Nutrition for acid reflux. Siberian Health. Prevention and treatment. Supplements to help with digestion. Unexpected Acid Reflux Symptoms

Acid reflux- This is the process of throwing food from the stomach into the esophagus. Present in the stomach acidic environment, and the gastric mucosa has a structure that protects itself from the effects of acids, but in the esophagus there is no such membrane, and acids irritate it, leading to inflammation, erosions, ulcers, with a feeling strong burning sensation which is called heartburn.

Acid Reflux Symptoms

Very often, people with acid reflux suffer not only from heartburn, pain in the chest, in the throat, and sometimes facial pain are common symptoms of reflux. If a person suffers from acid reflux for a long enough time, the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach becomes very inflamed from constant irritation by acid, and it is very difficult for the person to swallow solid food, passing through the inflamed sphincter, it further injures him.

As a rule, the reflux of acid into the esophagus occurs not only while awake, but also when a person takes horizontal position. Typically, when a person eats, the sphincter at the lower esophagus widens to allow food to pass through and then contracts to prevent the backflow of food. If the sphincter malfunctions, reverse reflux of food becomes possible, and as a result, the esophagus is damaged. There are many reasons besides this that contribute to acid reflux: excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, fatty foods, caffeinated drinks, too large portions and a whole range of concomitant diseases. Many people can control and get rid of heartburn through lifestyle changes and eating habits. But in modern conditions You should not self-medicate; it is extremely important to consult a doctor in time so that the cause of reflux is identified and the correct treatment is prescribed.

If you have symptoms such as strong pain in the chest, vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, difficulty eating and drinking, you should consult a doctor immediately. Any delay in this case can lead to dire consequences.

Acid Reflux Treatment

Typically, with proper care, all symptoms acid reflux can be minimized. It is necessary to follow the diet prescribed by your doctor and not eat 2-3 hours before bedtime. This reduces the level of acid in the stomach. You need to sleep with your head elevated top part bodies. Meals should be fractional, portions should be small, the time interval between them should be short. Should be avoided fatty foods, foods containing acids such as citrus fruits, caffeine. You should refrain from alcohol and smoking, and also avoid taking stimulant medications. acid reflux.

All drugs that can be purchased without a prescription at a pharmacy for heartburn must be treated with caution, as they have unnecessary side effects. That is, you cannot overeat uncontrollably, constantly suffer from heartburn and extinguish it with a pill. In the end, this will be very harmful, since such drugs do not cure the disease, but simply remove the symptoms. Wherein acid reflux will progress, the esophagus will erode, which can even lead to surgical intervention.

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Acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) is a condition of reflux of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus against the physiological direction of movement of digestive secretions.

For the esophagus, the acidic environment of the stomach is aggressive, causing damage to the epithelium and the development of inflammation. IN normal conditions The esophagus is closed by the lower esophageal sphincter from the stomach, which relaxes when food or liquid is swallowed. Under pathological conditions, disturbances in the tone of the esophagus and its insufficient closure may occur, which creates the preconditions for the reflux of stomach contents into the esophageal cavity. Due to the action of hydrochloric acid and active enzymes the walls of the esophagus are damaged - a burning sensation and pain in the chest, heartburn occurs. Regular occurrence of heartburn and reflux is considered gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Causes

One of the most common reasons Acid reflux is considered a pathology of the stomach, esophagus, and neurological disorders.

In the development of acid reflux, there are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease. These include:

• overeating with overstretching of the stomach walls;
• lying down after a heavy meal with a change in the position of the stomach;
• plenty of food at night, before bedtime;
• eating while lying down;
• abuse of citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, garlic and onions, spicy, fatty foods;
• pregnancy;
• smoking;
• taking muscle relaxants;
• taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, blood pressure medications.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of acid reflux are formed due to the reflux of acidic stomach contents and irritation of the walls of the esophagus. These include:

• heartburn, burning behind the sternum, feeling of heat and discomfort along the esophagus, up to the throat and mouth;
• a feeling of bitterness or acidity in the mouth due to regurgitation;
• , belching;
• feeling of difficulty swallowing solid or liquid food ();
• bouts of hiccups;
• nausea;
• weight loss;
• melena or black stool (cases of bleeding from the walls of the esophagus);
• , attacks of dry cough, chronic.

Diagnostic methods

The basis of diagnosis is the presence of typical complaints, the diagnosis is supplemented by instrumental studies:

• endoscopy of the esophagus and stomach with detection of erosions and inflammation in the lower third of the esophagus;
• esophageal manometry (determining the contractility of the lower third of the esophagus);
• transesophageal pH-metry of the esophagus with determination of composition gastric juice during the day;
• a biopsy of the esophagus is necessary to determine the extent of the lesion, possible infection or malignant degeneration;
• X-ray examination with barium suspension, determination of the condition of the esophagus.

Treatment methods

Treatment consists of three successive stages:

• diet and lifestyle changes, giving up trigger foods and drinks, quitting smoking, changing your sleeping position;
• drug therapy, prescription of heartburn medications, antacids that neutralize excess acid in the stomach. Film preparations are also used that create a membrane in the stomach that prevents reflux. The prescription is supplemented with antagonists histamine receptors– they block the secretion of acid by stomach cells. Proton pump inhibitors are used and they also block the production of acid by the stomach. Sometimes drugs that regulate gastric motility are prescribed, accelerating the passage of food from the stomach to the intestines;
• If they are ineffective, it is indicated surgery reflux – fundoplication, plastic surgery of the gastric inlet or surgery to suture a hiatal hernia.

The prognosis for timely recognition of the disease is favorable. In advanced cases, cicatricial strictures of the esophagus are possible.

In common parlance, gastroesophageal reflux disease is called “heartburn.” Its cause is the reverse “trip” of stomach acid into the throat. It is usually seen in adults, but children can also suffer from it due to lack of proper diet. Most of all, heartburn attacks people who overeat and are addicted to smoking. But pregnant women suffer the most from this disease due to displacement of internal organs due to an increase in the size of the fetus, as well as disrupted hormonal levels.

Acid reflux is caused by malfunction lower esophageal sphincter. The function of this area of ​​the body should open up for a few seconds while swallowing food. However, when it is not working properly, it tends to remain open for a longer time, leading to this condition.

Failure of the anti-reflux barrier and gastroesophageal valve can also cause acid reflux.

In the case of children and infants, this leads to disruptions in the digestive system.

The second main reason that causes acid reflux is certain food products, which are used in large quantities and increase stomach acid levels. These include:

• Citrus;
• spicy foods;
• alcohol;
• caffeine;
• bitter chocolate;
• mint;
• carbonated drinks;

As stated above, tobacco can also cause heartburn. Especially in the morning, when they smoke a cigarette on an empty stomach and wash it down with strong black coffee. Therefore, if you are unable to give up this habit, then you should accustom yourself to a light breakfast (for example: oatmeal or any plain porridge), and only then take up a cigarette.

In addition, after eating, especially consuming foods with high content fat, don't go to bed. This can also be one of the main causes of acid reflux.

Here are some more gastroesophageal reflux diseases:

• Overweight;
• medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other blood thinning pills;
• foods high in salt;
• diets low in dietary fiber;
• sedentary lifestyle;

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Symptoms of acid reflux include difficulty eating. The person may feel that it is difficult for them to swallow and digest food. In children, it is often accompanied by ear infections, weight gain, and persistent sinus infections. The most important symptom of acid reflux is heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the stomach. Abdominal pain and nausea are other common symptoms. A burning and sore throat, along with belching and hiccups, are other important signs Problems.

Acid reflux has many unpleasant effects on various parts of the body. First of all, it can lead to sleep disorders and snoring. In addition, it can lead to asthma.

Dyspepsia, a swallowing disorder, is also one of the most severe consequences acid reflux. Another result of this problem is bad breath. You may also experience inflammation in your esophagus, accompanied by the formation of ulcers. IN severe cases this can lead to Barrett's esophagus and even esophageal cancer.

Effective Home Remedies for Heartburn

Treating acid reflux is possible with various home remedies, which are explained in more detail below:

Today acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a fairly common problem. Reflux disease occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus due to improper relaxation of a muscle valve. This causes heartburn, burning and other unpleasant sensations. Sometimes they are so strong that people mistake what is happening for a heart attack.

Sometimes reflux disease leads to asthma, dyspepsia, inflammation of the esophagus, and ulcers. Appears bad smell from mouth. In more severe cases, acid reflux can cause canceresophagus.

If you have been diagnosed reflux disease, you need to reconsider your diet. Choosing the right food in this case is the most effective way solving the problem.

What foods should be excluded from the diet? First of all, you should give up processed foods, sugar, refined and fatty foods, caffeine and alcohol. At the same time, you need to increase the amount of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Great importance has foods rich in fiber.

If you regularly suffer from acid reflux and the discomfort associated with it, then perhaps some natural remedies will help you, which we will discuss in detail in our article today.

Natural apple cider vinegar

Natural apple cider vinegar is another popular remedy for symptom relief. How to take it? Dilute 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a large glass of water and drink when the first signs appear.

Baking soda

Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda- another economical and effective remedy. It restores acid-base balance in our body.

You need to take soda as follows: you need to dilute 1 teaspoon of soda in a glass of water.

Licorice

Licorice, also known as licorice, helps form a protective film on the walls. Thanks to this, the plant helps cope with unpleasant symptoms that accompany reflux disease. It is recommended to consume licorice extract or brew it as tea.

The results of various studies have shown that ginger root has a beneficial effect on the health of our stomach and protects it. Neutralizes acid and prevents bacterial growth helicobacter pylori .

8 times more effective than lansoprazole, medical product, which prevents the appearance of ulcers. To treat acid reflux, make a tea from one teaspoon of fresh ginger and one cup of boiling water. The recommended brewing time is 5 minutes. It is best to drink ginger infusion before meals.

Glutamine

Glutamine is an amino acid that helps restore the digestive system from damage caused by bacteria helicobacter pylori . And although glutamine is already synthesized in human body, its amount can be increased by eating foods such as beef and chicken, fish and eggs, dairy products and some fruits and vegetables (parsley, spinach, etc.)

Glutamine saves us from inflammatory processes and helps relieve bloating.

In order to get rid of acid reflux, in addition to using the above natural remedies It is necessary to pay attention to the following important recommendations:

• Pay more attention and time to your diet, chew your food thoroughly, and do not eat on the go. This will avoid the development of inflammatory processes and excessive pressure in the stomach.
• The last meal should be light. It is recommended no later than than two to three hours before bedtime.
• Avoid sour and spicy foods that irritate the esophagus and stomach.
• You should not start your meal with foods containing starch. It's better to start with vegetables or meat, and then move on to potatoes and bread.
• If you are overweight, then it is necessary to think about solving this problem. Experts believe that there is a direct relationship between obesity and acid reflux. Excess weight often prevents the gastric sphincter from completely closing, causing stomach acid to flow into the esophagus and cause heartburn.
• It is also not recommended to abuse alcohol. It has an irritating effect on the digestive organs, which can trigger the development of reflux disease.

On the background increased acidity stomach or for a number of physiological reasons, acid reflux may develop - a disease accompanied sour belching, hiccups, unpleasant taste in the mouth. With absence timely treatment, which consists in following a diet and proper nutrition, the disease can lead to serious damage to the mucous membranes of the esophagus and other negative consequences.

What is acid reflux

Involuntary reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus is called acid reflux (other names include gastroesophageal reflux disease, heartburn, reflux esophagitis). This process occurs due to a disruption in the mechanism of the gastroesophageal valve (lower esophageal sphincter), which performs the function of allowing chewed food into the stomach on the one hand, and prevents the possibility of acidic contents getting back into the esophagus, on the other.

This site alimentary canal is not protected by a special epithelium, therefore esophageal reflux may cause damage hydrochloric acid throats or vocal cords, cause pain and discomfort. Prolonged contact of the mucous membranes of the esophagus with the acidic gastric environment containing digestive enzymes can contribute to the development of inflammation.

Gastroesophageal reflux in some cases is a normal physiological phenomenon - if it occurs immediately after eating, it does not cause discomfort and occurs with low frequency. With an increase in the number of refluxes throughout the day, especially at night, lengthening the duration of episodes, the appearance of a burning sensation in the throat, a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, we can talk about the development of gastroesophageal disease.

Lack of timely treatment for reflux leads to an increased risk of diseases such as stomach ulcers, esophageal cancer, and Barrett's disease. In the early stages, in most cases it is not required drug treatment– you just need to comply correct mode food, a certain diet, refuse bad habits and consumption of certain foods. In advanced cases, after visual inspection The gastroenterologist prescribes endoscopy or x-ray of the esophagus, pH-metry, measurement of pressure and the degree of closure of the gastroesophageal valve.

Causes of acid reflux

Gastric reflux may develop according to physiological reasons, be accompanying symptom some diseases of the digestive tract or a consequence of regular abuse of food, causing an increase acidity of the stomach environment. Doctors consider the main causes of reflux to be:

• congenital anatomical features esophageal sphincter;
• regular overeating poor nutrition;
• overweight, obesity;
• low level digestive enzymes in gastric juice;
• diaphragmatic hernia;
• peptic ulcer stomach or duodenum;
• bronchial asthma or other chronic diseases accompanied by a regular cough that weakens the esophageal sphincter;
• regular intake painkillers oral medications or antibiotics;
• smoking, abuse alcoholic drinks;
• pregnancy (especially during later or when multiple pregnancy when the pressure of a greatly enlarged uterus increases on internal organs abdominal cavity)

Acid Reflux Symptoms

At the beginning of the development of the disease, attacks of heartburn (both after meals and independently of them), belching, accompanied by entry into the esophagus and oral cavity stomach contents. Many patients complain of nausea, frequent hiccups, burning or hot feeling in the throat. Other symptoms of reflux include:

• difficulty swallowing (dysphagia);
• difficulty passing food through the esophagus;
• feeling of bloating in epigastric region;
• bleeding;
• chest pain (in the areas of the esophagus);
• erosion of mucous membranes and damage to tooth enamel;
• coughing attacks;
• hoarseness (if the vocal cords are damaged).

Diagnostics

Experts diagnose gastric reflux or esophageal reflux based on a survey of the patient to identify all the symptoms and based on the results of a number of modern diagnostic procedures. Endoscopy can detect erosive lesions, ulcers or inflammation in lower section digestive canal. Tests are carried out to assess the condition of the walls of the esophagus (by x-ray examination With contrast agent) and their contractility (manometry).

The degree of acidity of gastric juice is determined. If necessary, the pressure and degree of closure of the gastroesophageal valve are measured. In a number of severe, advanced cases, the patient is additionally prescribed a biopsy to assess the degree of damage to the mucous membranes and the risks of developing malignant degeneration of damaged tissues. Accurate diagnosis helps determine the severity of the disease and select an appropriate treatment regimen.

Treatment of gastric reflux

Early stages The development of the disease, as a rule, does not require medication. The same applies to reflux that develops during pregnancy. Therapy consists of following a diet that excludes a number of foods and, if necessary, aimed at weight loss, changing the diet (for example, reducing portion sizes while increasing the frequency of meals), quitting smoking, alcohol and cigarettes. It is recommended to avoid tight clothing and raise the head of the bed by 10-15 cm. In advanced cases, drug therapy is prescribed.

Nutritional Features

To reduce the load on digestive tract When diagnosed with acid reflux, you should eat small, frequent meals at regular intervals (every 4 hours). The last meal should be taken no later than two hours before bedtime. Avoid foods that aggravate symptoms from the diet - chocolate, coffee, fermented milk products, citrus fruits, sour juices, spices, alcohol, fatty, fried and spicy food. Diet includes antioxidant products, reducing the acidity of gastric juice, preventing further damage to the mucous membranes:

• orange vegetables and fruits containing antacids: persimmons, apricots, pumpkin, sweet peppers;
• avocado;
• broccoli;
• bananas, potatoes and other foods containing potassium;
• leafy greens (parsley, basil, spinach);
• nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts);
• berries (blueberries, blackberries);
• lean chicken, turkey;
• beef;
• lean fish;
• cereals (millet, rice, rolled oats);
• wholemeal bread.

Drug therapy

Medications are prescribed by the attending physician based on the patient’s complaints and condition, depending on the goals drug therapy. The following medications are used to treat reflux: pharmacological groups:

• Antacids, the action of which is aimed at reducing or neutralizing the acidity of gastric juice and relieving the main symptoms (Tams, Rennie).
• H2-blockers of histamine receptors to reduce the production of hydrochloric acid (Famotidine, Ranitidine, Cimetidine).
• Proton pump inhibitors - blockers of acid synthesis in the stomach (Omeprazole).

Treatment with folk remedies

Folk remedies help relieve reflux symptoms. It is better to coordinate their use with your doctor, because most methods have contraindications and side effects. Towards effective folk remedies Treatments include baking soda, chamomile decoction and aloe juice. You can use one of the following recipes:

• For prevention: powder from basil and fennel leaves. licorice and coriander root. The crushed ingredients are mixed in equal proportions, take 0.5 tsp. before meals with water.
• To relieve an attack: dissolve 0.5 tsp in a glass of cold low-fat milk. chopped dried green cardamom and dill. Drink in small sips.
• During the course of treatment: infusion of ground oats (1 tablespoon oats infused in 100 ml warm water for half an hour). Take in the morning on an empty stomach for 2 weeks.
• Apple vinegar for prevention: add a few drops to ready dish or dilute 1 tsp. in 100 ml of water and drink after the onset of the attack.
• Freshly squeezed carrots, potatoes or pumpkin juice for prevention: taken on an empty stomach, 150 ml every morning, for 14-18 days.
• Flax seed powder for prevention: 1 tsp. crushed flaxseeds on an empty stomach for 2 weeks.

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