Gastroesophageal reflux disease, acid reflux, or heart burn is a chronic problem that occurs when stomach acids backflow into the esophagus. Many have heart burn occasionally when consuming too much spicy food. If you have this burning sensation more than twice a week, you may have acid reflux. In 2005, there were 3,141,965 hospitalizations due to acid reflux. Sixty- two percent of hospitalizations were women. The same study showed that the number of adults hospitalized dropped from 1998 to 2005. During the same time, acid reflux increased forty-two percent in babies and eighty four percent for children between the ages of two and seventeen. Acid reflux may be a result of too much or too little stomach acid.
Certain foods may be used to combat acid reflux or heart burn. Vegetables are low in sugar and fat that reduces stomach acid. The best options are leafy greens, green beans, asparagus, broccoli, and cauliflower. Ginger has an anti- inflammatory boost that helps treat acid reflux and other digestive diseases. Oatmeal is a whole grain that is an excellent source of fiber and absorbs stomach acid reducing symptoms of reflux. Any fruits which are not citrus including apples, bananas, and pears reduce the chance of initiating acid reflux. Lean meats and egg whites help decrease reflux symptoms. Heart burn is the most common symptom of acid reflux, but there are many others. Other symptoms include dry cough, sore throat, bloating, burping or hiccups, difficulty swallowing, and lump in the throat. Many people suffer reflux and discover foods that are triggers. These food ideas may help. For excellence in nutrition software that reduces hours of program development into minutes, please visit tpn perfectbodies.com