Aging and Disease

What is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Acid
reflux is a digestive disorder in which 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 injure, inflame, and damage that organ.

Also known as heartburn, acid reflux is a chronic condition. Once
it has begun, it will usually last for an entire person’s life.
Most people who are afflicted with serious heartburn symptoms
will need to seek treatment for their esophagus. However, future
acid reflux attacks will continue to damage the organ, thereby
precipitating the need for further treatment.

Treatment for acid reflux is usually conducted on an ongoing
basis.

Despite its misleading name, heartburn is not a cardiovascular
condition – it’s a digestive disorder. Therefore, it stands to
sense that what you eat has a significant effect on the onset and
seriousness of heartburn symptoms. The cardinal rule in
preventing heartburn, then, is to watch what you eat.

Watch What You Eat

Certain foods are prone to trigger an attack, while others will
carry less risk. In your quest to prevent acid reflux and
alleviate its symptoms, you must understand the effects that
different foods have on your condition.

Safe Foods

Foods that have very little potential in terms of causing
heartburn. These food items include fruits like apples and
bananas, vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and peas, meat like
lean ground beef, chicken breast, egg whites, dairy products such
as cheese (provided that they are fat-free), and grains such as
oatmeal and bran. Generally, all foods that are high in fat and
acidic content should be avoided. Whenever in doubt, stick to the
low-fat varieties of food.

Moderate Foods

These foods may or may not cause acid reflux. However, it is
better to consume these items in moderation – it really is a
small sacrifice to make, if it can prevent an attack from
occurring. Eat these foods occasionally; never often. Moderate
foods include fruits like peaches, blueberries, strawberries, and
raspberries.

Meanwhile, vegetables like onions (cooked), garlic, scallions,
sauerkraut, and leeks. Fried eggs, fried fish, hot dogs, and ham
have the potential to cause acid reflux, but not excessively so.
Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese varieties such as
cheddar and mozzarella should also be enjoyed in moderation.

Unsafe Foods

These foods, when eaten, carry with them an increased risk of an acid reflux attack. As such, these food items should be eaten
sparingly. These include fruits such as lemons, oranges, and
grapefruits, which are fruits that are high in acidic content.

Vegetables like onions (raw) are traditional culprits. Portions
of meat that have high-fat content should also be avoided. So
should ice cream, chocolates, brownies, doughnuts, potato chips,
and high-fat salad dressings. Beverages like wine, coffee, and
tea should be taken sparingly, if at all. You can see that
there’s practical value in learning more about acid reflux.

For more information about acid reflux, visit my website and
read 58 fresh Article”s on Acid Reflux

Ron Keegan is a successful Webmaster and publisher of
ArticleBankOnline.com a Health Directory with up to date
information on health issues. http://www.ArticleBankOnline.com

Tags: Health, Aging

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