The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach.
However, it is not just a simple tube. The lower esophagus has a specialized
muscle around it that usually stays tightly closed, opening only to allow food
and liquid into the stomach. It acts to prevent the reflux of stomach acid
into the esophagus.
Symptoms occur when this specialized muscle weakens and allows stomach acid
to splash up into the esophagus. These symptoms include heartburn,
chest discomfort, and biter fluid flowing up into the mouth.
Chest discomfort can occur.
If the stomach juice trickles into the breathing tubes, hoarseness,
cough, and even shortness of breath can occur. This entire problem is
called Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). A number of factors,
including certain foods, may cause the lower esophageal muscle to relax,
causing GERD.
Nutrition Facts
A diet designed to prevent or reduce acid reflux is usually easy to follow.
The basic food groups of cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy products,
and meats can be eaten with only a few limitations. So, this diet meets
the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) of the National Research Council.
The lower esophageal muscle can be weakened by factors other than food.
The following recommendations may be helpful in reducing symptoms:
Stop using tobacco in all forms. Nicotine weakens the
lower esophageal muscles.
Avoid chewing gum and hard candy. They increase the amount of swallowed
air, which, in turn, leads to belching and reflux. Do not lie down
immediately after eating. Avoid late evening snacks.
Avoid tight clothing and bending over after eating.
Eat small portions of food at mealtime.
Lose weight if overweight. Obesity leads to increased reflux.
Elevate the head of the bed six to eight inches to prevent reflux
when sleeping. Extra pillows, by themselves, are not very helpful.
The following foods weaken the muscle valve in the lower esophagus,
aggravate acid reflux, and should be avoided:
• Fatty or fried foods
• Whole milk
• Chocolate
• Peppermint and spearmint
• Oils
• Creamed foods or soups
The following foods irritate and inflamed lower esophagus and
may need to be limited or avoided:
• Citrus fruit and juices (grapefruit, orange, pineapple, tomato)
• Coffee (regular and decaffeinated), caffeinated soft drink.
The following foods strengthen the muscle valve in the lower esophagus
and help to prevent acid reflux:
• Low-fat
• High protein foods
• Low-fat carbohydrates (bread, cereal, pasta, crackers)
• Calcium as in fat free milk and low-fat yogurt.
