It is a proven fact that one of the primary causes of Acid Reflux is having a wrong diet and lifestyle. Due to the fast paced lifestyle that is being incorporated into daily routine these days, the common man cannot sometimes control the diet plan that they adopt. Hence, it becomes very difficult to control this condition. But, with some tips regarding what to eat, this disorder can be easily kept at bay. These days, almost everyone has Acid Reflux, but mostly the milder version. One should avoid this disorder becoming serious because once it does, it develops into an inflammation of the oesophagus, and it is known as, Gastoesphageal Disease.
There are a few misconceptions about Acid Reflux and diet. For example, many people think that drinking milk after having a large meal is the sure-shot way to ease Acid Reflux. But there is problem that many overlook. After having a considerably large meal, the stomach juices are stimulated to produce more digestive juices. What most people don’t know about milk is that it has a recoil action that eventually encourages the stomach to produce more acid. Hence, what results is an addition to the already large dose of stomach acid. Thus, chances of the acid trickling into the oesophagus, is a huge possibility.
The second misconception about diet is that many believe that beverages such as coffee, or food including spicy ingredients are the major causes or Acid Reflux, but all these are not true. According to a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in May 2006, showed that none of these myths are true. Researchers from the Stanford University found that only two things can reduce symptoms of Acid Reflux. These are, eating less and elevating your head while sleeping.
A diet that is planned for preventing Acid Reflux is usually pretty easy to follow. The basic food groups can be mixed and matched barring just a few limitations. The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of the National Research Council requirements is usually met by this kind of diet. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, cereals, and meats are the basic food group categories and to consume these foods on a daily basis is highly recommended.
However, there are some limitations, as some of these foods might not comply with the regulation specified by the RDA. Some of the limitations of these food groups are discussed below:
In the dairy products category, milk and milk products that is skimmed or low fat and fat-free yoghurt are usually safest to eat. Whole milk and chocolate milk should be avoided.
All vegetables can be eaten without any restriction, the only limitation being that cream style preparations of vegetables and tomatoes should be avoided.
Fruits such as apples, berries, melons, bananas, peaches, and pears are safe to eat, but fruits such as citrus fruits including oranges, grapefruit and pineapples should be avoided.
Low-fat meat, chicken, fish, and turkey is recommended, but meats such as cold cuts, sausage, bacon, fatty meat, chicken skin/fat should be highly avoided.
A small amount of oil is recommended, but too much animal or vegetable oil should be avoided. Fat-free or low-fat soup is safe to digest, but chicken, beef, milk, or cream-based soups should be avoided.
Apart from a well-balanced meal, it is always advisable to have an optimum exercise routine on a daily basis. For those who do not like the idea of working out in a gym, 20 minutes of brisk walking in a day is enough. This will burn the calories consumed thus keeping a check on the cholesterol levels in the body.