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Overview
Acid reflux is a common name for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Stomach acid rises into the esophagus and causes the unpleasant feeling people traditionally call "heartburn." Physicians used to provide a long laundry list of diet restrictions, but a Stanford University review of studies in 2006 changed the way diet is viewed in regard to acid reflux.
Definition
Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach becomes weakened, allowing stomach acid and enzymes to travel upward into the throat. This creates an uncomfortable burning sensation in the throat or chest, difficulty swallowing, and a sour taste. The discomfort is not the worst of the problem, as these digestive juices can damage the esophagus over time.
History
Traditionally, doctors advised heartburn sufferers to avoid a myriad of enjoyable foods, and to restrict themselves to a bland and boring diet. People were to eliminate all acidic foods such as tomatoes, and citrus fruit including oranges and grapefruit. They were also told to exclude fried food, fatty food, spicy food, dairy products, eggs, chocolate, mint, garlic, onions, coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, alcohol and sugar.
Expert Insight
Stanford University gastroenterologist Lauren B. Gerson said people were miserable having so many diet restrictions, especially because they still had acid reflux. In 2006, Stanford's School of Medicine reviewed 100 published studies and found no evidence that eliminating every single one of those items would decrease heartburn for most people. Gerson tells patients to eat a normal diet, and if a particular food product does trigger symptoms, then avoid that item in the future, or take medicine to prevent acid reflux.
Identification
If you have trouble with acid reflux, begin keeping a food diary to determine if any particular foods cause problems. For at least two weeks, keep track of everything you eat, what time you ate, and if any heartburn symptoms occurred. If any foods do cause symptoms, the pattern is usually easy to see, and you can then restrict or eliminate these items from your diet.
Other Solutions
Stanford's 2006 study found two lifestyle changes that decreased acid reflux. Elevating the head of the person's bed was one, and losing weight was the other. For sleeping, simply arrange pillows so your upper body is at a 15-degree angle. People also can try not eating later than three hours before going to sleep, and making the evening meal a light one.
