Surprising GERD Diet that Can Stop Your Heartburn

By Jeff Martin
Is there really a GERD diet that can help acid reflux victims to get rid of those annoying symptoms? Recent studies reinforce the hypothesis that acid reflux patients, especially those with less pronounced symptoms, can make major improvements to their medical condition by relatively simple diet changes. Modifying food plans to cure acid reflux is given strong support by classical and alternative medical thinking.

In general, GERD (gastro esophageal reflux disease), also called acid reflux, is an operational problem of the digestive system. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease happens when the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) - a muscle behaving as a valve to close off the esophagus from the stomach - does not work correctly and acid matter flows back, or "refluxes", from the stomach towards the esophagus. The link between eating and GERD treatment can be deduced from the gastric/digestive pathophysiology of this medical problem.

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.

Numerous acid reflux victims remark that their symptoms degrade when they consume excessive amounts of spicy foods or coffee. Meals with a lot of spice will often cause irritation of the esophageal mucosa.

The initial but important step in a fully all-natural holistic program is the diet plan. Even if it gives immediate alleviation for GERD, it should be remembered that a change in dietary habits is not a solution in itself, above all in advanced cases of acid reflux.

The holistic approach (specific herbs and vitamin supplements with a complete regime of diet guidelines, eliminating toxins and using Candida control guidelines) can resolve GERD in a natural way and prevent it from coming back, permanently and effectively. Were you aware that your painful and distressing symptoms of gastro esophageal reflux disease could be gotten rid of forever without any conventional medicine or "over the counter" medication?
About the Author:
Jeff Martin is a certified nutritionist and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, Heartburn No More . To Learn More About GERD Diet Visit: GERD Diet
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