9 best foods to help manage acid reflux and GERD

9 best foods to help manage acid reflux and GERD

Acid reflux is a health condition in which the stomach’s contents move back into the food pipe. If acid reflux worsens, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD can be a long-term problem accompanied by discomforts like pain in the upper abdomen and heartburn. One way to relieve the symptoms is to avoid all possible triggers. And since certain foods can also aggravate the condition, one must follow a healthy meal plan.

Foods for acid reflux and GERD management
Acid reflux, which occurs when acid flows from the stomach to the esophagus, is a prevalent problem. One of its leading causes is a weak or damaged lower esophageal sphincter. Some foods help control the amount of acid the stomach produces, thus managing the symptoms. Here are a few such foods that can control acid reflux or GERD:

Ginger
A spice rich in natural anti-inflammatory properties, ginger is one of the best natural treatment options for heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems.

Zucchini
Often known as summer squash, zucchini is a low-acid vegetable, making it highly suitable for patients suffering from the symptoms of acid reflux or GERD.

Bananas
A fruit rich in potassium, bananas are usually recommended for patients suffering from acid reflux. They are known to be alkaline and can offset the strong stomach acid.

Oatmeal
A breakfast favorite, oatmeal is a whole grain and a fantastic source of fiber. This breakfast food has often been linked to a lower risk of acid reflux as it absorbs stomach acid and reduces GERD symptoms.

Honey
Honey has reportedly been helpful for people suffering from acid reflux. The sweet-tasting food has enzymes that aid digestion and reduce inflammation in the esophagus. Moreover, honey’s texture provides an additional coating to the mucus membrane, providing long-lasting relief.

Licorice
A herb often used as a remedy for digestive diseases, licorice may prove effective in alleviating symptoms of GERD. Multiple studies have found that a unique formula containing licorice may also help relieve indigestion.

Tofu
A low-fat vegan source of protein, tofu can be an incredibly beneficial food for acid reflux. It is an alkaline-promoting item, effective in neutralizing stomach acids.

Avocado
This low-acidic fruit is smooth and creamy, ensuring it easily glides down the esophagus. This may be incredibly helpful for patients suffering from acid reflux or GERD, as the fruit does not irritate the esophageal lining.

Boiled eggs
While eggs may alleviate the symptoms in some people, they could harm others. If one cannot do without eggs, they can try soft-boiled eggs for breakfast, as hard-boiled eggs may be bad for acid reflux.

Alka-Seltzer consumables for acid reflux are available as effervescent tablets, chews, and even flavored gummies to manage symptoms and provide immediate relief from heartburn. Discover a unique range of flavors also sold in different dosage strengths to manage mild to severe acid reflux as directed by the doctor.

Besides adding these foods to their meal plan, patients should seek the advice of a health expert at the earliest for a treatment plan that works best for them and their symptoms.

Popular Reads

Here’s how you can get your allergies detected

Here’s how you can get your allergies detected

How many times have allergies caused you to sneeze every time you take a ride in the open air? Or rashes on coming in contact with a plant? Or swelling as a result of a peanut allergy? Sneezing, running noses, watery eyes, rashes, swelling all these reactions due to allergies can be quite distressing. Allergies are more common and can be caused by various things. The cause of allergies is still unknown, it could be genetic or just a singular development. However, they can be easily detected by just visiting your doctor and undergoing some tests. Read on to know more about what are allergies and how to detect them. What are allergies? The immune system is designed to fight any entrant in the body that it recognizes as foreign. However, at times, the immune system becomes over vigilant and starts fighting foreign entrants that are not harmful. Substances that cause the immune system to react this way are called “allergens”, and when you display symptoms of these interactions, you are diagnosed “allergic” to the substance. Allergens can include plants, grass, pollen, dust, food, animal dander among others. While symptoms like running nose, sneezing, watery eyes, rashes, itching, and others, are all attributed to allergic reactions.
5 frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease

5 frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease

A common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating and progressive disease that affects the brain and motor functions of the body. The disease progresses through stages. It begins to affect the regions of the brain that control language, thought, and memory. In most of the cases, it begins with a slight memory loss. In the final stages, Alzheimer’s disease leads to the loss of various abilities including motor skills, speech, and independent movement. Here are a few frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s. What are the causes? Alzheimer’s disease does not have any definite cause. Research has been unable to conclude whether Alzheimer’s is developed by one cause or multiple ones. The exact cause of the ailment is not yet known. However, there are multiple factors that may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. One of the major causes is ageism. Also, a family history of Alzheimer’s is another major risk. This may lead to the inheritance of genes that cause this disease. Some other possible risk factors that can cause Alzheimer’s include high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and high cholesterol. What are the symptoms? In most cases, the first warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease is a loss of cognitive ability.
Four important steps in anemia management

Four important steps in anemia management

Hemoglobin is a protein molecule in the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Its richness in iron gives blood its red color. Anemia is a condition where a person has low hemoglobin or red blood cell count. From an underlying disease to nutrient deficiencies, there are a lot of factors that contribute to the onset of this condition. There are many forms of anemia. Some of them include: Iron deficiency anemia -This is caused due to low iron levels in the blood. Most common causes of this type of anemia are heavy menstruation or internal bleeding. Vitamin deficiency anemia – This type of anemia is caused by the deficiency of vitamin C, B-12 or folate Aplastic anemia – Damaged stem cells in the bone marrow fail to produce enough red blood cells, leading to aplastic anemia. Sickle cell anemia – This is a condition characterized by the development of abnormal crescent-shaped red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia – This is a blood disorder caused due to premature death of red blood cells. Thalassemia – This is caused due to low amounts of hemoglobin in the blood. The blood disorders vary in duration and severity. Prompt diagnosis, and treatment are important because anemia could also be due to an underlying condition.