Ask the dietitian: How to relieve the symptoms of heartburn
If you have already felt burning, heat or pain behind the breastbone, you were symptoms of heartburn due to acid reflux. These symptoms usually come after you eat or at night when trying to sleep. The good news is there are steps you can take to get relief
Q: What are some tips to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux with heartburn
A: De Masha Fox-Rabinovich , MA, RD, LDN, CDE, outpatient dietitian at Washington Adventist Hospital, and Katherine Lambert, volunteer nutrition
Understanding acid reflux
Heartburn or acid reflux, also known at reflux disease gastroesophageal or GERD, is an uncomfortable and often painful condition caused by stomach acid up into the esophagus. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, more than 60 million Americans experience GERD at least once a month, and 15 million daily.
acid reflux causes
It is important to understand that GERD is not caused by too much stomach acid, but caused by acid stomach in the wrong place. When your digestion is functioning normally, a valve between your esophagus and stomach (the lower esophageal sphincter or LES) opens briefly let the food in the highly acidic environment of the stomach and then closes tightly. In some cases of acid reflux, the LES opens too often or do not close tightly. Another common reason for reflux weakened bowel function that does not properly remove the digestive enzymes and stomach acid away from the esophagus. Anyway, it creates a burning sensation that the acid of the stomach is in contact with the unprotected lining of the esophagus.
The use of antacids or acid blocking drugs taken for long periods can lead to nutrition-related concerns, such asdecreased levels of calcium, magnesium and zinc; iron deficiency; a vitamin B12 deficiency; and the risk of developing osteoporosis, depression, irritable bowel syndrome, pneumonia and increased bacterial proliferation. If you plan to use the judgment of prescription acid blockers, make sure to consult your doctor before doing so. It is best to wean these drugs slowly because there could be a rebound effect causing an overproduction of acid.
The causes of GERD may vary from person to person especially when it comes to food. Find out what is causing your symptoms and avoid or eliminate these foods
Some common foods that cause the LES to relax (you do not want!) And lead to heart symptoms burns include :.
- tomatoes and tomato sauces
- citrus
- Garlic
- Onions
- chocolate
- the caffeine
- alcohol
- peppermint (for some)
more here are some known factors GERD for many people
- stress - plays a huge role
- obesity - puts pressure on the stomach
- binge - also puts pressure on the stomach
- foods high in fats and oils (especially animal fats and fried foods)
- Smoking - which relaxes the LES and increases stomach acid
- Some medications - including antihistamines , calcium channel blockers, analgesics such as ibuprofen and aspirin, bisphosphonates, anticholinergics and others. Check with your doctor to see if the drugs might be a factor for you.
Relief for Acid Reflux
Here are some of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics the GERD to avoid:
- Eat in a quiet, relaxed. Sit down while you eat.
- Exercise at least three or four times a week.
- Wear loose clothing.
- I do not smoke.
- Raise the head of your bed 6 to 9 inches. You can put a wedge foam in the top of the mattress or support legs on the headboard with wood blocks. (Stack pillows is not effective.)
- Wait three hours after eating before going to bed.
- Eat small meals throughout the day.
Look for healthier our resident dietitian advice, coming soon! Do you have questions about food or dieting? We would like to hear from you! Please share your questions in the comments section below.
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