Alkaline Foods for Acid Reflux

All over the world, there are millions of people who are suffering from acid reflux. In the United States alone, over 20 million people have to deal with this condition, which is also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This condition could be controlled to some extent by consuming alkaline foods or with natural treatment.

The esophagus leads from the throat and opens into the stomach. This opening is guarded by a circular muscle band which is known as the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES). LES is entrusted with the task of maintaining one-way traffic of food; from the throat to the stomach.

When this sphincter starts malfunctioning, the gastric acid which is involved in the process of digestion, starts seeping into the esophagus, especially when you are lying down. The gastric acid acts as an irritant on the unprotected cartilaginous wall of the esophagus which leads to acid reflux.

The following is a brief note on the alkaline foods which hopefully may help you in countering the effects of the acid reflux.

• Artichokes
• Radish
• Swede
• Lambs Lettuce
• Courgette
• Leeks
• Watercress
• Turnip
• Chives
• Carrots

• Green beans
• Beetroot
• Potatoes
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Broccoli
• Kale cabbage
• Any sprouted seed
• Brussels sprouts
• Garlic in the form of garlic tea.
• Food items that are rich in fats and oils can also serve as an answer for acid reflux. These include coconut oil, olive oil, avocados, olive, evening primrose.

• Inclusion of sprouts. Sprouts such as soy, mung bean, wheat, little radish, chickpea and broccoli etc, may help you in your efforts to vary your diet.
• Asparagus helps in maintaining the acid-alkali balance of the body.

• Seeds, nuts and grains such as almonds, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flax, buckwheat groats, cumin seeds, rice and wheat are useful.
• You can consume alkaline foods in the form of fresh vegetable juice, pure water which is chemically neutral in nature, lemon water, herbal teas, vegetable broth and soy products such as unsweetened milk.

• Spinach, parsley, milk and eggs which contains glutamine can also be consumed as alkaline diet for acid reflux.
• Vegetables like cabbages, lettuce, onion, cauliflower and peas can help you effectively.

• Fruits such as almonds milk, lemon, avocado, tomatoes, blueberries and strawberries in moderate amounts, bananas, grapes, watermelon, apples and papaya.
• Normally, fresh fish like salmon are safe to eat, but some of the other type of fish may not suit your condition.

If you are affected by GERD, it means you have to change your lifestyle. You can start by changing to alkaline diet that will be easy on your stomach. Your failure in doing so may cause surplus acid to give you ulcers.