Why It Is Important To Know What Food To Avoid For Acid Reflux Disease
Knowing why we need to know what food to avoid for acid reflux
disease is as important as knowing what food to avoid.
Acid reflux disease, also known as GERD or gastroesophageal reflux
disease, can be an uncomfortable and sometimes painful chronic illness.
If left untreated, it may result in damage to the esophagus and larynx
which can cause other complications such as hoarseness, a cough or even
asthma symptoms. That is why it is important to diagnose GERD and treat
the symptoms. Part of your treatment can include identifying foods to
avoid for acid reflux disease.
Why Are Some Foods A Problem?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when the sphincter found at the
bottom of the esophagus does not close properly, allowing acids from the
stomach to come up through the esophagus to the throat and mouth. The
result is a persistent burning sensation in the chest and throat, and a
sour taste in the mouth. It can become painful enough to wake you up at
night, and keep you from relaxing after meals. Many foods and beverages
can cause the sphincter in the esophagus to relax, which is why it is to
your advantage to avoid those foods when battling acid reflux disease.
Since the types of food that can cause problems vary from person to
person, a doctor may recommend that you keep a food diary to help you
discover which foods act as triggers in your own digestive system. Often
identifying the food to avoid for acid reflux disease is enough to keep
your symptoms in check. If dietary changes are effective, you can often
avoid medications, surgery, and sometimes invasive procedures that will
pinpoint the problem. That is why many doctors may recommend a new diet
plan before continuing with further tests and treatment of acid reflux.
Common Food To Avoid For Acid Reflux
Besides a food diary that will help identify particular foods that might
be offensive to an individual, there is a list of foods that commonly
irritate acid reflux disease. Some acidic fruit juices, such as
grapefruit juice and orange juice can be common culprits. Some meats and
vegetables can also be a problem, so patients are often advised to
refrain from foods like mashed potatoes, raw onion and ground beef.
Unfortunately for acid reflux sufferers, dairy products like ice cream
and milk shakes are included on the taboo list, as are popular dished
such as spaghetti with sauce and macaroni and cheese. The good news is
that a patient that is finding relief from painful symptoms often
doesn’t mind avoiding the foods that make acid reflux disease worse.
Other potential problems to avoid are coffee, alcohol, chocolate and any
fatty food. Stay away from big meals, and avoid lying down right after
eating. If these simple diet modifications can keep acid reflux symptoms
at bay, you can avoid other treatments such as medication and surgery.
Dietary changes are certainly worth the try.
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