INDIGESTION AND HEARTBURN
AVOID
Fatty foods
Eating within 2 hours of bedtime
Tobacco use of any kind
The most common symptom of indigestion is heartburn, a burning chest pain that occurs when stomach acid and other contents flow backward, or reflux, into the esophagus. Unlike the stomach, the lining of mucus-producing tissue, so the acid produces irritation and even ulcerations. Obesity and pregnancy may lead to heartburn because of increased intra-abdominal pressure, which tends to force the stomach fluids up into the esophagus. A hiatal hernia is another possible cause.
Heartburn caused by reflux can usually be controlled with a few lifestyle changes, starting with adopting a low-fat diet that includes a balances and fruits. Coffee, including decaffeinated brands, promotes high acid production; so does tea, cola drinks, and other sources of caffeine. Citrus fruits and juices can also cause problems. There is no evidence that pepper-cause indigestion, but people who find that a spicy meal is followed by discomfort would be better of shunning such seasonings.
Reflux is made worse by foods such as chocolate or peppermint that relax the sphincter muscle connecting the esophagus to the stomach.
Avoid large, meals, especially late in the day. Try not to eat in the two hours before bedtime. Sit up straight after meals, bending over or lying down increases pressure on the stomach and promotes reflux. Stop smoking; nicotine relaxes the sphincter muscle. Limit alcohol intake to an occasional glass of wine or beer.
The use of nonprescription antacids to treat heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid is questionable; the problem is not too much acids, but acid in the wrong place. If you find that they do help, follow instructions and never take them for longer than recommended. " proton pump inhibitors". Such as come prazole are very effective drugs for acid reflux.
-
No comments:
Post a Comment