Surprising GERD Diet That Can Stop Your Heartburn

Surprising GERD Diet that Can Stop Your Heartburn

Jeff Martin

Recent studies point out that acid reflux patients, especially those with less pronounced problems, can make major positive changes to their medical condition by relatively easy diet modifications. But is there really a GERD diet that can assist acid reflux victims in eliminating those annoying symptoms? Altering food plans to cure acid reflux is given a strong recommendation by classical and alternative medical leaders.

In general, GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) also known as acid reflux, is a malfunction of the digestive apparatus. Gastro esophageal reflux disease is the result of the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) - a muscle behaving as a valve to close off the esophagus from the stomach - not functioning correctly and allowing acid matter to flow back, or "reflux", from the stomach up to the esophagus. It is the gastric/digestive pathophysiology that indicates the link between eating and GERD treatment of this medical problem.

Acid reflux symptoms can differ between different people. Heartburn is what most victims experience - the burning feeling in the chest and/or throat that occurs when stomach acid is refluxed to contact the esophageal lining. Patients mention other symptoms in addition, including glutition difficulties, chest pain, hoarseness, the impression of the throat begin blocked and dry coughing. Without being treated, acid reflux can engender significant medical difficulties, such as ulcers, Barrett's esophagus and for some, cancer. This is why gastro esophageal reflux disease must be treated in a fully comprehensive and timely fashion.

Reducing weight and making diet changes are highly recommended for GERD sufferers as the initial step for addressing this condition (and as part of a full holistic agenda).

Foods that contain certain bio-chemicals or that encourage their presence in the human body (high fat foods, mint, chocolate) should be dropped from a diet for acid reflux. These substances include a range of naturally occurring items which interfere with the correct working of the LES, such as dopamine, prostaglandins and acetylcholine. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol also interfere in a similar fashion by forcing a reduction of pressure on the LES and so consumption should also be decreased. One of the main planks of a diet plan to deal with GERD is to avoid foods that have this debilitating effect on the LES muscle.

A further important point concerning dietary habits to manage acid reflux is not to eat the last meal of the day less than three hours before going to bed, as food and dairy products in particular is a major factor in the production of stomach acid. Other changes include raising the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches to prevent acid from reaching the esophagus.

Numerous acid reflux victims remark that their symptoms degrade when they consume excessive amounts of spicy foods or coffee. Meals with a lot of spice will often cause irritation of the esophageal mucosa.

Although a diet oriented towards GERD can give immediate alleviation, it should be remembered that a change in dietary patterns is not a solution in itself, especially in advanced cases of acid reflux. It is just a first, important step in a fully all-natural holistic program.

The holistic program (specific herbs and vitamin supplements with a complete program of diet guidelines, elimination of toxins and using Candida control principles) can resolve GERD naturally and stop it from coming back, permanently and effectively. Had you heard that your painful and distressing symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease can now be alleviated forever without any conventional or "over the counter" medication being necessary?