Acid Reflux and Alkaline Diet

Do acid reflux and alkaline diet complement each other? Yes, you would remember that in school or college, we were taught that acids and alkaline neutralize each other. Similar is the connection between acid reflux and alkaline diet. An alkaline diet neutralizes the severe effects of an acid reflux.

So now the question is to establish how the acid reflux and alkaline diet work. Hydrochloric Acid is present in the lumen of the stomach to help in digestion of food. The structure of the epithelial layers and a thick layer of mucous prevent it from damaging effects to the linings of the stomach. In some cases, the production of this acid increases causing acid reflux.

To establish the relationship between acid reflux and alkaline diet, try this simple test at home. If you are having acid reflux, then try spitting on the litmus paper (used for testing acid and alkaline solutions) and see the color change from blue to red, which is an indicative of the acid presence. On the other hand, in normal circumstances the litmus changes from red to blue because of the alkaline nature of saliva (pH 7.4).

Acid reflux and alkaline diet is a healthy combination to follow if you have been suffering from heartburns. Food products such as those rich in protein (meat, fish, poultry and eggs), carbohydrates (including grains, breads and pastas) and fats are "acid-forming". On the other hand, most fruits and vegetables are "alkaline-forming". Though citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, contain organic acids and may have an acid taste, they are not acid-forming when metabolized. People having acid reflux can have alkaline diet and the other way round.

Acid Reflux and Alkaline Diet - Lifestyle changes

As discussed earlier red meat, fish, dairy and fats contain high acid levels. Acid reflux and alkaline diet to control the problem is the best advice. Hence people having constant acidity problem should reduce the intake of acid forming foods and concentrate on fruits and vegetables that are alkaline in nature. Interestingly, mustard and chilly pepper are alkaline foods and do not really are the reason for acid reflux.

People who have a habit of chewing tobacco or smoking are prone to acid reflux. Similarly, alcohol or any such kind of stimulant should be avoided. If one cannot avoid alcohol on certain occasions, be sure to combine it with a lot of lime juice or water rather than soda or any aerated drink. To summarize, acid reflux and alkaline diet need to go hand in hand for the proper functioning of the digestive system.

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