Heartburn vs Heartburn Diet
The pains associated with heartburn and one's heartburn diet is closely linked. Since the pain is felt around the chest area, many heartburn sufferers find the sensations scary since it is easy to confuse them with the onset of a heart attack. Heartburn is an affliction that affects millions of people worldwide. Although most of us have experienced heartburn at some point in our lives, some people may experience a chronic form of the malady. Occasional sufferers can get almost instant relief with suitable antacids or syrups which help to dilute the acid reflux. These people often forget about the last painful or discomforting episode since relief comes relatively quick. Those who suffer from the chronic form, where heartburn is experienced more than two times a week, should seek prompt medical attention. Chronic sufferers of heartburn may be prescribed a course of medication by their doctors to relieve the symptoms. Their doctor will also strongly recommend lifestyle and dietary changes to help the body heal from heartburn. A heartburn diet will be part of the this treatment plan. In a heartburn diet, the patient will be advised to avoid certain types of foods and drinks. Patients who adhere to the suggestions in a heartburn diet will find quicker recovery from heartburn without over-dependence on pharmaceuticals. A Heartburn Diet Leads To Quicker Recovery A heartburn diet has suggestions of food and drinks to avoid as well as to consume to speed up the relief from containing the acid reflux from the stomach. Food choices recommended to be consumed include the following: 1. Vegetables like carrots, cabbage and broccoli 2. Fruits like apples and bananas 3. Meats like extra lean beef and chicken 4. Cheeses like feta and soy A heartburn diet should generally avoid foods and drinks rich in acids. Some of the items to avoid include the following: 1. Spicy dishes like those found in Indian and Mexican diets 2. Tomato rich dishes like those found in Italian pastas and pizzas 3. Chocolates 4. Donuts 5. Creamy desserts 6. Citrus based fruits and desserts; containing oranges and lemons 7. Certain forms of potatoes: mashed potatoes and French fries 8. Raw Onions 9. Caffeinated drinks 10. Alcoholic beverages 11. Some dairy products: sour cream, ice cream and cottage cheese To benefit most from a heartburn diet, one can also take the following lifestyle changes: 1. Manage stress from work and family life 2. Exercise moderately before meals 3. Stop smoking 4. Sleep adequately; preferably with the upper body raised
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