If you’ve ever experienced that burning sensation creeping up your chest? Then, you are likely familiar with acid reflux. Even though acid reflux is common, it can be an annoying discomfort. But, don’t you worry!
This article will guide you through the world of food that can cease the fiery feeling that creeps into your chest, before finding the culprits behind acid reflux. Find out more about the conditions and symptoms of this digestive woe.
Acid Reflux – Reasons And Symptoms
Our stomach contains acid, which facilitates digestion by breaking down the foods. Hydrochloric acid in our stomach kills pathogens that may enter our body through food.
Stomach acid is indeed a significant savior, but it sometimes enters your esophagus. When the acid from the stomach creeps into the esophagus it will result in acid reflux. Unlike the stomach, your esophagus has no protective layer.
There is a muscle valve that connects the esophagus to the stomach. When this band of valve fails, food from the stomach gets pushed back into the esophagus along with acid. It is the reason behind your heartburn.
The name may seem misleading, but now you know heartburn has nothing to do with the heart.
Lifestyle habits, diet, and even some types of medical conditions cause acid reflux. Major risk factors behind acid reflux include,
- Excess body weight
- Smoking
- Lack of activities or exercise
- Old age
- Anti-depressants and painkiller medications
- Some underlying medical conditions
- Pregnancy
Acid reflux may exhibit the following signs and symptoms,
- Fiery sensation in the chest/heartburn
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting
- Hiccups
Even though acid reflux displays these symptoms, it may not be the reason behind these signs. Some other health conditions also have the same symptoms. In some cases, symptoms get alleviated without taking any kind of treatment. If the discomfort persists seek professional help.
What Not to Eat for A Reflux-Free Life – The 6 Worst Foods For Acid Reflux
Acid reflux destroys the stomach’s peace and turns the digestion process into chaos. You need to understand that the symptoms of acid reflux may not occur all of a sudden.
There must be some reason behind that. Sometimes the guilty parties may be lurking in your daily diet. Certain foods in your diet can trigger heartburn. So avoid these 6 foods to live a life without acid reflux.
➜ Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated beverages have ingredients in them that can cause gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or simply acid reflux. Conducting more studies to find out the link between carbonated drinks and acid reflux will make it easier to establish the direct cause of acidity.
Some people experience acid reflux after the consumption of carbonated drinks. The bubbles may cause discomfort in the stomach and result in reflux.
➜ Caffeine
Sipping coffee in the morning may feel like heaven, but it is a troublemaker once it reaches your stomach. Coffee and tea are the top drinks that trigger GERD.
The caffeine content in coffee and tea relaxes the valve at the end of the esophagus. As a result, acid gets pushed into the esophagus resulting in heartburn.
➜ Alcohol
Alcohol consumption is a main cause of many diseases. It can also cause acid reflux. Excessive alcohol intake increases the acid level in your stomach. Alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and it will ultimately lead to acid reflux.
➜ Chocolate
Chocolates are the happiness that you can eat. But trust me, there is nothing happy about chocolates if you are prone to acidity. Caffeine and cocoa are the two essential components of chocolate.
They can trigger acid reflux. If you have digestive-related health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, stay away from chocolates.
➜ Sauces and Ketchup
Tomato sauce and ketchup contain high levels of acid. Sauces generally contain acid in them. They relax the LES and increase the symptoms of acid reflux
➜ Fried Foods
If you want to reduce your acid reflux, stay a mile away from fried items. These food items are the worst. The fat and grease contained in fried food stop LES from tightening. It leads to acid reflux.
Conclusion
Apart from these 6 food items, many other foods can lead to acid reflux. Find out the culprit behind your acid reflux. Eat a lot of food that can improve your gut health. Shift to a healthy lifestyle.
