Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is the diagnosis of repeated heartburn and acid reflux. Other symptoms can include: recurrent hiccups, a hoarse voice, bad breath, bloating and nausea. The NHS stated: “Your symptoms will probably be worse after eating, when lying down and when bending over.” Certain foods trigger or worsen acid reflux, such as coffee and chocolate, but which foods could help prevent heartburn?
According to Dr Ekta Gupta: “Diet plays a major role in controlling acid reflux symptoms and is the first line of therapy used for people with GORD.”
Alkaline foods, those with a higher pH, can often offset strong stomach acid, Dr Gupta verified.
Such foods can include: bananas, melons, cauliflower, fennel, and nuts.
Another way to prevent heartburn is to eat more watery foods that can dilute and weaken stomach acids.
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Such foods include:
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Lettuce
- Watermelon
- Broth-based soups.
And high-fibre foods can also help to prevent heartburn by making you feel full for longer, meaning you are less likely to overeat.
High-fibre foods include: whole grains, such as oatmeal, couscous and brown rice; root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, carrots and beets; and green vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli and green beans.
Dr Gupta mentioned that while these foods could help to prevent heartburn, other foods can offer relief from symptoms you might already be experiencing.
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Those who are suffering from heartburn right now would benefit from drinking milk.
“Milk is often thought to relieve heartburn,” said Dr Gupta. “But you have to keep in mind that milk comes in different varieties.”
Examples include “whole milk with the full amount of fat, two percent fat, and skim or non-fat milk”.
Dr Gupta continued: “The fat in milk can aggravate acid reflux. But non-fat milk can act as a temporary buffer between the stomach lining and acidic stomach contents [to] provide immediate relief of heartburn symptoms.”
It should not, however, be consumed at its full concentration because it can irritate the oesophagus.
Instead, a teaspoon mixed in with warm water would be much more appropriate.
The NHS also recommends losing weight if you are currently overweight to help reduce the frequency of acid reflux.
Furthermore, finding ways to relax may also prevent frequent bouts of heartburn.
Published at Thu, 02 Dec 2021 10:34:00 +0000
Acid reflux diet: Three foods to help prevent heartburn – verified by a doctor
