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Acid reflux is the most basic digestive system issue, and it is among the most commonly diagnosed. It generates intense indigestion, including burning, bloating, or feeling burpy and nauseated all the time. It is an issue pertaining to the gastrointestinal system when stomach acids flow back to the food passage(the esophageal lining), resulting in irritation and damage to the esophageal lining.
When this problem repeats regularly for a person, it is referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If GERD is neglected without the needed medical attention, it may become equally harmful or even lead to severe health conditions such as Barrett’s Esophagus and esophagitis.
1. What is GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs when excess acid in the stomach disrupts the body’s Ph level, leading to heartburn. Chronic acid reflux results in GERD and makes eating or swallowing food difficult, disturbing the body’s overall well-being.
Barrett’s Esophagus is a graver issue that happens if the GERD is left untreated and its symptoms are ignored for a longer time. This disease occurs when the esophageal lining and muscles of the Esophagus get destroyed due to the constant flow of acid from the stomach to the mouth. The LES(lower esophageal sphincter), commonly known as the opening at the end of the food pipe, gets weak and relaxes frequently, resulting in increased symptoms of acidity such as heartburn, nausea and regurgitation.
Also, the chances of a person having Barrett’s esophagus increase, further leading to the high possibility of esophageal spasms or cancer. Thus, getting the treatment done promptly and smartly is essential under the doctor’s advice.
Furthermore, there have been studies that show that around 10-20% of people suffering from long-lasting GERD are susceptible to Barrett’s esophagus symptoms.
2. Factors that Lead to GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus
Various factors can result in these diseases, which include being overweight, not having enough food, overconsumption of alcohol and frequent smoking. Also, some lifestyle factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, which means being lethargic, having food at irregular intervals and being stressed or mentally exhausted, can cause GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus.
However, if some changes are made in the diet and an active lifestyle is adopted, these issues can be managed, and good digestive health can be maintained.
Now, let’s explore the various foods that we should eat or avoid to fight the above-mentioned diseases.
3. Foods to Avoid
3.1 Highly Acidic Fruits
People suffering from GERD should consume fruits such as lemons, oranges, tomatoes, and grapes in meager quantities. These fruits have a low pH, which damages the lining of the Esophagus. As the body’s acid increases, it repeatedly comes in the reverse direction of the mouth. Hence, these should not be eaten as they may intensify the symptoms, causing discomfort and pain.
3.2 Gluten
In order to maintain optimal gut health, foods that contain gluten, such as wheat, milk, breads, and pasta, should be eaten in moderate proportions. No matter how irresistible these foods are, they are not good for the body and weaken the immune system, making the body more prone to developing celiac disease.
3.3 Spicy Foods
We tend to add spicy sauces to our meals to add more flavor and a spicy kick hem. While this is satisfactory for our taste buds and appetite, it can harm our gut health in the long run. Spicy food can lead to allergic reactions in the food pipe and result in uneasiness.
3.4 Oily and Fatty Foods
Fried fats cannot be consumed by those who want to ensure they are not overweight because these foods are directly associated with an increased cholesterol level. Such a diet takes a long time for the stomach to digest, causing more heartburn and other discomforts. For example, the meals are eaten carelessly, like french fries, noodles, chips, burgers, and pizza.
3.5 Sweetened Items and Soft Drinks
People with sweet tooths look forward to munching on sweets during their free time. But binge eating sweets constantly will ruin people’s bodies and health. Some examples are doughnuts, churros, cake, shakes, ice cream, and sweetened carbonated beverages. Also, it is advisable to stay away from them, which might sound impossible, but just a balanced diet plan and a healthy way of life can be enough to see great outcomes.
3.6 Others
Dairy products like milk and yogurt, caffeine items like tea and coffee, and a few vegetables such as onion and garlic can be safe choices when consumed in a minimum amount.
4. Foods to Eat
4.1 Whole Grains
These are the sources full of fiber, which acts as an essential tool for smooth bowel movements and maintaining good intestinal health. Gluten-free foods, oatmeal, brown rice, and millets like bajra and jowar fall under this category.
4.2 Fruits
Binge eating is an absolute nightmare; to escape it and make our body feel full, switching to fruits is a healthy solution. This habit comes with the bonus of providing the body with all the essential vitamins and minerals needed to help fight against infections and boost digestion by keeping a person complete longer. It is better to have alkaline fruits such as apples, papaya, bananas and pears.
4.3 Water-Rich Foods
Water is undeniably the most critical component of the body. To keep the body’s pH on track, we should refer to foods like watermelon, cucumber, lettuce, and soups. These foods keep the body hydrated and reduce acid in the stomach.
4.4 Healthy Beverages
The healthiest choice in life is to make water our best friend. Beverages such as herbal teas, apple cider vinegar, bone broths or buttermilk can help you reduce the symptoms of GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus while fulfilling the body’s water needs.
4.5 Vegetables- Green and others
Some leafy vegetables, like spinach, kale, and lettuce that people sometimes eat raw in a salad should actually be cooked before eating, as only then can their true nutritional value be attained. A few vegetables that should be preferably eaten after cooking are beetroot, carrots, and bell peppers, which can also be good for the body.
4.6 Low- Calorie Proteins
Every weight loss diet emphasizes the importance of protein consumption. Lean protein items such as chicken, low-fat meat, fish and cottage cheese should be eaten for great results.
5. Final Words
Even though GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus seem so distressful, with a determined mindset to implement the above diet, they can be overcome quickly and help you live a healthy and spirited life.
Last Updated on by AnoushkaRoy
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