Food Causes Acid Reflux

What is Acid Reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also known as the “acid reflux”. It is a long-term condition in which stomach contents rise into the oesophagus (informally known as food pipe or gullet) resulting in either symptoms or complications. symptoms including the taste of acid in the back of the mouth, heartburn, bad breath, chest pain, regurgitation berating problems, and wearing away of the teeth. Complications comprise esophagitis, oesophagal stricture, and Barrett’s oesophagus. It is due to the poor closure of the lower oesophagal sphincter, which is at the junction between the stomach and the oesophagus. let’s gradually discuss the food causes acid reflux in detail.

How Acid Reflux causes GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is caused by habitual acid reflux. When we swallow a circular band of muscle around the bottom of the oesophagus relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into your stomach. Then the sphincter closes again. After swallow’s food travels down the oesophagus, it stimulates cell into the stomach to produce acid and pepsin (an enzyme), which aid digestion. A band of muscle at the lower part of the oesophagus called the lower oesophagal sphincter (LES). It acts as a barrier to prevent the back-flow (reflux) of stomach contents into the stomach.

Reflux occurs when the barrier is relaxed at inappropriate times, is weak, or is otherwise compromised. Which leads to the cause of GERD? There is no single cause of (GERD). It occurs when the oesophagal defences are overwhelmed by gastric contents that reflux into the oesophagus GERD can also be present without oesophagal damage (about 50-70% patients comprise this form of the disease).

Stages of GERD

There are four stages of GERD. The stage disease is determined by the severity of reflux into the oesophagus. The longer and the more frequent acid reflex episode are the more significant is the damage to the oesophagus. It is also associated with a spectrum of symptoms that ranges from mild heartburn to severe chest pain.

• Stage 1: Mild GERD. Patients experience mild symptoms once or twice a month. Treatment relies on lifestyle changes and over –the –counter acid-suppressive medication.
• Stage 2: Moderate GERD. Patients having more frequent symptoms needs daily prescription acid-suppressive medications. Untreated GERD symptoms affect a patient’s daily activities and are associated with oesophagal inflammation
• Stage 3: Severe GERD. Patients with severe GERD have poorly controlled symptoms on prescription medication. Their quality of life is substantially lower. Patients are more likely to have erosive oesophagus inflammation. A thorough and complete evaluation by a gastroesophageal reflux disease expert is highly recommended
• Stage 4: Esophageal Cancer. It is the worse stage of GERD and this stage is the result of many years untreated severe reflex. 10% of patients with long-term Gastroesophageal reflux disease progress to stage 4. They reach to the pre-cancerous condition called Barrett’s oesophagus. Barrett’s oesophagus may lead to cancer disease if not treated.

Is GERD Deadly?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease can be a problematic if it’s not treated because, the reflux of stomach acid damaged the tissue lining the oesophagus causing swelling and pain in adults. Long-lasting untreated GERD can lead to permanent damage to the oesophagus and sometimes even cancer. GERD is a deadly disease because it leads to cancer and cancer is the ultimate cause of death.

If it treated timely GERD can be cured but untreated GERD leads to death. It is a most common disease of the stomach the acid produced in the stomach leads to the digestion of food but when the oesophagus opens large and stomach slides up to diaphragm then the gas comes in upstream and then it touches to the oesophagus, which causes the heartburn that ultimately causes of GERD if it’s not treated properly and time it could be a cause of serious illness which could be deadly.

Is Acid Reflux Serious?

Acid reflux is a serious disease but less severe and painful then GERD acid reflex can leads to the burning or acidity which can be serious for patients and leads to the throat problem. It occurs due to the acid produced in the stomach when the acid slides back to the oesophagus that leads to the burning problem in the back of the throat and chest area which is a serious and painful problem for many people. Acid reflux is also a serious disease because it is the cause of burning that is very irritating and painful.

Acid Reflux Symptoms

Common symptoms of acid reflux are,

• Heartburn: A burning pain or discomfort that may move from stomach to abdomen or chest, or even up into the throat.
• Regurgitation: A sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into throat or mouth

Other Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease Include:

• Bloating: Gassiness and abdominal discomfort. It can become severe enough that it causes distention or a perceptible swelling of the abdomen.
• Blood or black stool or bloody vomiting
• Burping
• Dysphagia: The sensation of the food; that is  being stuck in the throat
• Hiccup’s that don’t let up
• Nausea
• Weight loss for no known reason
• Hoarseness, dry cough, wheezing, or chronic sore throat

Symptoms For Babies

Symptoms of reflux in babies include:

• Being sick during or shortly after feeding or bringing up milk
• Coughing or Hiccuping when feeding
• Being unsettled during feeding
• Swallowing or Gulping after burping or feeding
• Crying or not settling
• Not gaining weight as they are not keeping enough food down

Symptoms During Pregnancy

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. They can sum up one or more of the following, that are listed below:

• Heartburn: This is a burning feeling which rises from the upper abdomen or lower chest up toward the neck.
• Water brash: This is a sudden flow of sour-tasting saliva in the mouth.
• Upper abdomen pain or discomfort
• Pain in the middle of the chest, that is right behind the breastbone
• Feeling sick or being sick
• Bloating
• Quickly feeling ‘full’ after eating

Acid Reflux Symptoms of Back Pain

For the most serious cases, pain can be felt in the back. Heartburn is another digestive disorder that may cause pain in the back. The following are the symptoms of back pain.

• Heartburn
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Gas

Why Do I Suddenly Have Acid Reflux?

There are some common risk factors for acid reflux disease,

• After eating a meal lying down on bead without any movement and taking a heavy meal. Taking aspirin and ibuprofen, some muscle relaxes, or certain blood pressure medication we can suffer from acid reflux.
• Eating a heavy meal or more food that requirement and just lying on your back or bending over at the waist.
• After snacking close to bedtime.
• After eating certain foods, such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, spicy, fried, or fatty food.
• After smocking
• After drinking certain beverages, such as alcohol or coffee
• Taking certain medications, such as aspirin.
• Eating late at night and after eating the use of drinking certain beverages cause acid reflux
• Regular use of spicy and fatty products leads to the acid reflux

What Food Causes Acid Burn?

There is a lot of common foods that trigger acid burn,

• Spicy foods are the main cause of acid burn because spicy foods take more time to digest and create a problem in the stomach that leads to acid burn.
• Onion cause acid burn because of its property of acidity that produces acidity in the stomach that leads to the acid burn.
• Citrus fruits are also caused by acid burn because of its sour taste.
• Tomato products such as ketchup cause acid burn because processed ketchup process in the steam tanks and in certain acids that leads to the acid burn.
• Fatty or fried foods are the roofs of acid burn because fried foods fried in oil and ghee that lead to heartburn or acid burn.
• Peppermint and chocolate are also a source of acid burn.
• Alcohol, carbonated beverages, coffee, or other caffeinated beverages also source of acid burn.
• Being overweight and pregnant also can increase the risk of acid burn.

How Food Neutralizes Stomach Acidity?

Lemon juice is generally considered very acidic, but a small amount of lemon juice mixed with warm water and honey has an alkalizing effect that nasalizes stomach acid. Also, honey has natural antioxidants, which protect the health of cells. By eating certain foods such as low acidic food can also be used to neutralize stomach acidity.

How Can I Prevent Acid Reflux?

We can aloof from acid reflex by adopting certain precautions,

• Avoid to lying down for almost three hours after a meal.
• Eat smaller meals; 5 to 6 times, more frequently throughout the day.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes and stuff, to avoid pressure on your abdomen
• Loss of excess weight.
• Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inch by placing wooden blocks under your bedposts.
• By avoiding foods and drinks that trigger reflux.
• By eating food slowly and chewing thoroughly.
• By maintaining a healthy weight.
• By quit smoking
• By adopting certain foods we can prevent acid reflux, such as Vegetables, Ginger, Oatmeal, Non citrus fruits, Lean meats and seafood, Egg whites, Healthy fats.

Top Foods to Prevent Acid Reflux

Following are some foods that use to prevent acid reflux.

By taking the following foods we can prevent from acid reflux because these foods are the best source to avoid acid reflux,

• Bananas: a banana has low ph. value or acidity and can be used as the neutrality of acid.
• Beans: Beans are heart-healthy food, and are also a good source of fibre it is also used for the neutrality of acid.
• Chamomile Tea: It is also a food that can be used for neutralizing the acid.
• Chewing gum: Chewing gum immediately after a meal, and for up to one hour help to reduce the amount of acid felt in the oesophagus.
• Egg whites: Egg white is typically a staple food for bodybuilders and provides all of the protein in eggs.
• Ginger: Ginger is renowned as being anti-inflammatory and is often prescribed as a natural remedy to a variety of stomach ailments.
• Herbs: Herbs are a healthy way to add flowers to your food without needed to use an excessive amount of oil, salt, or sugar.

• Honey and Agave: Honey, especially Manuka Hone, is reportedly helpful for reflux; it is reported to contain enzymes to help indigestion. Sweeteners like honey and agave can make a great addition to oatmeal in an acid reflux diet.
• Lean Chicken and Turkey: It is a great affordable source of protein. Be sure to choose cuts without skin, and always grill or sautee the chicken.
• Lean fish: it is one of the healthiest foods around. A great source of protein and most vitamins, and minerals, fish is a great addition to any diet. When preparing fish for a GERD diet, be sure to choose less fatty fish and only grill, or steam it.
• Melon: Honeydew and watermelon are also suitable for acid reflux.
• Olive oil: Since fat is a necessary part of the diet, but generally bad for reflux, two tablespoons of olive oil is also preferred for acid reflux.
• Plain popcorn: It is considered a whole grain, and can make a great snake. It is used to weight loss.
• Soups: Homemade soups, especially with whole wheat noodles and the approved vegetables above, can make a great meal to prevent reflux. As with melon, watch the portion size so not to overeat.it also has the advantage of being low in calories, aiding in weight loss which is likely to help with acid reflux.
• Soy Milk: Full fat and even skim milk, can often trigger reflux. Soy milk can prevent great alternatives, as well as lactose-free milk.
• Tofu: Tofu is a low-fat source of protein. It is however typically served fried and deep-fried, which you should avoid when on a reflux diet.
• Vegetables (Except Onion, Tomato, or peppers): Raw or cooked vegetables are generally good for acid reflux diet. Be sure to avoid onion, tomato, peppers. Recommended vegetables include all root vegetables such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, and carrot. Other great vegetables include mushrooms, fennel, and celery.
• Vinegar: Since acid reflux is often caused by often low stomach acid after too many PPIs drinking some vinegar before a meal can help to prevent reflux. For best results mix the vinegar with water manuka honey.
• Whole Grains (Especially oatmeal): Whole grains like whole-wheat bread (especially rye), brown rice, and oatmeal should also prevent reflux. Oatmeal is even though to absorbs stomach acid and acid for other foods.

Food that Causes Acid Reflux

Following are the worst foods that cause acid reflux,

• Coffee and tea: Morning cup of Joe may just be sending your oesophagus into a burning tizzy; not a great way to start a day. The acidity nature of the drink can exacerbate reflux symptoms.
• Carbonated beverages: The bubbles in carbonation expand inside the stomach, causing a lot of extra pressure to reside just beneath your fragile LES muscles. Soda and other carbonated drinks stir up some serious oesophagal distress.
• Chocolate: These are naturally-occurring substances that act on the central nervous system and cause the smooth muscle tissue in the LES to relax. Cacao is just as capable of weakening the LES.
• Peppermint Tea: Don’t be fooled by its reputation for soothing the tummy; peppermint is an acid reflux trigger. It can aggravate the digestive tract. It is best to avoid anything take in mint flavoured.
• Grapefruit and orange: The high acidity of citrus fruit relaxes the oesophagus.
• Tomato: Also avoid marinara sauce, ketchup, and tomato soup they’re all naturally high in acid. It can cause the stomach to produce too much gastric acid which is chemically responsible for breaking down the food, and when the quantity becomes too great in size, it has nowhere to go except for up into the oesophagus.
• Alcohol: This has a double whammy effect. Alcohol relaxes the sphincter valve but it also stimulates acid production in the stomach. It sits in the stomach which increases the likelihood of enduring an acid reflux episode.
• Fried Foods: These are some of the worse foods for reflux. Skip the French fries, onion rings, and fried chicken.
• Late-night snacks: Avoid eating anything in the two hours before you go to bed. Also, you can try eating four to five smaller meals throughout the day instead of two to three large meals.
• Beef: It contains a good amount of fat which is worse for acid reflux this causes LES to become lax.
• Spicy Foods: It increases acid reflux symptoms. It irritated the digestive track and it takes a longer time to digest and food sitting in the stomach for a long time can cause acid reflux.

• Jam and Jelly: It includes in the top rank of acid-forming foods weighing in with a PH of 5.5.
• Eggs: It bothersome to your LES. Not to mention, it is among one of  big eight food allergens
• Peanut Butter: It is responsible for acid reflux because it contains a lot of fats.
• Table sugar: It can cause havoc in the stomach which then can easily proceed to cause havoc in your oesophagus.

Suitable Drinks For Acid Reflux

The followings are a suitable drink that is used to prevent acid reflux or suitable for acid reflux,

• Herbal Tea: It helps to improve digestion and abolish many stomach problems, such as gas and nausea. Chamomile, liquorice, Slippery elm, and marshmallow may make better herbal remedies to abolish GERD symptoms.
• Low Fat or Skim Milk: cow’s milk is hard to digest because it contains a significant amount of fat. Full fat cow’s milk may relax the lower oesophagal sphincter, which can cause or worsen reflux symptoms. Choose low-fat milk because it is appropriate for reflux.
• Plant-based Milk: Plant-based milk is a good solution for those who have a problem with dairy products. Today, there is a variety of these products available, such as Soy milk, Almond milk, Flax milk, Cashew milk, Coconut milk.
• Fruit Juice: Low acidic fruits juices are too suitable for acid reflux disease it can be easy to digest and well suited for acid reflux problems. Juices that are suitable for acid reflux are Carrot juice, Aloe Vera juice, Cabbage juice.

Acid Reflux Treatment and Remedies

Acid Reflux can be treated by different methods, such as, it can be treated with medicine, herbs and it can also be treated homeopathic-ally. Let’s explain in detail.

Medical Treatment

Don’t combine more than one type of antacid or other medication without doctor’s guidance

• Foaming agents such as Gaviscon, coat your stomach to prevent from reflux.
• H2 blockers (Pepcid, Tagamet) slow acid production.
• Proton pump inhibitors (Aciphex, Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, and Protonix) also lessen the amount of acid stomach makes
• Prokinetics such as Reglan, Urecholine, can aid in strengthening the lower oesophagal sphincter or LES, empty stomach faster, and easy acid reflux

Herbal Treatment

Acid reflux can be cured naturally. The following are the natural remedies that help to cure acid reflux,

• Apple cider vinegar
• Ginger
• Aloe Vera  juice
• Bananas
• Turmeric
• DGL liquorice
• D-limonene
• Honey
• Marshmallow

Homeopathic Treatment

Some of the common prescribed homoeopathic medicines for GERD are Natrum Phosphorica, Iris, Versicolor, Robinia, Nux Vomica, Phosphorus, Lycopodium, Carbo veg, etc. when we eat, food or liquid goes from the food pipes (oesophagus) to the stomach through the junction at the lower end of the oesophagus and the stomach.

How Acid Reflux Can Be Cured Permanently

Acid reflux can be cured enduringly by adopting certain habits which is suitable for health and stomach, such as, to avoid acidic foods permanently and take healthy and low acidic food which is suitable for the stomach to digest easily. To cure acidic reflux we must avoid carbonated beverages because they enhance the acidity in the stomach which is responsible for acid reflux. We must use low acidic drinks. And at the last, we must avoid fat because high fat is the risk to increase weight.

To Sum Up

Acid reflux disease is instead not a fatal disease but it is dangerous for life and health. In case of any symptom, we must go to the specific doctor to diagnose it and treated it properly according to the doctor’s advice because it terminates the stomach and causes stomach disease which is responsible to destroy the health. We should avoid all the activities and foods that could be responsible for acid reflux and adopt all such activities and foods which could be helpful to cure acid reflux.