach acid and reduce its amount;
- raw vegetables and fruits (broccoli, avocado);
- leafy greens (basil, spinach, lettuce, parsley);
- berries (blueberries, blackberries, cranberries) and pineapple – contain bromelain, which reduces heartburn;
- nuts (walnuts, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts);
- seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame);
- meat (lean parts of chicken, turkey and beef);
- fish (all lean types);
- cereals (rice, millet, oats);
- whole grain flour products – help maintain a normal acid-base balance in the stomach.
remedies for acid reflux
To prevent acid reflux, you can take a powder of ground fennel, basil leaves, licorice root and coriander daily before lunch and dinner. All ingredients should be taken in equal parts, mixed thoroughly and use 0,5 teaspoon for a single dose.
During an attack of heartburn, add green cardamom and dill powder (200 tsp each) to cold milk (0,5 ml) and drink in small sips. You can also use clove oil (2-3 drops) diluted in water (200 ml).
When eating, add a few drops of natural apple cider vinegar to the dish. This will reduce the risk of heartburn, as well as normalize the digestive tract. If an attack of heartburn has already begun, then apple cider vinegar (1 tsp) should be diluted in water (100 ml) and drunk in small sips or through a tube.
Raw brown oats are high in astringent substances that are beneficial during the treatment of acid reflux. To do this, grind oats (1 tbsp. L.) On a coffee grinder, pour warm water (100 ml) and let it brew for 30 minutes. The resulting mixture should be filtered and drunk in the morning on an empty stomach for 14 days.
Dangerous and harmful foods for acid reflux
There are a number of foods and drinks that cause reflux and can trigger the development of a chronic form of the disease:
- alcohol (especially dry wines)
- carbonated drinks
- black chocolate
- smoked meats
- coffee and strong tea
- fatty foods (fast food, fatty meats and dairy products)
- fermented and processed foods
- flavored foods containing a large amount of preservatives
- hot seasonings and spices, as well as fresh garlic, onions, ginger.
Attention!
The administration is not responsible for any attempt to use the information provided, and does not guarantee that it will not harm you personally. The materials cannot be used to prescribe treatment and make a diagnosis. Always consult your specialist doctor!