Best Diet for Acid Reflux

Nothing can be more discouraging to acid reflux and heartburn sufferers than knowing that they can’t live as blithe as they used to. In fact, if you are one of the 15 million Americans who suffer from acid reflux or heartburn, you know that there are boundaries you now have and need to create so you can live your days free from heartburn symptoms.
And one of the most important journeys you have to walk and take is discovering the best diet for acid reflux. And this doesn’t end with knowing what food to eat; the best diet for acid reflux also considers the size and timing of your meals. This is why the American College of Gastroenterology underscores the fact that meal planning is one important step towards better managing acid reflux and heartburn.
Drink water after every meal. Though it may be really tempting to indulge in your cup of java after a wonderful meal, a tumbler full of water is your only option to get out of your usual after-meal-heartburn. Drinking a small glass of water can help dilute and, yes, even wash down any stomach acid that can be just working its way towards your esophagus.
Plan NOT to include heartburn-causing beverages. Just as you planned to commit your lunch to heartburn-friendly dishes, you may want to make sure that you only consume heartburn-friendly beverages throughout the day. Your options should only include, again, water, decaffeinated varieties of tea, mineral water, non-alcoholic beverages, noncitrus juices, and low-fat, or, better yet, nonfat milk.
Choose high fiber dishes. A recent study on the effect of one’s diet to heartburn symptoms reported that those who prefer high fiber dishes were 20 percent less likely to have acid reflux symptoms. So whether you are out dining with your friends or doing some shopping, stick to what will be best for you and your body. And the best diet for acid reflux includes a healthy portion of fruits, whole grains, vegetables, nuts, beans, and seeds every day.
Chew gum. For fresh breath, even after indulging in your fave Indian resto, make sure that you choose gum over breath mints. The nonpeppermint flavor gum encourages a healthy production of saliva, which functions as a great acid neutralizer and an agent that encourages stomach content to move into the small intestine quickly.
Stay away from LES-weakening foods like peppermint, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty foods. Aside from these items, you may also want to avoid foods that damage the esophageal lining like citrus juice, tomato juice, black pepper, and chili peppers.
Watch your portions. Again, the best diet for acid reflux includes carefully-prepared meals served in healthy portions. One of the very first things that acid reflux sufferers need to watch is essentially how much they are eating, per meal and per plate. Living a life with acid reflux shouldn’t be all about avoiding things that can be bad for you, but by living each day, each meal in moderation. When it comes to the best diet for acid reflux, a good rule of thumb is to eat less but eat more. Plan your day so you can accommodate four to five small meals instead of having three large ones every day.


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The Science of Natural Heartburn Management

No matter how many lessons we hear about the wonders of going natural, when it comes to acid reflux we all feel that it is always best that we stick to what we know best and what works fast. Almost everyone I know reach for their antacids when the heartburn kicks in. But no matter how reliable and effective antacids are, all experts agree that taking prescription meds and antacids has some negative side effects. Learning how you can incorporate natural cures for acid reflux to your everyday practices of managing this condition can help you live a healthier and even acid reflux-life.
Antacids and acid blockers are known its unwanted side affects, including headache, diarrhea, dizziness, constipation, nausea, and even vomiting. In order to lessen the occurrence of these conditions, it is important to those who suffer from acid reflux to learn how not to fully rely on h2 blockers to help them manage their condition.
Herb. We all think of herbs when we talk about natural cures for acid reflux. And why not? After all, herbs are used for generations not only to manage heartburn symptoms but other conditions as well. Herbs that complementary and alternative medicine or CAM practitioners recommend for treating heartburn symptoms include catnip, aloe, slippery elm, chamomile, gentian root, and ginger roots, among others.
But which among these herbs should you take? Modern herbalists think that it will be best that you go mix three or more essences of herbs that have been used to cure abdominal problems. Though it may be inconvenient as compared to popping antacids, enjoying tea with these herbs bring more health benefits that your body will be thankful for.
Practice moderation. Overeating won’t help you, even if what you are piling on are veggies and white meat. No amount of natural cures for acid reflux and h2 blockers can help you when you do not practice food portion and control.
Alcohol is something that all heartburn sufferers should watch for. A glass of wine is definitely something any woman over 40 should enjoy, but if you have been popping antacids like crazy, you may want to work towards totally eliminating alcohol from your system. But we have all heard about the wonderful benefits of wine when it comes to our health, especially for the heart, there should be some exception, right? Unfortunately, even a glass of wine can become a problem for most heartburn sufferers. Why? Because, alcohol like tobacco only encourages the production of stomach acids. And you know the rest of the story.
So instead of living your life looking for the do-all-cure-all natural cure for acid reflux, we encourage you to just live your life in the healthy lane. Practice moderation, stay away from what can trigger your heartburn symptoms, stop smoking, and exercise. Living a healthy life is definitely more economic than just spending hundred of dollars every year on antacids and other acid regulating medications. So think twice when you think that reaching for antacids is the best way to help cool down the burn.

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Managing Heartburn and Acid Reflux

We are all used to doing our resolutions every New Year. In fact, we love doing our list. But how many can really stick to our resolutions, to being committed to achieving each goal, to seeing it through ‘til the next New Year sets in? And when it comes to resolutions, nothing can be more challenging than those concerning our health. Have you ever promised yourself to eat healthy, never have more than just two glasses of your favorite wine? Health resolutions are really just that: Promises that are meant to be broken.
Heartburn and acid reflux are conditions that affect at least 15 million Americans. And the number isn’t going down; in fact, at least, there are at least 1 million Americans added to this statistics every year. And the growing profits of companies that manufacture antacids or H2 blockers only prove that heartburn and acid reflux aren’t something that can be managed and controlled by those who suffer from them. If you are just tired of reaching for your antacids every time heartburn and acid reflux kick in, we have here a list of affirmations to help you manage your condition — one step at a time.
I will visit my doctor. In order to manage acid reflux and heartburn, you need an able and competent ally: Your doctor. You need to learn about what is good for you: From what food to eat to what sleeping position is best for acid reflux sufferers. Drinking antacids is not a solution; in fact, it is impractical to spend hundred of dollars on antacids when you can do something to not trigger what you have been drinking about. If you are serious about truly managing your heartburn and acid reflux, tell your doctor your plans and goals. He will be more likely to not hand you a prescription, but of a list of lifestyle changes that will definitely stop acid reflux in its tracks.
I will prepare my own meals. Unless you have thousands of dollars to spend on carefully created heartburn-free meals, you know that when it comes to managing acid reflux and heartburn, the more home cooked meals you bring to work, the better for you and your tummy. Aside from being assured that no hint of onion, tomato, and citrus will land in your meal, brown bagging is really a practical measure that you can’t afford to miss these days.
I will maintain a food diary. If you weren’t used to having one, then, caring for your tummy is, indeed, the perfect opportunity for you to learn how to maintain a diary. But don’t worry about a kilometric entry; when it comes to food diary, all you need to jot down are the things that you have savored. Too tedious for a not-so detail-oriented person like you? You may want to make a meal or food planner every week so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to write those mid-day snacks. With an 8-5 meal planner, you can be sure that you have everything you need to know and write down about what you have had any day.

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Best Home Remedies For Acid Reflux

Acidity refers to a set of symptoms caused by an inequity. More names for acidity are hyperacidity or acid dyspepsia. Acid reflux or Acidity is one of the most normal diseases that cause heart burns in the upper body
Acidity can be a result of inappropriate dietary regimen or stress.

It is a problem which when left unattended to, results in peptic ulcer and other complications. It is quite a simple problem when it begins, but it can get out of hand easily if not taken critically. It means the excess secretion of acid by the gastric glands of the stomach.

The usual signs of heartburn are a burning sensation or pain in the stomach after one to four hours of a meal. The too much secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes acidity. Acidity can be a result of improper dietary regimen or stress

The too much secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach causes acidity. Some causes of acidity include Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, chocolate, citrus, tomato, peppermint, fried and fatty foods, over-eating, stress, some medications, and being overweight.

Acid Reflux Disease causes harms to the esophagus as the acidic contents from the stomach, containing acids and pepsin, pushes back to the esophagus since the sphincter develops into weak and can no-more prevent the contents from stomach from gushing back in esophagus

Skipping meals, not eating on time, fried and spicy food, stress, anxiety, insomnia, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, alcohol, and wearing tight clothes can give you hyperacidity and heartburn.
Acidity is a problem that occurs very commonly; so going in for medications every time doesn’t seem to be a very good thought. Some home remedies can be used to treat and prevent acid reflux.

1) Eat a cup of vanilla ice cream or drink a glass of cold milk to get rid of acidity.
2) Raita prepared with fresh curd, grated cucumber, fresh coriander, tomato is a sure shot remedy in aiding digestion, and helps eliminate acidity.
3) Mint: Fresh mint juice taken every day or fresh mint leaves boiled in a cup of water and sipped slowly after meals also helps to keep the stomach acids at bay
4) Mint juice before meals keeps acidity at bay.
5) Chewing 5-6 basil leaves relieves flatulence and acidity.
6) Half a glass of fresh pineapple juice should be taken after a meal for treating and preventing acidity
7) A piece of jaggery or gur after lunch and dinner prevents acidity
8) A very simple remedy for acidity is thin butter-milk mixed with 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper powder
9) One of the common Home Remedies for Acidity - Onion (pyaz): The juice of onions is an excellent remedy for acidity.
10) Habitual eating habits and a healthy diet can prevent acidity
11) Drink plenty of water (at least 6 to 8 glasses per day) and other fluids to maintain the acid balance in the stomach
12) A sherbet made with kokum and jeera reduces acidity
13) Lemon rind can also be eaten to prevent heartburn
14) A glass of cold milk provides instant relief.
15) Eat almonds to give relief to symptoms of acidity
16) Chew a few holy basil (tulsi) leaves to get relief
17) Bananas, watermelon and cucumber have protective action against the acidity and heart burn
18) Lemon: Juice of one lemon mixed in half glass of water and ½ teaspoon sugar if consumed before meals helps to relieve acidity
19) When suffering from acidity, drink five to eight glass of coconut water a day.



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Use Licorice For Acid Reflux Pain Relief

If you are suffering from frequent and unrelenting heartburn, you probably would do just about anything for some relief. There are prescription medications that might help, but some people want to find a more natural way to help with the problem.

There are some who believe that a variety of lifestyle changes can be made, and that you can take licorice for acid reflux and feel some relief. Licorice root has been used for a long time for many different things with great success. There are some things you should know about it before you begin.

Acid reflux is the result of stomach acid moving up into the esophagus. It can go as high as the mouth, and throat, and can cause problems with sinuses and the respiratory system. The acid can do a lot of damage to these tissues, and you might even experience tooth decay.

It is often associated with a burning sensation that can be very hard to manage at times. For some people, the pain is unbearable, and medications are a must in order to stop the pain.

If you have reflux, you can try a few lifestyle modifications. If you are overweight, you may find relief in losing the extra pounds. This extra bulk can be part of the reason that the valve at the top of your stomach meant to contain the acid within is failing.

Smoking will make acid reflux worse, so if you smoke, now is the time to quit. Also, alcohol and drugs like Advil (NSAIDs) and aspirin might also be avoided. A person with acid reflux should also learn to avoid those foods that seem to make things worse for them, and also it’s a good idea to stop eating three hours before bedtime. A sleeping position with the head and upper body elevated is best.

You might also want to try licorice root to see if it does anything to help you. This is something that is otherwise referred to as DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice). There have been some studies that suggest this is just as effective as some medications, and in some cases it worked better.

You should discuss this with your doctor before you begin however, because there can be problems.

Even though you might think of licorice roots as a natural remedy, it can still harm you if you are in poor health. Licorice has been known to raise blood pressure if you take the wrong kind. Always have medical help when you try something like this.

There are many people who have said they have found great relief in using licorice for acid reflux. Usual dosages are once a day or if you have a bad case of reflux, you might have to take it twice a day.

You may find that using this natural remedy along with a well thought-out meal plan, changes in lifestyle, and a new way of sleeping will help keep your symptoms to a minimum.



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7 Ways to Relieve Acid Reflux Symptoms

An acid reflux disease diet can help control the occurrence of acid reflux and decrease the risk of heartburn for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) sufferers.

Following a controlled diet is a matter of determining which foods trigger symptoms, and which foods are safe to eat.

Creating a two-week food diary, where you make a record of all the foods you ingest and the symptoms that follow, is the best way to discover the foods to eliminate. After two weeks, you should then present your food diary to your doctor or dietician so he/she can help create a acid reflux diet plan that is beneficial for you.

Although it is in your best interest to create a food diary, the following are 7 food categories and the related foods you should avoid, or are considered safe to eat in each.

The seven categories are:

1. Dairy 2. Meat 3. Grains 4. Vegetables and Fruit 5. Fats and oil 6. Sweets and snacks 7. Beverages
By knowing what you should and shouldn’t eat within each food category is how you create an acid reflux disease diet that effectively relieves symptoms by stopping them before they start.

Foods you should avoid

The following foods should be eliminated or dramatically limited in an acid reflux disease diet, as ingesting them, even in small quantities, can aggravate symptoms and lead to recurring heartburn.
Dairy - Cottage cheese, sour cream, ice cream and ice cream related products (I.E. milk shakes, floats, etc.)
Meat - Buffalo wings, chicken nuggets, ground beef, and marbled steak
Grains - Pasta with marinara sauce, macaroni and cheese
Vegetables & Fruit - Vegetables: raw onion, French fires, mashed potatoes.
Fruits: Citrus fruits and juices which include lemon, lime, lemonade, orange, orange juice, grapefruit and grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, tomato and tomato juice.
Fats and oil - Oily or creamy salad dressings, and essentially all fried or fatty processed Foods.
Sweets and Snacks - Chocolate, doughnuts, butter cookies, brownies, corn chips, and potato chips.
Beverages - Alcohol, regular or decaffeinated coffee and tea, high-sugared drinks such as soda.
 
Foods considered safe

The following foods are considered safe to eat and shouldn’t aggravate your GERD symptoms; therefore, they can become a regular part of your acid reflux disease diet.
Dairy - Fat-free cream cheese, feta or goat cheese, low-fat soy cheese.
Meat - Extra lean ground beef, London broiled steak, skinless chicken breast, egg whites, imitation eggs, and fish without additional fat. 
Grains - Whole grain or white bread, corn bread, oatmeal, bran cereal, white or brown rice
Vegetables & Fruit - Vegetables: broccoli, carrots, cabbage, peas, green beans, and baked potato.
Fruits: banana, fresh or dried apple, apple juice.
Fats and oil - low fat salad dressing
Sweets and Snacks - Pretzels, baked potato chips, graham crackers, rice cakes, fat free cookies, red liquorice, and jelly beans
Beverages - Water

Occasional treats
Last, but not least, the following is a brief list of foods you can occasionally enjoy in your acid reflux disease diet, but should be consumed with discretion and in moderation as they can aggravate symptoms:
Dairy - Yogurt, cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Meat - fired eggs, fried fish, hot dog, ham and tuna salad.
Grains - Granola cereal and muffin.
Vegetables & Fruit - Vegetables: garlic, leeks, and green onions.
Fruits: low-acid orange juice, dried cranberries, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.
Fats and oil - ketchup
Sweets and Snacks - low-fat cookies
Beverages - non-alcoholic drinks and carbonated drinks

Finally, keep in mind that the above food lists are only general guidelines. Some of the foods considered safe to eat for one heartburn sufferer may not be the same for another.

Therefore, make sure you keep a food diary to determine what the best acid reflux disease diet is for you, so you can effectively treat and prevent your symptoms.

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Acid Reflux and Back Pain Can Be Connected

You may think that there is no logical connection between acid reflux and back pain, and in a way you are right. However, there may be connections that you might not have considered. Acid reflux can have a knock on effect to other parts of your body, but when you think of back pain, you might not think your stomach acid is at fault.

The problem is you never know if there is a connection between any two seemingly unrelated conditions unless you really think about it. You have to think of the more indirect reasons in order to take care of your back problems.

Acid reflux happens when the acids from the stomach move up through the esophagus and sometimes all the way into the mouth. The acid is produced in the stomach to aid in digestion, but should be held in the stomach by a small muscular value at the top end of the stomach.

When this valve is not working properly, the acid leaks up and causes pain and discomfort. This can also lead to damage to the soft tissues, which may or may not be repairable. Some people only have this problem once in a while, and over-the-counter medications help. Others have it daily, and must rely on a prescription to make symptoms bearable.

You may wonder how acid reflux might lead to back problems. In a way, it can, but in a very round-about way. Though the acid is not harming your back, the side effects can be. Some acid reflux sufferers find that the only way to gain relief while sleeping is to have their head elevated.

Because the valve at the top of the stomach isn’t closing properly, gravity can work against you when you lie down flat to sleep. This means the acid leaks into your esophagus while you sleep. You may wake up many times a night with intense pain in the chest.

To combat this, sufferers try sleeping with their head and upper body elevated. The problems occur if you don’t do this the right way, and the end result is you can hurt your back. It might not happen right away, but back pain start to appear after you do this night after night.

Other suggestions for having a painful back are as a result of eating the foods that cause acid reflux. There is very little information to be found to back this up, but it could be a possibility. When the pain is severe enough, it might radiate into your back.

This pain will be associated with other pains though, and will not be something that you feel all the time. If you have chronic back pain, it might be because of your sleeping position and not really the direct result of acid reflux.

If you are experiencing acid reflux and back pain, you should talk to your doctor about what is going on. It might be related, however, if it’s not, you do want to know what is causing your issues. There may be something going on that is totally unrelated to your reflux.

If that is the case, you want to get it taken care of incase something else even more serious than acid reflux is going on.


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Home Remedy For Acid Reflux - Herbal Tea

There are many things that cause problems for those who have GERD (otherwise known as acid reflux). There are some things you can’t eat, and some that you should.

There are times when this can be very confusing, and many don’t want to rely on medications to make all foods tolerable. If you want a home remedy for acid reflux, there are things you can try.

One of these things is drinking herbal teas. Some of them will help, and some might make matters worse, so you should know which to have and which to avoid.

When choosing herbal teas, there is one important thing to think about when you are choosing what you want to try. Caffeine is a known trigger for acid reflux, and it should be avoided. That means that any herbal teas that you try must be caffeine-free.

Though you can get decaffeinated coffee to drink, even that is known to aggravate GERD and should be avoided. This makes decaffeinated herbal teas the best choice when you seek a hot and soothing drink.

Some of them might even help with some of your symptoms of acid reflux.

Many suggest that ginger can help sooth acid reflux symptoms, and if you can find it in a tea, a cup after a meal might help your stomach settle down for the night. You can mix peppermint with aniseed and lavender for a great tasting and soothing blend.

You should boil a few cups of water and a teaspoon of your herbal mix, then drain the herbs after sitting for about ten minutes. If you boil this tea and want to have it sweetened, you might try honey instead of sugar or artificial sweetener.

Chicory Root can also be used to make a great herbal tea. You boil a few cups of this and then let sit for a while. You can then drink the tea with honey if you wish. Marshmallow tea might also help.

This is not tea made from the marshmallows in your cupboard as the name might suggest, but from a root by the same name. This is known to soothe the digestive system. Another popular type of tea is Chamomile. This is also known to help soothe the symptoms of acid reflux.

You can make many of these on your own, but you can also find them in natural food stores or special sections of your grocery store. Any of these teas might help you feel better, but you won’t know until you try them.

However, it is important that you talk with your doctor before you try them, as some can have side effects that you need to know about, and they might also mix badly with any prescription drugs that you might be taking for your acid reflux or for any other reason.

You usually will not have any problems with this type of home remedy for acid reflux, but you don’t want to take a chance with your health.


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Discover Natural Cures For Heartburn

People has always relied on natural cures for heartburn when it came to relieving the pain that heartburn causes. Heartburn occurs when acid is pushed up the esophagus and leaves you with a burn feeling in your chest.
Heartburn is caused by several things including eating too much or eating to fast. It can be caused by lying down quickly after eating or by consuming certain foods such as citrus, caffeine or spicy foods. Some people are more susceptible to heartburn including pregnant women, people with diabetes and those with asthma.
A lot of people with general occasional heartburn take over the counter antacids.

These medicines which come in liquid, tablet or effervescent forms help neutralize the acid in the stomach and create a layer to block the acid from going into the esophagus. For persistent, chronic or severe cases of heartburn prescription medicines are available.

As with most prescription medicines there are side effects. Some of which include constipation, weakness, bone pain, and tiredness. Some antacids deplete the body of needed minerals such as potassium which can cause severe problems. This has motivated the desire to find natural cures for heartburn.

Useful Natural Remedies

A simple natural cure for heartburn can be found in the garden or grocery store. It is peppermint tea or oil. Peppermint as with most mints has the ability to ease heartburn though a few say it can cause it as well. Peppermint has been used for centuries in Europe as a stomach soother and cure for heartburn while ginger has been used a natural cure for heartburn particularly in Asia.

Ginger is known to help with nausea and stomach upset. Care has to be taken with peppermint oil as it is possible that it can raise the blood pressure.

Other herbs known to be natural cures for heartburn include chamomile which is a tried and true favorite. In addition to helping stomach ailments and heartburn chamomile also relaxes the mind and body. This can be a great benefit after a bout of painful heartburn wakes you up in the middle of the night.

Some use plain old baking soda as a natural cure for heartburn. The premise here is that the liquid in your stomach that causes the pain is acidic while baking soda is a substance that acts as a neutralizer. It can help in sudden attacks when you do not feel like rushing out and getting an over the counter antacid.

If you do not get heartburn a lot and there is not much suffering than than you can try a natural cure for heartburn. There are a lot of useful remedies that you can use.

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Heartburn Menu DO: Better and Healthier Options for Heartburn Sufferers

It wouldn’t and doesn’t seem fair to list down all foods that one can’t eat and not tell them what they can indulge in.

Heartburn sufferers know that living with their condition could not get any harder. Though there are a lot of foods that can trigger heartburn, it is still good to know that there are those that don’t. And don’t think that they are boring or, worse, bland. Heartburn shouldn’t deprive you of foods that taste good and make life better.

Better Alternatives


The key to enjoying a life in spite of heartburn is moderation. A generous serving of tomato-based dish and a platter of greasy spoon takeout box would do more harm than good. Aside from watching portions, mindful eating is one habit heartburn sufferers can’t live without. And mindful eating is all about knowing and then enjoying what you are about to eat.

Dining with heartburn should always start with this basic question: Will eating this give me heartburn? Eating with heartburn is always a challenge, especially since you always need to choose between what you want and what is best for you. While what triggers your symptoms may be different from others, here is a quick list of what in general is good for all heartburn sufferers.

Acidic foods. Tomato-based dishes are comforting and even healthy. But heartburn sufferers should know better. When you think pasta, don’t smother the noodle with a tomato-based sauce. Have a little less if you can’t bear the thought of missing Italian spaghetti. Add vegetables and meat. Experiment and find your comfort zone.

Beverages. Carbonated drinks, caffeinated beverages, colas, and excessive alcohol are all heartburn DON’Ts. Choose drinks that are caffeine-free and non-fizzy. Our choices include milk, herbal teas, and, of course, good ‘ol water.

Desserts. One of the very first things you should learn to stay away from is chocolate. But if you are like the rest of humankind who honestly can’t, see if cutting back helps your condition. Watching your portion size and moderation, as always, is the key to a heartburn-free post-dessert day.

Spicy foods. All those hot sauces and peppery items can trigger heartburn. So you may want to rethink your next schedule at the Indian resto. If leaving that hot item is too unbearable, you may want to ease up on the spiciness. Dip buffalo wings on hot sauce, don’t pour.

Have a teaspoon not tablespoon of chili paste.
Think about your reason for liking hot and spicy numbers. If you like these dishes because they are simply flavorful, you may want to rethink if that restaurant is really good after all. There are plenty of ways to bring flavor to dishes.

Healthy numbers. Menus that are prepared healthy may and even taste better. Baked, grilled, broiled, and even roasted dishes are equally tempting and undeniably heartburn-friendly items you just need to get a sample of. Giving up on foods that you love is not and should never be an option. Preparing them differently can make a difference for heartburn, and even to your overall health.

Related posts: Heartburn Foods: The DON’T List There are at least 60 million Americans who suffer from...



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Acid Reflux Foods To Avoid!

 There are at least 60 million Americans who suffer from acid reflux. And majority of them get heartburn at least once a month.

Aside from the usual symptoms, most of those with acid reflux have to suffer from nighttime symptoms, waking up in the night grabbing their chest in pain. A pain so intense most people mistake it for heart attack.

Some people with heartburn consider the pain they experience once a month to be an inconvenience they will have to live with. But for some, heartburn has proven to be more than just a nuisance that they can easily brush off.


Acid reflux symptoms may get in the way of almost everything you do, even preventing you from functioning well during daytime and having a well deserved rest at night.

Eating with Heartburn
People with heartburn will live the rest of their days with heartburn — unless they get into the habit of permanently washing it off their system. Most people do this with their antacids. While this measure does work, you know that in the long run, you need something that can totally set you free from heartburn pains.

According to the recent survey conducted by the National Heartburn Alliance (NHBA), 92 percent of heartburn sufferers lists food as the primary agent causing their digestive woes. What does this data reveal? First, that a change in your diet can help you avoid heartburn and, second, that you can actually do something that can permanently wash your acid reflux away.

Though what triggers your heartburn differs from the guy buying the very same antacid brand you have just purchased, there are known drinks and foods that encourage stomach acids to splash up into your esophagus. Here is our quick list:

Vegetable, fruit, and juice. It may look and even taste healthy, but some fruits and vegetables are known to do more harm than good to heartburn sufferers. Orange juice, grapefruit, cranberry juice, raw onion, tomato, and mashed potatoes are just some.

Pasta. When you think of fiber and energy, you may want to not include mac and cheese and spaghetti with marinara sauce in it.




Meats. Have a heartburn-friendly list when shopping for animal-based protein. This should not include ground beef, buffalo/chicken wings, chicken nugget cut, and marbled sirloin.

Sweets. Who says you can’t have dessert? But heartburn sufferers should strive to order anything but high-fat butter cookies, chocolate-based sweets, doughnuts, and brownies.

Oils and fats. And yes you can have your share of fried foods too. But make sure that you watch your portions and, of course, what goes in the pan. When you fry, go light, choose healthy fats.

Though salads look and sound healthy and safe, most of them are not, particularly for heartburn sufferers. Aside from the usual salad ingredients like tomato and citrus, you may want to check for salad dressings that are usually known for its high fat content.

A good rule of thumb: Oily and creamy salad dressings are essentially heartburn ready to happen!

Nighttime Heartburn Relief!

Nighttime heartburn not only disrupts your sleep but also negatively affects daytime productivity, impairing your ability to function, focus, and concentrate. Eight out of ten heartburn sufferers experience heartburn symptoms at night. Others get the worst part: heartburn during sleep.

Heartburn during daytime is one thing. But waking up with heartburn is another. Find nighttime heartburn relief with these tips:

Eat right. Plan your dinner – and the rest of your menu – around a light, low-acid diet. Have better and healthier options than acidic, spicy, and non-fatty foods. The DON’Ts of heartburn-safe menu are:

•    High-fat foods. Fatty and greasy foods stay longer in the stomach, which essentially cause more discomfort for many heartburn sufferers.
•    Acidic foods. Which include a seemingly healthy dish of tomatoes and anything tomato-based. Other heartburn no-nos are citrus fruits, such as lemons, grapefruits, and oranges.
•    Drinks that trigger heartburn. And these include some of our all-time fave: carbonated drinks, alcoholic beverages, and caffeinated drinks.
•    Chocolate. This temptation contains caffeine, which relaxes the LES making heartburn more likely. Eating more than the recommended serving is definitely a no-no.
•    Spicy foods. Anything peppery and showered with hot sauce provokes heartburn. Other items you need to include in your watch list are peppermint, onions, and garlic.

For dinner, try to limit your plate and palate with healthy alternatives, such as those that are prepared healthier (baked, broiled, or grilled), lean cuts of meat, and herbal teas or just plain water.

Savor foods. Managing heartburn is not only about eating the right foods but also eating it right. The best way to keep heartburn at bay? Take time to really taste your food. Don’t eat too quickly; multi-tasking while having dinner is definitely a no-no for heartburn nighttime sufferers. Don’t tackle your plate like some last-minute project.

To prevent nighttime heartburn, remember to:

•    Schedule your meal
•    Eat at least two hours before bedtime
•    Avoid nightcap
•    Eat more smaller meals than three large ones
•    Watch food portions
•    Avoid midnight or even bedtime snacks

Dress properly. Donning on tight clothes can trigger heartburn. Steer clear of anything with tight waistbands and belts. This probably should not be a problem if you’re heading to bed. But make sure that you wear only heartburn-safe clothes during daytime.

Relax more often. Stress essentially fuels stomach acid production, encouraging heartburn symptoms. Meditating or doing yoga poses is a better, healthier way to end the day than succumbing to stress eating after a long day at work.

Keep a food journal. By keeping track of your eating habits and activities, you can easily and accurately determine what triggers your heartburn and what doesn’t.

Exercise safely. Two things heartburn sufferers need to remember when exercising:  First, don’t workout immediately after a meal and, second, drink plenty of water.

Sleep correctly. Research shows that sleeping on the left actually aids digestion by encouraging the removal of stomach acids. Lying on the right side, on the other hand, has been shown to aggravate heartburn.

If you lay flat on your back, make sure that you sleep with your shoulders and head elevated. You can do this by either using a wedge pillow or placing sturdy blocks under the bedpost to raise your head.

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Tips When Travelling With Acid Reflux And Heartburn

One of which is traveling. Aside from the not-so fun business travels, the spring gives many we-are-here-to-enjoy travelers and road warriors to see, feel, and have fun on the road. But one out of every four American travelers knows that traveling is not fun at all — especially when his heartburn symptoms get in the way. Traveling with heartburn is not easy: An excess baggage you will regret bringing.

Acid reflux can set in without warning, that is, if you do not heed to your doctor’s advice. And heartburn symptoms can ruin everything — from your sleep to your itinerary. People on vacay often forget about their efforts to permanently put a lid on heartburn when they are faced with exotic foods and booze, notes Dr. David Carr-Locke of Women’s Hospital in Boston. And you know that when you have booked a local tour somewhere exotic and truly wonderful, sticking to your safe heartburn diet is really no fun.

But this doesn’t mean that acid reflux symptoms should get in the way of fun. In spite of your don’t-eat-this-and-that perspective when it comes to dining, it is definitely great to hear that there are ways to manage heartburn without being boring.

The Key: Moderation

Know your time. And we are not only talking about keeping tabs of your schedule. When it comes to heartburn sufferers, nothing calls heartburn better than not having your meals on time. Eating, and specifically mindful eating, can significantly reduce your acid reflux episodes. Eat sensibly and be on time can guarantee a heartburn-free vacation. Though this may sound boring, especially if you have booked a guided tour (Imagine when you have to asked the bus driver to pull over just because you have to eat), but, remember, managing heartburn is not easy when you are on the road — especially when there is no drugstore on site.

Practice mindful eating. Sampling local dishes is a must. Savoring exotic dishes should be on everyone’s list — except yours. But you don’t have to worry about having to faking how fun it can be eating crackers and rice while everyone else is on the buffet table. When it comes to heartburn and acid reflux, there are no fast and hard rules that you have to follow. As long as you keep you portions, we are sure that you are safe even if you feel like hopping from table to another.

Drink what is good for you. Aside from keeping hydrated, you also need to practice about drinking well. If you are on your way to the Napa, it may really sound boring if you don’t sip some of the wonderful reds that are offered to all travelers. Again, the key is moderation. The truth is alcoholic drinks should be on top of your list when it comes to heartburn drinks triggers. A glass of wine is okay and healthy; but cocktails and booze shouldn’t tempt you in any way. Never indulge in beers, cocktails, and, yes, even wines. Cocktails that boast of having healthy base like citrus juices should not fill your cup either as it can trigger reflux faster than you can finish your second cup.

Have your meds always with you. Do not think that a drugstore somewhere in the middle of nowhere can save you because chances are they don’t carry your meds. Secure your meds in a convenient pack, something that you can easily fit in your purse. Place it in a bag that you always carry, not in one of your luggage bags you leave in your hotel room. Remember, the easier you can access your meds, the better for you and your tummy.

Also make sure that you bring what the doctor ordered and more. If your doctor asked you to bring six, at least bring eight. These extras can save you because you will never know what will surprise you on the road.

The Secret to Preventing GERD and Acid Reflux Symptoms

Still swigging gallons of milk and popping antacids by default? Chances are you are your heartburn is not getting any cooler. But the good news is that, no matter how worse your acid reflux symptoms are, there is that one GERD treatment that can really put off that burn.

Medications
One of the very first things any heartburn sufferer will immediately reach is his bottle of antacids. But how effective can this method be? Not as much as we want it to. If you want a more lasting relief — one that can save you from the grueling discomfort even before it starts — here is a quick rundown of acid reflux disease treatments that you can discuss with your doctor.

H2 blockers. These items come as OTC and prescription meds. While H2 blockers, such as Pepcid and, of course, Zantac, used to be the standard treatment for heartburn and GERD, they are no longer prescribed as often now. Yes, they may be the very first meds a doctor will recommend for mild cases, but proton pump inhibitors are so much better in getting rid of painful heartburn and GERD symptoms.

H2 blockers are essentially less expensive than proton pump inhibitors, which makes it the perfec choice for those who are in a budget.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI). If you have a bad case of GERD, chances are your doctor has prescribed you one of these. These meds, which include Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid, is really the new standard when it comes to treating GERD. PPIs are key to better managing heartburn and GERD: One, by blocking the production of acid in the stomach and, two, by protecting the esophagus and, therefore, allowing it to recover from damages caused by acid reflux.

PPIs are safe and effective and even used by millions of health experts in diagnosis. It is often difficult to distinguish GERD from heartburn. But one effective way to do it is to simply administer PPIs. If they work, a patient probably has GERD. If they don’t, the patient may have something else.

Prokinetics. Your doctor would have prescribed one of the prescription drugs, such as Urecholine and Reglan, if he thinks that speeding up the emptying of the stomach can help your condition. While prokinetics are often prescribed alongside other GERD treatments, more and more experts are starting to agree that they are rarely helpful.

While it may be tempting to permanently get rid of your heartburn or GERD using any of these treatments, it is important that you ask your doctor if you really need it. Do you really need to sign up with a GERD treatment? Most importantly, does your doctor think so?

There are many reasons to treat GERD and heartburn. And good ones at that. GERD and heartburn has proven to be time and again an inconvenience to many people. When left unattended, heartburn and GERD can be debilitating.

But how will you know if you need and even qualify to any of these available GERD treatments. It is not really about severity but more of frequency. If you have been popping antacids like the manufacturer’s closing down the production later and you are still having symptoms, you may want to check with your doctor and ask for a stronger, more effective med.

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Keeping a Food Journal is Important In Controlling Heartburn

Coping with acid reflux and even GERD is one thing; living with it is another. Everyday, there are at least 7 million people in the United States alone suffering from heartburn who live with hesitation and limit that they decided to put spontaneity in the back seat. No more trip to the nearest eat-all-you-can snack bar; gone are the days when a quick spree to the bar seems to be the perfect the way to cap the night. In fact, even a glass or two’ may lead to a night of gas, bloating, and burping.

But, really, having acid reflux is not as bad as you think. And with your doctor telling you that you can, indeed, have a piece of everything that you have enjoyed then — from a can of soda to, yes, even booze, you know that a life with heartburn can’t be that hard after all.

You can’t expect your doctor to hand you a magic pill when you start complaining about your heartburn symptoms. In fact, heartburn is not something you expect to get “fixed” after taking your meds. Yes, the symptoms may be reduced, but the reality is you have to live by with heartburn, unless you start making real changes in your lifestyle. Aside from all the adjustments that you have to make when preparing a meal, acid reflux may also mean introducing changes with how you live your life everyday.

Anyone who suffers from heartburn symptoms and acid reflux will tell you that their schedules and to-do lists are partly determined by their doctor’s advice. From the time you hit the gym to planning your next vacation, managing and controlling heartburn is something that you should start to live with.

If you have been living a carefree and relaxed lifestyle before your doctor confirmed that you have been suffering from heartburn, it is important that you start your journey by accepting that fact that managing your condition will take a lot of work. Changing the way you live your life is undeniably one of the hardest things that people need to accept when managing heartburn. But with patience and determination, slowly seeing how these changes will fit into the bigger and definitely better future will make you realize that all these efforts are worth it.

To each his own – a truth that speaks not only about one’s preferences but also of heartburn. You know what heartburn feels like, but what triggers your symptoms are quite unique and, in fact, different from one person to another. This is why it is almost impossible for any doctor to have a Black Book that details what food to avoid and what menu to permanently erase off your idea of a perfect dinner.

In managing your heartburn symptoms and condition, you are your doctor’s best aid: You. Aside from the fact that you don’t have a personal dietician whom your doctor can coordinate with about your diet (except, of course, if you do have one), you are the only person your doctor can rely on in remembering what food and beverages you enjoyed before your symptoms kick in. Managing heartburn requires being a mindful eater: Knowing what to eat, what to avoid, how to eat, and having the determination to stick to a heartburn-free menu. If you are new to all these, take small baby steps; start by keeping a food journal to help you and your doctor to pin down what items to avoid.

If for some people heartburn may come after gulping a soda or indulging in a plate of perfectly fried fries, your symptoms may kick in after you had that after-dinner mint. But what makes heartburn difficult to diagnose is that it can be caused by one thing today and another thing tomorrow.

Knowing which triggered the burn may be difficult if you rely on memory alone. If you are to manage heartburn and really pin down the culprit, you need to do more than just asking someone you are having dinner what you just ate before you felt the burn. It takes precision and accuracy, and for that you need to have your log book always with you. Work with your doctor and help him determine what caused and may trigger your symptoms. You need to be specific, not just I’ve-been-to-that-greasy-joint-downtown type. Write a detailed picture of your meal time: From the time you ate to what was featured in your plate to what you did after.

After a month or two, your log should be able to paint a vivid and more visible picture of your lifestyle’s relationship with your symptoms. The next step for you should be heading towards your doctor and not towards the trashcan. Your log contains everything that your doctor needs to make recommendations that go beyond antacids. Use this information to make the necessary changes with your schedule — from sleeping to travelling.


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Acid Reflux Symptoms in Women

 All women know how it feels like when acid reflux kicks in: The burning sensation that starts from your belly and reaches your throat, that pain right in the middle of your chest, and that pungent taste that won’t leave your mouth.

In reality, acid reflux symptoms in women hardly differ from what men feel when heartburn and acid reflux set in.



Though acid reflux symptoms in women can be easily mitigated with antacids, heartburn and acid reflux are essentially two conditions that women have to endure for a lifetime.

Once women have confirmed that what they have is heartburn, most of them stop to think and even care about their condition and symptoms simply because heartburn is not that serious like, well, heart attack. And, since there is really nothing to be worried about heartburn and acid reflux, knowing its symptoms is already irrelevant, right? Wrong. In fact, you one of the at least 6 million heartburn sufferers got it all wrong.
 
It is important for women to know that heartburn and acid reflux are conditions that they should just ignore. Though both acid reflux and heartburn are conditions that are shared by many, it is important that you should listen to your body well. Why? Because acid reflux symptoms in women may just be a good cover up of other conditions like cancer. In fact, the symptoms of acid reflux in women may just be the signals their body is sending them to tell them that they really need to see their doctors — fast.

Symptoms of acid reflux in women are non-exclusive. In fact, many of these symptoms are shared by many of life-threatening conditions such as ulcer in the duodenum, esophagitis, and ulcer in the stomach. Persistent acid reflux is not just something a pain that you would have to live with. Having acid reflux and heartburn symptoms everyday maybe isn’t caused because of what you ate but by what you really have. So when should you get checked?

 Here’s a one good rule of thumb: If symptoms persist, pay your doctor a visit.
It is important that all heartburn and acid reflux sufferers know the universal symptoms of their condition. In fact, they cannot afford to miss it at all. First, the most common of all symptoms of acid reflux in women: Heartburn. A medical misnomer, heartburn, as compared to the pain caused by a heart attack, is felt right in the middle of the chest, a pressure-like or sharp pain similar to angina, or heart pain. As most women confuse heartburn with angina, it is important that you ask your doctor to teach you how to detect the difference between the two conditions.

Nausea is another symptom common to acid reflux and heartburn sufferers; in fact, those with severe cases of acid reflux experience nausea, dizziness, and vomiting all at the same time. If you felt dizzy and nauseous after a meal, you may want to reconsider to treat your symptoms as whole. It maybe tempting to reach for an ibuprofen, but it is more practical for you to reach for your antacids and wait for it to act on your symptoms. Ever wonder what is causing unexplained bout with nausea, dizziness, and tightening in the stomach area? Your doctor may just confirm what you know all along; in fact, most doctors have acid reflux on top of their list when they diagnose nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.

Regurgitation is another symptom that will fit the picture. Essentially a condition caused by the inability of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) to block the refluxed liquid or food to reach the throat, regurgitation can be described as a lingering acid taste in the mouth. In some cases, patients will just find their mouths filled by food or liquid refluxed from their stomach.

But don’t feel safe because all these symptoms fit into the picture. It is important that you visit your doctor so you should know about ways on how you can better manage a life with acid reflux and heartburn.
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Beat Heartburn: Lifestyle Changes That Will Get Rid of Heartburn Symptoms Permanently

It is important that you watch what you eat and drink.

While this is one of, if not, the most important steps in managing heartburn, you know that you need to take it further if you really want to change your life. Heartburn can be an inconvenience to many people. And if you feel that your heartburn symptoms do get in the way of how you live your life, it is high time that you regain control of your life. There are ways you can make that can manage and control your heartburn symptoms — better than antacids can.

Watching portion sizes. Fatty meals stay longer in the stomach. And so does larger meals. By simply watching what goes in your plate, you are basically helping yourself by reducing the occurrence of heartburn. You may have a healthy serving of yogurt and fruits, by if you serve them in a large bowl your risk of having a post-dessert heartburn is as high as when you have had a deep fried Cajun chicken.

Moderation is always the key in better managing heartburn. Plus, watching portion sizes for heartburn sufferers is the only way they can have their favorite yet heartburn-inducing food. So if you think of portions in that way, it is win win solution after all.

Eating out, safely. Most of us don’t have the luxury of time to cook. If you are one of the million of urbanistas who often find themselves eating out more than they ever want to, you know that this by-product of working an 8-5 job is not exactly easy for many heartburn sufferers. In fact, finding a good, heartburn-friendly restaurant is a challenge to many.

The key to eating out and not having to regret it later is to really know heartburn-inducing dishes. Heartburn sufferers need not look for specially created restaurants that can cater for their needs. Unlike vegans, heartburn sufferers can enjoy both plant- and animal-based dishes, which makes the process of restaurant hunting so much easier.

The only challenge heartburn sufferers must learn to overcome in a lot of restaurants are, one, high-fat foods and, two, huge portions. We are known worldwide for offering unhealthy foods in unhealthy portions. And you know you can’t be a part of it. When dining out, ask for healthy prepared meals, such as boiled, grilled, and broiled. Choose low-fat options. If the portion can be overwhelming, ask that the half of the dish be brown bag even before it will be served. This will save you from the temptation of finishing it all.

Keeping a journal. Though high-fat and greasy menus are definitely worth taking out of your list of heartburn-safe dishes, it is important that you keep a journal that can tell you exactly what triggers your symptoms and what doesn’t. What triggers your symptoms can be different from what has induced your friend’s. So taking note can save you from a lot of guessing the next time your out picking dishes from a menu.

Make your journal comprehensive, especially if you are discovering what works for you and what doesn’t. Record the time your symptoms have occurred, take note of what your symptoms are, and even the activities you have engaged in before the symptoms kick in. Make the most of your log. It can help you much more than you can imagine.

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Tips to Prevent Nighttime Heartburn

There are at least 7.7 millions of Americans who suffer from heartburn, and 1 out of every 4 heartburn sufferers also experience nighttime heartburn symptoms. In the 2005 survey exploring heartburn and its effect on the sleeping pattern of those who suffers from it, over 50 percent of those who were surveyed admit that they are having difficulty staying asleep because of their condition.

Grab a snack. Contrary to the popular belief, grabbing a sandwich may put you to sleep faster than a glass of milk. But before you make yourself a baconator in the middle of the night, you may want to stick to healthy option and portion. To make a heartburn-free sandwich, make sure that you are not including the following: Tomato, catsup, and, of course, mustard.

Hit the gym. Most heartburn sufferers have weight problem. Studies show that obese, overweight, and even those who have some few extra pounds left are predisposed to suffering from heartburn and acid reflux than those who maintain a healthy weight.

This is why exercise is one of, if not, the most recommended remedies doctors can give their patients. Pursuing an active lifestyle will not only keep your heartburn symptoms at bay but will actually bring more benefits than you can imagine.

Chew gum after a meal. If you love spicy dishes and have been suffering heartburn for some time, make sure that you sneak a gum to your purse not only to banish the pungent onion smell (and taste) from your mouth but also to keep you heartburn-free all night. “Popping a gum right after dinner encourages the production of saliva, which acts as a great neutralizer against stomach acids,” says Chandler.

But don’t just pop in any gum; choose a flavor aside from peppermint and spearmint. Instead, have fruit-flavored gums in your purse.

Check your meds. If you have been consuming painkillers, calcium-channel blocker, chances are your heartburn symptoms immediately sets in as soon as you pop your meds in your mouth. But this doesn’t mean that you just go cold turkey; throwing your meds in your cabinet and never looking back may actually worsen your condition. Instead, call for an appointment and ask your doctor for better alternatives.

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