Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common diseases in the world including in Malaysia.GERD happens when the acid in the stomach frequently flows back into the esophagus. This abnormal activity(acid reflux) can irritate or erode the lining of the esophagus. There is no gold standard to diagnose this disease. Most of the time doctors diagnose this problem based on patients’ history. There are not many clinical signs which we can elicit during the physical examination.
Next, accurate treatment of patients with acidity problems or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) always starts with a visit to a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. It is vital to recognise that chronic reflux does not get resolved or get better on its own. Unfortunately, over-the-counter remedies may give temporary relief from the symptoms, but unfortunately, they can lead to severe problems if used long-term. The management of acidity issues may include medications prescribed by the doctor, lifestyle changes, and food habits. A combination of approaches will ultimately improve the patient’s acidity problems. Lifestyle changes, as well as diets, often begin with what to avoid. It is because those foods can trigger the symptoms. Examples of things to reduce in your diet include :
- High-fat foods
- Carbonated beverages
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Citrus and tomato products
- Salty food
What To Eat To Reduce Acidity?
1. Eat More Non-Citrus Fruits
Do include more non-citrus fruits like watermelon, banana, and pears in your diet. This is because citrus fruits like lemon and orange increase acidity in the stomach. As we all know that citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C.Vitamin C is essential for our body because it helps in iron absorption, produces collagen, and protects the body cells and tissue from damage. However, do you know that non-citrus fruit like bananas also contains vitamin C? Yes, it is highly rich in potassium, manganese, vitamin C, and many more. So, please do not worry about vitamin C anymore.
2. Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbs are rich in fiber and digest more slowly. Have you ever heard about complex carbohydrates? They are made of sugar molecules that are strung together in a long complex chain. It is found in foods such as brown rice, peas, whole grains, potatoes, and beans. They sustain energy for longer periods so it is an ideal option for weight control. Complex carbohydrates also lower the blood cholesterol level and ultimately it will reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Thus, complex carbs are good for acid reflux, and try not to include chilies or onions during the preparation of the meal.
3. Lean Proteins
Eggs are nutritious and they contain folate, vitamin B12, selenium, phosphorus,omega-3 fats, and so on. You can take two half-boiled eggs for your breakfast. It is an ideal meal for breakfast too. Besides that, you can eat lean meats but make sure you grill, broil, or bake it using less oil and spices. This is because fried meat can delay stomach emptying and weaken the lower esophageal sphincter(LES). Therefore, try to include lean proteins in your meals.
Regarding lifestyle changes, always avoid binge eating and late-night snacking. Bear in mind that food in your digestive system will take about 4-6 hours to be fully digested. Do not go to bed immediately after eating. This will worsen the acid reflux into your esophagus. Lastly,please be aware of these signs and symptoms if your acidity problem is getting worse. Signs and symptoms include:
- Heartburn – usually after the meal which might be worse at night
- Water brash
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sensation of a lump in throat
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Do not hesitate to consult a doctor through Ask a Doctor for your health concern.