Surprising GERD Diet that Can Stop Your Heartburn

For those acid reflux patients with less pronounced problems, recent studies point out that they can make major positive changes to their condition by relatively easy diet changes. But is there really a GERD food plan that makes it possible for acid reflux victims to get rid of those terrible symptoms? Altering diet plans to cure acid reflux is given strong approval by classical and alternative medical sources.

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 changing diet are both strongly advised for GERD patients as the initial step for dealing with this problem (and as part of a full holistic agenda).

Foods that contain certain bio-chemicals or that encourage their presence in the human body (high fat foods, mint, chocolate) should be dropped from a diet for acid reflux. These substances include a range of naturally occurring items which interfere with the correct working of the LES, such as dopamine, prostaglandins and acetylcholine. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol also interfere in a similar fashion by forcing a reduction of pressure on the LES and so consumption should also be decreased. One of the main planks of a diet plan to deal with GERD is to avoid foods that have this debilitating effect on the LES muscle.

A further important point concerning dietary habits to manage acid reflux is not to eat the last meal of the day less than three hours before going to bed, as food and dairy products in particular is a major factor in the production of stomach acid. Other changes include raising the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches to prevent acid from reaching the esophagus.

A lot of acid reflux victims comment on the degradation of their symptoms when they consume too much spicy foods or coffee. Meals containing a lot of spice will often irritate the esophageal mucosa.

The first crucial step in a fully holistic all natural program is the food plan. However, even if it gives instant relief of GERD, it should be noted that a change in dietary habits is not a remedy per se, above all in cases of advanced acid reflux.

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.