Diet and lifestyle factors can significantly contribute to acid reflux (heartburn, acid indigestion) and associated digestive issues like painful gas and bloating.
And there’s more bad news about the effects of proton pump inhibitors – brand names Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium and Protonix…among others. We know that long term use can disrupt the acid/base balance and wreak havoc in the GI track right? New studies suggest that these over the counter medications are also linked to gradual yet ‘silent’ kidney damage. According to a study in JAMA, most people don’t even know about the kidney problems before it becomes serious.
Why not focus on prevention here?
The solution is in your diet. Everyone is different, but the most common triggers include high fat foods, fried food, tomatoes and citrus fruits, chocolate, coffee and alcohol, garlic and onions and even peppermint for some people. Chew thoroughly, don’t eat on the run and don’t stuff yourself.
Smoking can also make things worse. Heads up: long term use of over the counter acid reducing products can block the absorption of calcium and other vitamins and minerals in some people. Antacids (even Tums) can reduce the effectiveness of certain anti-hypertensive drugs and antibiotics.
Each person can have different dietary triggers and there are multiple ways to address this condition from a dietary perspective. A diet designed to prevent or reduce acid reflux is usually easy to follow-but its not one size fits all.
Talk to your doctor if you are in pain, talk to your nutritionist if you’re ready to figure out your nutrition prescription to finally move on from reflux and PPI’s. YES, yes you can.
Kimberly Young MS CNS is a practicing nutritionist and educator in Dallas, Texas. Learn about her integrative approach and schedule online at https://kyoungnutrition.com.
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