Treat Acid Reflux

Alkaline Diet To Reduce Acid Reflux Symptoms
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Defined Tag: Acid Reflux Symptoms.
Most holistic experts recommend an alkaline diet to reduce acid reflux symptoms. Holistic experts propose that the acid – alkaline balance is an important factor in the health and functioning of the body. Diet is one factor that influences acid – alkaline balance. You must take into account the acid or alkaline forming nature of the foods that are eaten through the nutrient content which affects metabolism. Do note that conventional doctors do not share the same view about alkaline diets, since their method of treatment for acid reflux symptoms are mainly via antacids or other drugs.


Here are some background definitions on the terms acidity and alkalinity. An acid is a substance that releases hydrogen into a solution and an alkali or base is one that removes hydrogen from a solution. The amount of free hydrogen is measured on a scale ranging from 1 to 14, called ph, that denotes the exact level of acidity or alkalinity. A ph value below 7 is considered acid and above 7 as alkaline.


The acid alkaline balance in your body is important since many functions in the body occur only at a certain level of acidity or alkalinity. Many enzymes and chemical reactions in the body work best at a particular ph. A small change in ph can have a profound effect on body function. For example, muscle contractibility declines and hormones like adrenaline and aldosterone increased as the body becomes more acidic. Many body functions are involved in the regulation of acid – alkaline balance including respiration, excretion, digestion and cellular metabolism. The lungs aid in acid – alkaline regulation by removing carbon dioxide from the blood. The kidney also responds to the ph of the blood. If the blood is too acidic, the kidney excretes extra hydrogens into the urine and retains extra sodium. Phosphorus in the form of phosphate is required for this exchange. The body obtains this phosphorus from the bone if it is otherwise unavailable.

In the digestive process, acid – alkaline balance is affected by the secretions of the stomach and the pancreas. Thee secretions are absorbed onto the blood stream and effect the rest of the body. When food is eaten, the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid. In response to this acid, the pancreas secretes bicarbonate which neutralizes the stomach acid so that pancreatic enzymes can work properly.


Hence, to fight the symptoms of acid reflux, diet is probably the most important consideration. An old saying that “you are what you eat” holds true. If you eat foods that are generally acidic in nature, then it naturally follows that your body which absorbs these become acidic as well. Instant and highly processed foods such as hot dog, potato chips and cow’s milk, as well as red meats like beef and pork are generally considered acidic. More stomach acid needs to be produced in order to digest them. However, acid reflux happens when stomach acid backs up your esophagus. Highly alkaline foods include wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa spouts, broccoli sprouts, other types of sprouts, cucumber, kale, parsley, sea vegetables.

Your esophagus must also be allowed a change to repair. Avoiding foods that are acidic will help lessen the impact of irritants to it. You should also avoid anything that relaxes the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). The LES is the muscular valve separating your esophagus and the stomach. It is when this valve relaxes, that stomach acid backs up to your esophagus, causing acid reflux symptoms.

There are also other benefits of having more alkaline foods. An acid overload tends to drain your body of energy – energy that is needed to help fight viruses and disease. Your immune system ends up weakened. When your body is overly acid, your body is the perfect breeding ground for germs, yeast, bacteria, molds and fungi. In an alkaline environment they cannot thrive or multiply. By keeping your body alkaline, holistic experts say that that you can prevent colds, flu, and many other illnesses.


In order to reduce your acid reflux symptoms, you must manage the ph factor of the body. 7.5 ph is the ideal alkaline body level. Having early dinners, eating slowly in a relaxed environment and in smaller portions are other good habits to form.

Acid Reflux can be very painful but it is definitely treatable. For more information and resources on acid reflux treatment, please visit this site at http://www.treat-acid-reflux.com.