It’s not uncommon to experience a flare-up of heartburn, but some people suffer from burning, bloating, and gagging almost every time they eat. Acid reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) normally closes when food passes through it. However, if it does’t close or it opens too often, the acid produced by the stomach can travel up into the esophagus and cause symptoms such as heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest. If the symptoms of acid reflux occur more than two times per week, you may have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Approximately 20% of people have a common digestive disorder that occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Acid Reflux
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest that usually occurs after eating and may occur at night. Pain that gets worse when you’re lying down or when you’re bending over. Acid or bitter taste in your mouth.
- Regurgitation: It’s when stomach contents flow backward through the esophagus into the throat and mouth. This feels like burning, warm liquid in the throat, often leaving a bitter aftertaste.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing. This can be caused by inflammation of the esophagus, which can make it difficult for food to pass through.
- Hoarseness: Acid reflux can irritate the vocal cords, which can cause hoarseness.
- Chronic cough: Acid reflux can sometimes cause a chronic cough, especially at night. This is because the acid can irritate the esophagus, larynx, or voice box due to repeated stomach acid exposure, leading to a lasting cough, wheezing, and breathing issues.
Foods that help acid reflux
- Vegetables and non-citrus fruits: Fruits and vegetables are generally good for reducing stomach acid. They are low in fat and sugar, and they provide fiber and important nutrients. Some specific examples of fruits and vegetables that are low in acid and may help reduce stomach acid levels include bananas, melons, broccoli, asparagus, and green beans.
- Whole grains: Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which may help absorb stomach acid. Some examples of whole grains include brown rice, oatmeal, and whole-grain breads.
- Lean protein: Lean protein sources, such as chicken, seafood, tofu, and egg whites, can also help reduce symptoms of acid reflux. These foods are low in fat and can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as baking, broiling, poaching, or grilling.
- Beans, peas, and lentils: Beans, peas, and lentils are good sources of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They can be a part of a healthy diet for people with acid reflux.
- Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are also good sources of fiber and nutrients. They may help absorb stomach acid. Some examples of nuts and seeds include almonds, peanuts, chia, pomegranate, and flaxseeds.
- Yogurt: Yogurt is a good source of protein and probiotics, which are beneficial for the digestive tract. It can be soothing to an irritated esophagus.
- Healthy fats: Fat is a necessary nutrient, but eating too many fatty foods can trigger symptoms of acid reflux. It’s a good idea to cut down on unhealthy fats by replacing them with unsaturated fats. Some examples of healthy fats include avocados, olive oil, walnuts, and soy products.
- Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used for centuries to treat gastrointestinal problems. It can be added to smoothies, soups, stir-fries, or other dishes, or steeped as a tea.
Foods to Avoid With Acid Reflux
- Chocolate: contains caffeine, cocoa, and plant chemicals that can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle that controls the passage between the stomach and esophagus. This can lead to heartburn.
- Peppermint: known for soothing irritable bowel, peppermint has the opposite effect on acid reflux. It relaxes the muscles used for digestion, including the LES,and and a relaxed LES is a leaky LES.
- Fatty foods: they can relax the LES and take longer to digest, which can cause stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. As food sits longer in your stomach, your body produces more acid.
- Spicy foods: Capsaicin, the chemical compound which causes food to have a spicy taste, can cause irritation in certain digestive tract which can lead to acid reflux
- Acidic foods and drinks: such as citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, and vinaigrette have a high acid content, contributing to an already acidic environment.
- Garlic and onions: can stimulate acid production, which can lead to heartburn.
- Alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated beverages can all relax the LES. Bubbles in carbonation expand the stomach. This pushes stomach contents against the LES.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
People with mild to moderate acid reflux symptoms don’t usually require medical attention. Lifestyle and diet changes and over-the-counter antacids can help ease symptoms. Foods have different effects on different people. What works for some people might not work for others.
If acid reflux is impacting your quality of life, or if you have acid reflux more than twice a week, Call us today or schedule an appointment. We have convenient locations to serve you in Laredo, TX.
