Diet for high acidity: sample menu for the day

Vinogradov

Dmitry Alekseevich

4 years of experience

Gastroenterologist

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Millions of people of all ages suffer from heartburn. And only a quarter of patients turn to doctors for medical help. Symptoms include a burning sensation in the esophagus, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, pain in the lower chest and is accompanied by a bitter, acidic taste in the throat and mouth. Heartburn is not so harmless in its clinical nature. It is periodic or chronic in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and can vary in frequency and intensity. Pharmacy medications provide only temporary relief, so a visit to a gastroenterologist and the prescription of adequate therapy is the main recommendation.

Causes of heartburn

Unpleasant symptoms of heartburn occur due to irritation of the esophageal mucosa. Normally, the environment in the stomach is acidic; it is regulated by hydrochloric acid. In the esophagus – neutral. These two sections of the digestive tract are separated from each other by the sphincter. If the orbicularis muscle does not fully perform its function, reflux occurs (reverse movement of stomach contents). The esophagus is not protected from the negative effects of acid, which causes a burning sensation. The causes of heartburn may include the following:

• gastrointestinal diseases (GERD, ulcers, gastritis, cholecystitis);
• diaphragmatic hernia;
• cancer of the gastric cardia;
• frequent consumption of fresh baked goods, coffee, chocolate;
• drinking alcohol, smoking;
• diet with fatty foods;
• chronic stress;
• taking medications (NSAIDs, to lower blood pressure).

How to get rid of heartburn and its consequences

Chronic or frequent heartburn causes an inflammatory disease with a recurrent nature called esophagitis - this is the most common consequence. The resulting ulcers and their subsequent scarring provoke a narrowing of the esophagus, which interferes with food intake. Heartburn may also be accompanied by bloating. To improve your well-being, the following is recommended:

• exclude late dinner before bedtime;
• the upper body should be elevated 15-25 cm during rest;
• immediately after eating, you should not bend over or lie down;
• conduct an audit of food products;
• quit smoking and drinking alcohol;
• Avoid tight belts and clothing that compress the abdominal area.

When to urgently call an ambulance

If heartburn occurs in the stomach from inappropriate food, the situation is not so dangerous. You should be wary of pain and a burning sensation in the chest that occurs due to an attack of angina or an increasing threat of myocardial infarction. With progressive symptoms such as bloody vomiting and black stools, you should call an ambulance. JSC "Medicine" (clinic of academician Roitberg) in the Central Administrative District has emergency teams on staff, its own fleet of vehicles and the latest generation equipment. They work 24/7. Severe heartburn and stomach pain may also be due to an exacerbation of the ulcer, which is also a reason to call an ambulance. If necessary, the team will take care of transporting and accompanying the patient to the hospital for hospitalization, where a final diagnosis will be made and treatment will be prescribed.

When to see a doctor

If heartburn in the throat begins to bother you frequently, regardless of the time of day, body position, or with a balanced diet, you should consult a doctor. Attacks cannot be tolerated or ignored due to the possible transition of the underlying causes into a chronic condition. The formation of ulcers in the esophagus due to the constant influence of hydrochloric acid on the mucous membrane provokes bleeding. They can lead to Barrett's syndrome and the subsequent development of oncology. You need to make an appointment to undergo diagnostics and receive heartburn medication to stabilize your well-being.

General information about honey

Flower nectar processed by bees is used in folk and official medicine, cooking and home cosmetology. The properties depend on the type of plant from which the collection was carried out and on the environmental safety of the area.

Honey is a valuable beekeeping product.
Honey from plants of one species is called monofloral, while honey from different herbs is called polyfloral. It can also be meadow, forest, mountain, field.

Compound

The calorie content of processed flower nectar is 320–338 kcal per 100 g, of which:

• proteins – 0.8 g;
• carbohydrates – 80.3 g;
• water – 17 g.

Honey contains a large amount of vitamins, minerals and flavonoids.

The composition is dominated by:

• vitamins – ascorbic acid, B vitamins, nicotinic acid, niacin;
• macroelements – potassium, calcium, phosphorus, chlorine;
• microelements – iron and zinc;
• flavonoids;
• amino acids.

Chemical analysis identified 280–300 compounds, depending on the conditions of collection and processing of the product.

Beneficial features

The medicinal effect of beekeeping products comes from substances released by bees during processing. Thanks to them honey:

1. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, suppresses bacterial activity.
2. Normalizes the blood lipid profile, dissolves bad cholesterol.
3. Stabilizes blood pressure.
4. Improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
5. Has mucolytic and expectorant effects.
6. Stimulates memory properties, improves coordination.
7. Increases the ability to regenerate. It is not only taken in the treatment of peptic ulcers and erosive gastritis, but also treated wounds on the skin.

Heartburn often occurs with gastrointestinal diseases - gastritis or peptic ulcers. With these pathologies, due to disruption of the gastric sphincters, stagnant processes develop - fermentation or putrefaction. The semi-digested contents are thrown into the digestive tract.

Heartburn from honey can occur: when overeating, when the production of compounds necessary for digesting food is disrupted. The beekeeping product contains a high amount of carbohydrates. With enzyme deficiency, they are not digested and are rejected.

Symptoms and signs

The appearance of heartburn is indicated by:

1. Periodic burning in the epigastric region, behind the sternum and in the throat, appearing within 1-3 hours after eating. At night – after 4–5 hours.
2. Feeling of fullness in the stomach.
3. Bitter or sour taste in the mouth, nausea.
4. Loss of appetite.
5. Discomfort when lying down or when changing body position.

One of the symptoms of heartburn is a feeling of fullness in the stomach.

You cannot diagnose heartburn on your own. A burning sensation behind the breastbone may be a sign of heart disease.

Root causes and treatment of heartburn

Symptoms may return if the underlying cause is not determined. In severe cases, the doctor may recommend going to the hospital to clarify them. At JSC “Medicine” (academician Roitberg’s clinic) in the center of Moscow, you can undergo diagnostics and take tests to establish the correct diagnosis. For this purpose they prescribe:

• laboratory blood tests (general, biochemical, for the presence of antibodies to Helicobacter pylori);
• gastroscopy;
• urease breath test (detection of Helicobacter pylori infection);
• esophageal pH monitoring;
• esophagomanometry, etc.

Symptom of heartburn during pregnancy

It is a fact that 80% of women experience heartburn when carrying a child from the first months of pregnancy. Increased progesterone in the body relaxes the muscles, which causes dysfunction of the esophageal sphincter. Another reason is increased abdominal pressure due to fetal growth. Heartburn pills (antacids) without complex chemical compounds help to cope with poor health. They usually have a minty flavor, which helps get rid of the sour and bitter taste in the mouth. They are prescribed by a doctor after consultation.

Treating heartburn at home

A fast-acting remedy for heartburn is baking soda in the amount of 1/2 tsp. per glass of water. You need to drink in small sips. The method is suitable only for emergency cases, but with frequent use of sodium carbonate, the acid-base balance is disturbed. To maintain it, you should also give up citrus fruits and carbonated drinks, raw onions and garlic, hot and spicy foods.

Following a diet is better than soda for heartburn during periods of exacerbation. Small meals 5-6 times a day will also be useful. Chamomile tea and drinking low-alkaline mineral waters can also help. Popular folk remedies or how to get rid of heartburn at home is a set of the following recommendations:

• drink tea from St. John's wort and plantain (1 tbsp per 200 ml of water);
• drink 1 tbsp. 15 minutes before meals, infusion of dried dried fruit (20 g per 200 ml of water);
• eat buckwheat daily;
• chew barley grains during an attack.

The effect of diet on the intestines

Proper nutrition helps maintain normal internal balance of the intestines. Diet number 3 for constipation is aimed at improving and stimulating the basic functions of the intestinal microflora, such as:

• synthesis of amino acids and vitamins K and C, as well as B vitamins;
• local immune defense of the body;
• enzymatic processing of dietary fiber;
• neutralization of toxins;
• maintaining the secretory activity of the gastrointestinal tract.

Diet number three restores the functional activity of the intestines, normalizes metabolic processes, improves motility and secretion of intestinal glands. The diet prevents fermentation and the formation of gases, promotes the elimination of toxic compounds, and also normalizes fluid exchange. The healing table ensures normal digestion and timely bowel movements.

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Prevention is the best cure for heartburn

Preventing reflux is part of treatment by following a diet and limiting negative factors. Remember that heartburn from water is reduced by diluting the amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Drink it throughout the day. Avoid eating large portions of food and lead a healthy lifestyle. In this case, heartburn and nausea will not bother you. If attacks are frequent and symptoms last for 2-3 months, you need to undergo an examination, which will prevent the exclusion of severe diagnoses.

How else to deal with heartburn

Folk remedies are far from the only method of treatment. Their advantage is simplicity and accessibility, but it is impossible to cure the disease with their help. It is imperative to combine the use of folk recipes with medications and lifestyle changes.

Non-drug treatment

Non-drug methods for relieving heartburn include lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, and quitting smoking and alcohol. To get rid of the symptom, you need to follow the recommendations:

1. Wear loose and comfortable clothes. Tight clothing puts pressure on the abdomen, which can lead to regurgitation of gastric contents.
2. Don't sleep on your stomach. This position also increases the likelihood of backflow of gastric juice.
3. Do not bend over after eating (1–2 hours). Bending over provokes the reflux of contents from the stomach into the esophagus.
4. Chew food thoroughly and eat small portions - this will reduce the likelihood of developing heartburn.
5. Stop smoking. Nicotine increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid, which increases the likelihood of symptoms.
6. Eliminate from your diet foods that increase stomach acidity. These are carbonated drinks, chili peppers, garlic, onions, alcohol.
7. Eliminate from your diet foods that help relax the lower esophageal sphincter. These are fatty and fried foods, chocolate.
8. Drink more water. Water helps neutralize stomach acid. It is recommended to drink 200 ml of clean water every 2 hours.

Drug treatment

Medications should be selected by a doctor after examination and identification of the cause. The most commonly used are antacids, histamine blockers and proton pump inhibitors.

Antacids neutralize hydrochloric acid; drugs in this group include Almagel and Maalox. Histamine blockers and proton pump inhibitors reduce gastric acidity. Histamine blockers include Ranitidine, Famotidine, proton pump inhibitors - Omeprazole, Pantoprazole.

Heartburn with gastritis: which doctor should I contact?

A gastroenterologist specializes in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. If additional research is necessary, other specialized specialists may be involved. For consultation, examination and treatment, please call +7 (495) 775-73-60 or leave a request for feedback on the website with your contact details. The clinic is located at: Moscow, 2nd Tverskoy-Yamskoy lane, building 10, Mayakovskaya metro station. The following stations are also within walking distance: Belorusskaya, Tverskaya, Novoslobodskaya and Chekhovskaya.