The Diet Plan for GERD that Can Stop Heartburn

Is there really a GERD diet that can help acid reflux victims to get rid of those annoying symptoms? Recent studies reinforce the hypothesis that acid reflux patients, especially those with less pronounced symptoms, can make major improvements to their medical condition by relatively simple diet changes. Modifying food plans to cure acid reflux is given strong support by classical and alternative medical thinking.

The connection between eating and GERD treatment can be shown from the gastric/digestive pathophysiology of this medical ailment. In general, GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease) also called acid reflux, is a functional problem of the digestive system. Gastro esophageal reflux disease happens when the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) – a muscle acting as a valve to shut off the esophagus from the stomach – does not close correctly and acid content flows back from the stomach, or "refluxes", into the esophagus.

Acid reflux symptoms vary from one person to another. Heartburn is what afflicts most patients – the burning feeling in the chest and/or throat that happens when refluxed stomach acid meets the esophageal lining. Patients report other symptoms as well, including swallowing problems, chest pain, hoarseness, an impression of something stuck at the back of the throat and dry coughing. Without treatment, acid reflux can lead to grave medical complications, such as ulcers, Barrett's esophagus and even cancer. For these reasons, gastro esophageal reflux disease must be treated in a comprehensive and timely way.

Reducing weight and making diet changes are highly recommended for GERD sufferers as the initial step for addressing this condition (and as part of a full holistic agenda).

One of the main principles of a diet plan against GERD is to avoid foods that make the LES muscle weak. There is a range of naturally occurring substances that interfere with the proper operation of the LES, such as dopamine, prostaglandins and acetylcholine. Foods that contain those substances or that encourage their presence in the human body (high fat foods, mint, chocolate) should therefore be eliminated from a diet for acid reflux. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol also interfere in the same way by reducing pressure on the LES and so their intake should also be reduced.

A further important principle of diet management for acid reflux is to take your final meal of the day at least three hours before going to bed, as food (above all dairy products) encourages acid secretion. Further to this, elevation of the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches can decrease the exposure of the esophagus to acid.

Meals containing a lot of spice tend to irritate the mucosa in the esophagus. A lot of acid reflux victims say that their symptoms often degrade when they consume spicy foods or coffee too regularly.

Although a diet oriented towards GERD can give immediate alleviation, it should be remembered that a change in dietary patterns is not a solution in itself, especially in advanced cases of acid reflux. It is just a first, important step in a fully all-natural holistic program.

Has anyone told you? Your painful and distressing symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease can be eliminated forever without any conventional medicine or "over the counter" medication. The holistic approach (specific herbs and vitamin supplements while following a complete set of diet guidelines, eliminating toxins and using Candida control protocols) can cure GERD in a natural way and stop it from coming back, effectively and permanently.




Jeff Martin is a medical researcher, certified nutritionist, health consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, "Heartburn No More- Open The Door To an Acid Reflux Free Life". Jeff has written dozens of holistic health articles and has been featured in ezines and print magazines, as well as on hundreds of websites worldwide.

To Learn More About Jeff Martin´s Unique 5-Step Holistic Acid Reflux Cure System Visit: Heartburn No More.

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