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Acid refluxis a disease that affects a large proportion of the population. It causes not only unpleasant symptoms, but also complications that are dangerous to health and life. Learn about the causes of reflux, its symptoms and the optimal treatment.

What is reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Healthy people may experience physiological reflux after a very large meal or drinking more wine. On the other hand, sick people may experience symptoms of reflux in the esophagus on a daily basis. If this situation is repeated for a long time, the acidic content of the stomach will cause damage to the lining of the esophagus. Over time, this even leads to dangerous consequences, including the occurrence of the so-called precancerous Barrett's esophagus. Therefore, proper treatment, which is largely based on proper nutrition and lifestyle modification, is very important.

Causes of reflux

The causes of reflux include abnormalities within the lower esophageal sphincter in the form of an increased frequency of diastole and a decrease in its pressure. The following factors contribute to the formation of gastric reflux:

taking medications for a long time,
obesity,
pregnancy,
connective tissue diseases,
smoking,
drinking a lot of alcohol or coffee.
Symptoms of reflux

We feel the symptoms of reflux in the esophagus in the form of unpleasant burning, even burning. Sometimes you can feel the contents of the stomach literally backing up into the esophagus. There is sour or empty belching, burning in the epigastrium, and even nausea and vomiting. Other symptoms of reflux may be less characteristic and include: abdominal pain, hoarseness, sore throat, cough, feeling of a lump in the throat, frequent inflammation of the throat and larynx, change in voice timbre.

Reflux - treatment

Treatment of gastric reflux is based on pharmacological therapy, consisting in taking protective preparations that inhibit the secretion of gastric juices and increase their pH. It is worth remembering, however, that the main procedure should be a proper diet and following a few basic rules regarding behaviors that may increase the frequency of regurgitation of gastric contents into the esophagus.

Reflux - diet and lifestyle

Diet in gastroesophageal reflux disease aims to eliminate irritating products and shorten the time that food stays in the stomach. To do this, limit:

cereal products containing a lot of dietary fiber, e.g. wholemeal bread, thick groats,
some vegetables and fruits, especially very acidic and high in fiber (e.g. dry legumes, cruciferous vegetables, onions, citrus fruits),
products and dishes with a high fat content (fatty meats, sausages, sausages, sweets, salty snacks, fast food),
strong spices (e.g. mustard, vinegar, chilli, ketchup, hot spice mixes),
strong tea, coffee, and absolutely exclude alcohol, carbonated and energy drinks.

When symptoms of reflux appear, it is worth drinking a glass of water or milk.

Eat small meals 4-5 times a day. Dishes should not be hot, and you should not rush too much while eating. Vegetables are better eaten cooked or finely aged than raw. The last meal is best eaten 3 hours before bedtime.

In addition, you should avoid heavy physical exertion, staying in the bend and wearing tight clothing on a daily basis. Keep your head up when sleeping. It is also necessary to stop smoking and maintain a healthy weight. Tobacco, overweight and obesity are very conducive to acid reflux.

Healing diet for reflux

Although the reflux diet limits raw vegetables and other products containing a lot of dietary fiber, you do not have to worry that you are unable to properly nourish your body and take care of its purification. For people with reflux and other gastrointestinal disorders, the Sofra Institute of Health recommends a cooked diet by Dr. Ewa Dąbrowska. Choosing this diet will allow you to introduce a large amount of vegetables and fruits, while limiting the irritating effects of dietary fiber. This is possible thanks to the appropriate form of diet, which is easier to digest and stays in the stomach for a shorter time.