An acid reflux diet typically restricts the intake of certain foods that are known to increase stomach acid. While there is no proof that there are any foods that “cure” acid reflux, people who have suffered from acid reflux are currently selling the acid reflux diet that they used in books and reports. One author states that apples “cured” his acid reflux. He is now selling a report in which he details “three natural remedies” for acid reflux. These are supposed to be foods that cure acid reflux, but he does admit that they do not work for everyone. A complete treatment plan for acid reflux control, including a special acid reflux diet, will probably work better in the long run than any quick cure touted on the internet.
Most doctors and other healthcare professionals recommend that in order to control symptoms, an acid reflux diet should exclude certain foods that are known to increase stomach acid. Tomatoes and citrus fruits for instance are highly acidic. So is chocolate. And fried or fatty foods can also increase stomach acid and worsen symptoms. It may be possible to create your own acid reflux diet and find foods that cure acid reflux in your case. A food and symptoms diary is often recommended for this purpose.
However, it is important to note that it may not be what you eat that is causing you problems. It could be when you eat. In addition to following an acid reflux diet that limits highly acidic foods, experts recommend that eating less than three hours before bedtime increases the likelihood that you will have nighttime symptoms. Lying down after eating allows gravity to work against you and makes it easier for stomach acid to creep up into the esophagus.
If it isn’t what you eat or when you eat, it could be how much you eat. An effective acid reflux diet for most people includes several small meals every few hours throughout the day, rather than one or two large meals. The more food that is in the stomach, the more likely that acid will reflux.
When looking for foods that cure acid reflux, you may want to consider the spices you normally cook with. For instance, garlic, onions, chili powder and red or black pepper cause problems for many people, whereas ginger is a folk-remedy for relieving heartburn. Fennel seed and turmeric are other herbs that can be used to flavor the food you eat and are also known to relieve heartburn. While acid reflux is more than just heartburn, if your current diet is not working for you, making changes could help.
Doctors typically recommend antacids or proton pump inhibitors, at least for short-term use, to prevent or neutralize stomach acid. There are also herbal remedies designed to do the some thing. An acid reflux diet alone may not be enough. If not treated, acid reflux can lead to damage of the esophageal lining, which can lead to esophageal cancer. So, be sure to follow your doctor’s advice while you are investigating foods that cure acid reflux.
For more information about acid reflux, heartburn and other digestive problems, visit www.digestive-disorders-guide.com.
