An estimated seven million Britons suffer from acid reflux — where acid or other substances leak from the stomach into the gullet, or oesophagus, causing an unpleasant burning sensation behind the breastbone. And in one recent survey a third of people said their condition got worse during holidays abroad.
To anyone not affected, heartburn might sound like nothing more than a nuisance, but studies have shown it can have a devastating effect on quality of life — comparable to suffering from depression, angina or heart disease.
Feel-good factor? An estimated seven million Britons suffer from acid reflux on a regular basis. But research now suggests these drugs may have adverse side-effects, from osteoporosis to dementia, and more patients are seeking alternative ways of getting their reflux under control.
Meanwhile, experts believe some people diagnosed with reflux could actually have a type of food allergy see panel on opposite page. Reflux occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter, a muscular valve at the bottom of the oesophagus that opens to let food into the stomach and then closes behind it, becomes weakened.
Travel bug: In one recent survey a third of people said their condition got worse abroad. Stomach acid starts to leak backwards into the oesophagus, creating chest pain and regurgitation a feeling of liquid entering the throat often after consuming alcohol or fatty foods think chips, ice cream and rich, creamy sauces or after eating too much in one sitting, which is why barbecues can be a problem.
In people with reflux however, the valve mechanism fails. When reflux occurs at least once a week, it is defined as GORD — gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. This is on the rise. Experts believe this is largely due to poor diet rich, high-fat foods exacerbate reflux and the rise in obesity excess weight exerts more pressure on the abdomen, encouraging regurgitation. So what can you do about it? The most unequivocally proven advice for reflux is to lose weight.
This reduces pressure on the stomach, improving the function of the sphincter at the bottom of the oesophagus, which helps keep acid down in the stomach. The acid in your stomach can irritate the stomach lining or your throat. This causes indigestion and gives you a burning feeling and pain. Page last reviewed: 21 May Next review due: 21 May How to tell if you have indigestion dyspepsia You can have the following symptoms after eating or drinking: heartburn — a painful burning feeling in the chest, often after eating feeling full and bloated feeling sick belching and farting bringing up food or bitter-tasting fluids into your mouth When it's not indigestion Stomach ache or back pain are usually not symptoms of indigestion.
Indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux — what's the difference? How you can treat indigestion yourself There's usually no need to see a GP about indigestion. Abdominal pain that does not improve within 24 to 48 hours, or becomes severe and frequent, with nausea and vomiting.
It is usually caused by excessive gas production or muscle movement disorders in the digestive system 2. Gas can often cause pain, discomfort, and a feeling of tightness. It can also make the stomach appear larger 3. However, in some people, the gas is mainly caused by increased sensitivity. Symptoms associated with a wheat allergy usually begin within minutes of eating the wheat. However, you can start up to two hours later. It is low in nutrients and sugar starch. Brown rice contains several antinutrients and causes gas and other problems related to intestinal inflammation.
Although peanut butter has several health benefits, it is also a high-fat food. These foods can make acid reflux symptoms worse. You may have heard that drinking a glass of milk can relieve heartburn. Yogurt, not too acidic, is also excellent against acid reflux thanks to probiotics that normalize intestinal function. Eating the burger with onions significantly worsened heartburn symptoms, compared to eating the burger with no onions In addition, onions are a rich source of fermentable fiber, which may cause belching.
Belching can aggravate acid reflux symptoms Moderate to excessive alcohol intake can also cause heartburn symptoms Alcohol can do this in many ways. For example, it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which may allow stomach acid to escape into the esophagus and trigger heartburn In addition, alcoholic beverages, especially wine and beer, can increase your amount of stomach acid, which can increase the risk of heartburn Lastly, excessive alcohol intake may directly damage the lining of the esophagus.
Over time, this can make the esophagus more sensitive to stomach acid Coffee has been shown to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which can increase the risk of acid reflux and heartburn Some studies suggest that caffeine is the culprit. However, other studies have looked at the effects of caffeine alone and discovered that it may not trigger reflux symptoms. If this is the case, then other compounds found in coffee may be responsible 30 , Nevertheless, other studies have found no link between coffee and reflux symptoms Though the research remains inconclusive, if you tolerate coffee , then there is no need to avoid it.
Yet if coffee gives you reflux and heartburn, it is best to avoid it or limit your intake. Sodas and carbonated beverages are also common culprits of heartburn.
Research suggests that these beverages may relax the esophageal sphincter and increase the acidity of stomach acid — two risk factors for heartburn 33 , After further investigation, the researchers found that nighttime heartburn was strongly linked to several factors, including drinking carbonated soft drinks People commonly consume milk to treat heartburn. However, drinking whole milk may actually cause symptoms, not relieve them In fact, research suggests that whole milk may increase stomach acid production, which is a risk factor for heartburn Researchers from the study suggested that the link between whole milk and heartburn was related to the fat content of whole milk While many foods can make your heartburn worse, there are several foods that may help relieve symptoms.
Many foods can cause heartburn by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, a ring-like muscle that acts as a barrier between the esophagus and stomach. If you experience heartburn frequently, try removing some of the foods in this list from your diet to see if your symptoms improve. You can also try adding foods to your diet that help relieve heartburn, such as bananas, melons, oatmeal, grains, potatoes, ginger and green veggies. Heartburn is often treated with medication, but simple dietary and lifestyle changes can help, too.
Here are 14 home remedies for heartburn and acid…. The terms heartburn, acid reflux, and GERD are often used interchangeably. They actually have very different meanings. Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest that often occurs with a bitter taste in your throat or mouth. The symptoms of heartburn may get worse….
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