What’s The Relationship Between Acid Reflux And Diet?

January 28, 2008 by Louise Bell

You might have experienced GERD or acid reflux without realising exactly what was going on. Was there ever a time when you felt a burning sensation in your upper abdomen which radiated upward and was accompanied by a sour taste in your mouth, alongside the feeling that food is coming back up?

This situation is what medical professionals refer to as acid reflux or GERD. It is effected by your diet and often occurs after a heavy meal.

Acid reflux happens when stomach acids come into contact with the lining of the esophagus causing it to become irritated.

Common causes may include the following:

* The main reason why gastric juices or stomach acid travels back into the esophagus is because of a weakened or relaxed Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). When this happens, the LES is not able to function efficiently and keep all the stomach acid in its proper storage place. This results in stomach acids going back to the esophagus, causing further irritation and damage.

* There is a direct relationship between acid reflux and diet because some foods are causative elements in the promotion of acid reflux. These include foods that are often consumed on a daily basis such as chocolate, coffee and drinks with alcohol content. Too much consumption of spicy and fatty foods can also aggravate acid reflux.

* Obesity and other conditions like over-tight clothes or accessories such as belts, frequent bending over, stress, taking a nap after eating a large meal and some medications.

In order to minimize the occurence of GERD it is advisable to eat small amount of foods at frequent intervals instead of one big meal. Large meals are likely to lead to more bouts of painful acid reflux making you feel irritable. Everyday large consumption of fatty and spicy foods and chocolates should also be avoided. If you are worried about acid reflux, watch what you eat and choose only mild, and easy to digest food in moderate amounts.

About the Author:

End your pain and find out more regarding foods good for GERD and other cures for acid reflux such as GERD wedges, herbs or proper posture.