In cases of persistent heartburn, dietary improvements are not sufficient.
So as well as advocating a digestion-friendly diet, your doctor is likely
to recommend one or more of the following types of medication. Antacids
to neutralize the acid in your stomach; H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors
to reduce acid production; or prokinetics to strengthen the lower esophageal
sphincter and expedite stomach-emptying. However, if heartburn symptoms
are mild and occur only from time to time, usually you will be advised
to make the following changes to your diet.
If Overweight, Switch To A Healthy Weight Loss Diet
Obesity, especially excess fat on the chest and abdomen, is a common
contributory factor to GERD and hiatal hernia, and therefore to heartburn.
So if you are obese (BMI > 30), take steps to normalize your weight
and thus reduce your risk or symptoms of heartburn. Choose a healthy calorie-controlled
diet and customize it by following the eating tips below.
Stop Eating Large Meals
A big meal distends the stomach and causes a rise in the production of
stomach acid. Both these factors lead to an increased risk of heartburn.
So opt for 4-6 small meals or snacks, and allow a maximum of 3 hours between
eating. In addition, choose foods that are "easier on the stomach"
and more more easily digested.
Avoid Acidic Food
Reduce your intake of very acidic foods by avoiding items such as: tomatoes,
tomato-based sauces, citrus fruits, rhubarb, gooseberries, unripe fruit,
vinegar and acidic pickles or relishes.
Cut Down On Fatty and Spicy Food
Fried or very fatty foods, including candy, encourage indigestion and
should be avoided or eaten sparingly. So go easy on butter, mayo, sausages,
salami, pate, meat pies, and full-fat cheese. The same applies to very
spicy food such as: black pepper, chili peppers, curry, mustard and other
hot spices, as well as raw onions and garlic.
Avoid Carbonated Drinks
Fizzy or carbonated soft drinks cause belching and upward pressure on
the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increasing the likelihood of heartburn.
The best drinks include: water, herbal teas or diluted non-citrus fruit
juices. Please also note that some soft drinks (eg. cocoa, coffee, orange
juice) are not helpful for heartburn as they can over-relax the LES, thus
encouraging the backward flow of acid from the stomach.
Eat More Fiber, Especially Soluble Fiber
Constipation can lead to extra strain on abdominal muscles and increase
the risk of heartburn. To prevent constipation, eat more high-fiber foods
such as: oats, apples, pears, dried apricots and vegetables. When increasing
fiber intake it's also important to increase your water intake by at least
40 fl oz a day.
Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is not helpful to heartburn for several reasons. So take steps
to reduce your intake to one unit a day, or avoid it altogether. Alcohol
is also a source of non-nutritious calories and can contribute to overweight.
Other Digestive Tips
For digestive disorders like heartburn, some dietitians and alternative
health experts recommend patients to eat (or cook with) digestion-friendly
aromatic herbs like basil, camomile, caraway, dill, fennel, rosemary and
thyme. They also recommend that you end each meal with a glass of herbal
tea (eg. camomile, fennel) to reduce acidity and wind. |