Heartburn Relief Diet

About 15 million people in the United States suffer from heartburn every day, and another 60 million do so at least once a month. Food and lifestyle adjustments are generally enough to alleviate the symptoms of moderate heartburn, but antacids may be essential if the heartburn is caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

What is the symptom of heartburn, and how is it diagnosed? Are there any symptoms?

You don't have to worry about your heart while you're suffering from heartburn. Symptoms include a searing discomfort in the chest that climbs up the throat, as well as difficulty swallowing and difficulty swallowing liquids like meals. Acid indigestion is a condition in which a person may taste a liquid at the back of their mouth. Sometimes the pain and the burning feeling are so acute that people mistakenly believe they are having a heart attack.

Is there anything I can do to help alleviate the symptoms of heartburn?

As a general rule, the acidic digestive acids that leave the stomach and travel up the throat induce heartburn. As a result of the acid damaging the esophageal tissue, a disease known as esophagitis develops. Pregnancy-related heartburn may be caused by the baby pushing on the diaphragm and therefore compressing the stomach. The occurrence of a bout of acid reflux or indigestion from time to time is quite typical. Constant heartburn, on the other hand, is typically an indication of something more severe (e.g., a heart attack every week). GORD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) and hernia (hiatal hernia) are the most prevalent underlying causes of heartburn.

Acid Reflux Disease of the Stomach

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle valve found at the bottom of the esophagus, is a primary cause of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This valve is used in order to prevent stomach acid from spilling back up into the esophagus. Reflux (leakage) and heartburn may develop if this valve is not operated correctly. Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and, in particular, a hiatal hernia, are all risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

A hernia in the esophagus

For people with hiatus hernias (or hiatus esophagitis), a portion of their stomach rises through a diaphragm hiatus (opening) that is ordinarily solely used for food. This increases the pressure on the LES valve, making it difficult for it to close completely. Heartburn occurs as a consequence of stomach acid leaking into the esophagus. The fundamental etiology of hiatal hernia has not been established. Pregnancy, obesity, constipation, abdominal muscular tension, and smoking are all contributing causes.

How to Treat Acid Reflux Through Diet

Dietary changes alone will not alleviate symptoms of chronic heartburn. So, in addition to recommending a diet that is easy on the digestive system, your doctor is likely to suggest any of the following medications. All these options involve H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors to minimize acid production; antacids to neutralize the acid in your stomach; or prokinetics to tighten the esophageal sphincter and speed stomach emptying. When heartburn symptoms are minor and occur only occasionally, the following modifications to your diet are typically recommended.

If you are obese, switch to a healthy weight-loss diet.

Obesity is a frequent cause of GERD and hiatal hernia, as well as heartburn, particularly in the form of extra fat around the chest and belly. Make efforts to normalize your weight and reduce your risk or symptoms of heartburn if you are obese (BMI > 30). Use the information below to tailor a calorie-controlled diet to your specific needs.

Begin Eating Smaller Snacks

When you eat a large meal, your stomach expands and your stomach acid output increases. Heartburn is more likely when one or both of these conditions are present. In other words, eat six to eight small meals or snacks throughout the day and space them out by no more than three hours. Choosing meals that are "easy on the stomach" and "easy to digest" is also important.

ACID FOODS SHOULD BE AVOIDED.

To avoid tooth decay, limit your consumption of acidic foods such as tomatoes and tomato-based sauces, as well as citrus fruits, rhubarb, gooseberries, unripe fruit, and vinegar- and acidic pickles or relishes.

Reduce your intake of fatty and spicy foods.

Foods high in fat, such as confectionery, should be avoided or consumed in moderation. Butter, mayonnaise, sausages, salami, pate, meat pies, and full-fat cheese are all high-fat foods. Black pepper, chili peppers, curry, mustard, and other strong spices, as well as raw onions and garlic, are all examples of foods that should be avoided while pregnant.

Beware of carbonated beverages.

Heartburn is more likely when you consume carbonated soft drinks since they promote belching and put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. Herbal teas or diluted fruit juices are excellent alternatives to sugary sodas. Heartburn sufferers should also be aware that certain soft beverages (e.g. chocolate, coffee, and orange juice) might cause the LES to relax too much, allowing the backward passage of stomach acid.

Increase your consumption of soluble fiber.

A lack of bowel movements may put additional tension on the abdominal muscles, which can contribute to heartburn. Oats, dried apricots, apples, pears, and vegetables are all high-fiber foods that may help avoid constipation. At least 40 fl oz of water should be added to your daily water consumption while increasing your fiber intake.

Alcohol use should be reduced.

A number of factors conspire to make alcoholic beverages harmful to those suffering from heartburn. Reduce your daily consumption by one unit or completely avoid it. As a non-nutritious calorie source, alcohol may contribute to weight gain as well.

Several other useful hints

Aromatic herbs like basil, camomile, caraway, dill, fennel, rosemary, and thyme might help alleviate symptoms of digestive issues like heartburn, according to some nutritionists and alternative health practitioners. They also advise drinking herbal tea (e.g., camomile, fennel) at the conclusion of each meal to minimize acidity and wind.

Improve Your Diet and Lifestyle to Prevent Heartburn

Heartburn may be alleviated by a variety of dietary and lifestyle adjustments. Stopping smoking is a no-brainer since it increases gastric acidity. Other adjustments that need to be made include:

Your abdomen and chest should not be overworked. Do not overstretch or lift large weights; instead, dress comfortably.

Don't eat anything within three hours of going to bed, and don't lie down thereafter. Heartburn might occur if you have a lot of food in your stomach when you go to sleep.

Bed-blocks or a substantial item placed beneath the bed-legs may be used to elevate the head end of your bed by roughly 3 inches. As a result, the stomach acid does not flow back into the esophagus, as it would otherwise. Do not use additional pillows in order to avoid both a stiff neck and heartburn.

Certain over-the-counter medicines, such as aspirin or other pain relievers or anti-inflammatories, might produce heartburn symptoms. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you've been taking this drug on a regular basis to see whether it's safe to continue.