Heartburn and GERG

Many people and even some children suffer of heartburn or excess acid. Quite often what food and drink is consumed might make a huge difference and reduce the heartburn or high acidity. Here are some suggestions and facts about heartburn:
Triggers factors


• Heavy meals

• Lying down or bending after a meal

• Eating immediately prior to exercise

• Prior esophageal surgery

• Esophageal stricture (narrowing of the esophagus)

• Cigarette smoking

• Alcohol intake

Sign and symptoms

Heartburn -- a burning sensation under the sternum in the chest -- is the primary symptom of GERD. Heartburn often occurs after a meal and worsens at night, when you are lying flat. It is more likely to occur following a heavy meal, or if you bend, lift, or lie down just after eating.

Other symptoms of GERD include:

• Regurgitation of food

• Belching

• Nausea and vomiting

• Chronic cough, wheezing

• Sore throat, hoarseness or change in voice, difficulty swallowing

• Chest pain

Life style

• Avoid behavior that does not allow food to easily move down into and through the stomach. This includes bending, lying down, or participating in jarring exercises soon after a meal.

• Don't eat heavy meals

• Avoid acidic foods and drinks. These include caffeinated beverages, decaffeinated coffee, and orange juice

• Avoid alcohol, chocolate, spearmint, and peppermint. These can relax the low esophageal sphincter.

• Avoid carbonated beverages

• Avoid eating fatty foods, including full-fat milk, which also may relax the lower esophageal sphincter tone. Avoid fried foods.

• Citrus foods

• Take medication with plenty of water

• Lose weight if you are overweight

• Quit smoking

• Avoid cranberry juice

• Avoid Italian heavy food,

• Avoid Mexican foods

• Avoid Tomatoes

• Processed foods

• Sugar

• Drink a big glass of water when the reflux starts, - Chew well - Eat plenty of raw vegetables - Eat slowly - Do not eat 3 hours before going to bed

http://www.nutritionhealth.net/