Heartburn and Acid Reflux Diet: Are These Foods Your Natural Remedies?

Acid reflux and heartburn affects all age groups. These conditions can be severe and debilitating for sufferers.  And they can cause severe damage to your health if not treated. Sadly, treatments of these conditions are not always straight forward. This is because of the varying lifestyles of the sufferers.

Though there are a number of treatments available such as antacids they are only effective in the short term, to temporarily neutralise the acid in your stomach. Antacids and other medications do not provide permanent cure of heartburn or acid reflux.

But there is a long term cure. Before discussing the various ways of curing these conditions, it is important first you understand what cause these conditions.  Simply, after swallowing your food, it passes through this tube called the oesophagus. This tube opens into your stomach and there is a valve at end of the oesophagus, called esophageal sphincter. The function of the valve is to stop the contents of your stomach spilling upwards into the oesophagus.

But some people have damaged esophageal sphincters. When this happens the valve is no longer able to close fully. This can lead to acidic contents of gas and food refluxing upwards into the oesophagus. This is known as acid reflux. When there is a reflux, the acid contents or gases irritate the lining of the oesophagus, which is quite delicate compared to the lining in your stomach. When this happens, you feel a burning sensation in your chest, which is known as heartburn.

So how can you stop and cure your heartburn and acid reflux? We are going to discuss the importance of certain diets which could cure of your condition. Let's get started.

Pro-biotic Foods

These foods contain microbes which produces enzymes. Enzymes can neutralise the level of acidity in your stomach. These enzymes include protease, diastase, amylase and cellulose. These enzymes help speed up the rate of your digestion, preventing the build up of acidic contents which could put pressure on your lower oesophageal sphincter. Apple Cider vinegar can be effective for neutralising the acidity in your stomach. But if your heartburn and acid reflux is caused by excessive production of acid in your stomach, then Apple Cider Vinegar may not be appropriate for you.

Glutamine

This is called an amino acid. In case you are not aware of what amino acids are, they are digestive acids. They are an important for the nutrition for the cells in your stomach. Also they help to promote most digestive functions. Fish, chicken, eggs and red meats like beef and pork are all rich in glutamine. Vegetables such as soya beans, beans and cabbages are also rich in glutamine.

Low Carbohydrate Content Foods

Foods rich in carbohydrates are also sources for fats. Generally fatty foods can be acidic in nature. When you suffer from heartburn and acid reflux, your ultimate goal is to maintain balance of acidity and alkalinity of your stomach contents. Low carbohydrate diets can help you to achieve this balance.

You want to include low-carbohydrate foods into your diet, which would be high on protein so that your muscle doesn't lose strength.  Your food intake should therefore diet include fresh vegetables, lean meat, white meat such as chicken, eggs, fish and whole grains including brown bread.

To conclude, if you suffer from Heartburn or Acid Reflux it is worth you bear in mind that effective cure can only be achieved on the modification of  your lifestyle and diet. It is therefore important that you examine and decide on what types of foods can help reduce or stop your pain.