Prevent Acid Reflux With Careful Food Selection

Submitted by: Evelyn

It is possible to prevent acid reflux symptoms with proper food selection. Heartburn is an extremely painful symptom that you may experience and you may think that your condition is a cardiovascular one. However, acid reflux is really a digestive disorder that can be treated with making some diet changes. Careful selection of the foods that are suitable for your consumption can help reduce the severity and frequency of your symptoms.

Once diagnosed with acid reflux disease otherwise known as gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), you can expect that this to be a life long condition. Many people who are afflicted with serious heartburn symptoms will need to seek treatment for their esophagus. However, future attacks may continue to damage the organ, thereby precipitating the need for further treatment. For this reason, treatment for acid reflux is usually conducted on an ongoing basis.

Acid reflux describes a condition whereby the liquid contents of the stomach are regurgitated into the esophagus. This liquid, since it has come from the stomach, contains acids that are used in digestion, even bile. When this liquid is sent back up to the esophagus, these acids, inflame, injure and damage it and thus causing several acid reflux symptoms such as heartburn.

Certain foods are more likely to trigger an acid reflux attack, while others will carry less risk. For an easier understanding, you can place all foods into three categories in accordance to their effects on your condition. They should be recorded as safe foods, moderate foods and unsafe foods.

Safe foods seldom or rarely trigger an acid reflux symptom. Such foods include fruits like apples and bananas, vegetables like cabbage, peas carrots, meat like lean ground beef, egg whites, chicken breast, dairy products such as cheese (provided that they are fat-free), and grains such as oatmeal and bran. These foods are generally low in fat and are alkaline.

Moderate foods may or may not cause symptoms. Still, it is best to consume them in moderation to prevent acid reflux. Hence, eat these foods only occasionally. Moderate foods include fruits like peaches, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Vegetables in this category include onions (cooked), garlic, scallions, sauerkraut, and leeks. Fried eggs, fried fish, hot dogs, and ham have the potential to trigger heartburn. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese varieties such as cheddar and mozzarella should also be consumed in moderation.

Lastly, unsafe foods are those that can trigger a heartburn attack quite easily. As such, you should avoid these food items to prevent acid reflux symptoms from developing. These foods include fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. These type of fruits are high in acidic content. Vegetables like onions (raw) are traditional culprits. Portions of meat that have high-fat content should also be avoided. Also, refrain from eating ice cream, brownies, chocolates, potato chips, doughnuts, and high-fat salad dressings. You should also consume beverages like wine, tea and coffee sparingly, if at all.

About Author: A carefully planned acid reflux diet can help reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn symptoms. Find out more from this site here at http://www.treat-acid-reflux.com

Article Source: Evelyn at Free Articles Search Engine Directory