What to do about long-term acid reflux is a question people want to know. Excess stomach acid, also known as acid reflux or heartburn, refers to stomach acid flowing back up and irritating the esophagus. Acid reflux can lead to stomach ulcers. Therefore, we need to know what to do about long-term acid reflux.
4 types of food that can easily irritate the stomach and intestines
1. Fried food
Fried food is the only type of food widely recognized to cause acid reflux. This type of food is also often associated with heartburn. Heartburn is a type of chest pain caused by stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus.
2. Chili peppers
Capsaicin can stimulate an increase in stomach acid secretion. Excess stomach acid can cause the gallbladder to contract, leading to spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, which makes it difficult for bile to be excreted. This can induce cholecystitis, biliary colic, and pancreatitis. People with poor gastrointestinal health should avoid spicy foods. Eating such foods can cause a burning sensation and acid reflux. If you like spicy food, you can eat milder green peppers.
3. Carbonated drinks
Carbonated drinks are a type of beverage that is relatively irritating to the stomach and intestines, and can stimulate them, leading to discomfort; drinking fruit juice in moderation is beneficial to health, but fruit juice usually contains a large amount of sugar. Drinking too much of it can also increase the burden on the stomach, causing problems like bloating and stomach pain.
4. Broccoli and tomatoes
Broccoli and tomatoes are also foods that people with a sensitive stomach should eat less of. Broccoli contains soluble fiber, which can only be broken down in the large intestine, producing a large amount of gas, which is not good for the stomach. Tomatoes are a highly acidic food that can stimulate the stomach to produce too much acid. They are a food that people with symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn should not or should try to avoid.
What to do about long-term acid reflux?
1. Change your eating habits.
You can improve acid reflux by changing the types and amounts of food you eat. Reduce the amount of food you eat at each meal to reduce pressure on your stomach. Do not eat 2 to 3 hours before bedtime to prevent food from putting pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter while you sleep.
2. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger acid reflux.
Figure out which types of foods cause your acid reflux. Keep a record of the food and drinks you consume and pay attention to whether they cause any problems. Start with foods that frequently cause your acid reflux and be more mindful of foods or drinks that you have an adverse reaction to. If you eat a certain food and feel unwell an hour later, you should not eat it again in the future.
3. Develop good habits.
Quit smoking, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and get regular exercise.
4. Maintain a healthy weight.
Pay attention to your weight. Being overweight can slow down stomach motility, causing food to stay in the stomach longer, which can easily lead to acid reflux.
5. Eat at regular times and maintain a regular eating schedule.
Eat at set times, avoid eating one to two hours before bedtime to reduce the chances of the sphincter relaxing.