by Grenada Food and Nutrition Council
Acid reflux, also called GERD — gastroesophageal reflux disease — is a digestive disease where stomach acid or bile irritates the food pipe lining.Â
Acid reflux can be caused by several factors, including eating large meals before lying down. Many people will experience acid reflux at some point in their life; however, when this happens constantly over time, it can lead to GERD. The symptoms of acid reflux usually occur after eating. They can be a burning sensation in the chest or upper abdominal pain, backwash or regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing and a sensation of a lump in the throat.
Healthline Media says acid reflux happens when your lower oesophagal sphincter (LES) malfunctions. The LES is a circular muscle at the end of the oesophagus that opens up to allow food and liquid to travel from your mouth to your stomach and then closes again. Acid reflux occurs when your LES doesn’t tighten or close properly. Frequently eating large meals, lying down too soon after eating and having a hiatal hernia can cause you to develop acid reflux. Other factors such as pregnancy, old age, obesity and connective tissue disorder can also cause a person to develop GERD.Â
It is important to seek medical attention if you take over-the-counter medications for heartburn more than twice a week and also if you experience severe or frequent GERD symptoms. Severe chest pain, chest pain accompanied by shortness of breath, or jaw or arm pain may be a sign of a heart attack. This condition can be treated by several methods, which include medications, surgery, and diet and lifestyle changes. Several foods can be consumed regularly to help avoid acid reflux and the development of GERD. High-fibre foods like whole grains, root vegetables and green vegetables can help you feel full, making you less likely to overeat. Food high in alkaline, such as cauliflower, nuts, and bananas, can help offset strong stomach acid, reducing the risk of acid reflux. Watery foods like fruits and vegetables can also help dilute and weaken stomach acid. Incorporating ginger in your diet can also help to manage and prevent acid reflux as the root crop contains medicinal properties that are anti-inflammatory and high in alkaline, easing irritation in the digestive tract.Â
Seeing a nutritionist or dietician for a diet tailored explicitly for acid reflux or GERD can help to avoid foods that delay stomach emptying and reduce lower oesophagal sphincter tone to improve symptoms of acid reflux. A diet plan can also assist you in changing your eating patterns and portion sizes, which can help manage symptoms of GERD. Other lifestyle and remedies can be used to help manage and prevent the occurrence of acid reflux and GERD. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux, eat slowly and chew thoroughly, don’t lie down after a meal, maintain a healthy weight, practice regular exercise, avoid tight-fitting clothing, and stop or avoid smoking.Â