If you’re one of the many people who suffer from acid reflux, then you should consider talking with a nutritionist on getting a Mediterranean-style diet and drink alkaline water.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery focuses on the effects this diet has on our health.
There’s a Traditional Approach and a Dietary Solution to It
The study examined two groups of patients that had a laryngopharyngeal reflux – LPR. The disease affects people by making the contents of the upper digestive tract and the stomach to reflux into the esophagus, creating a burning, bitter taste and the feeling like something is stuck in the back of the throat.
Out of these two groups, one group took conventional drugs (proton-pump inhibitors) and others consumed a plant-based Mediterranean diet and drank alkaline water. Between these two groups, there was no difference in the symptoms after a month and a half of both treatments.
The traditional treatment might involve removing food which triggers acid reflux and medication. The drugs (PPI)have some side effects: headaches, diarrhea / constipation, stomach pain and dizziness.
The study, although it was conducted on a small number of people, shows that the diet and alkaline water approach are equal to taking traditional medication. The dietary approach is a better alternative to drugs and should be a priority to taking them. This way people with LPR will first try a natural solution and avoid drugs side effects.
What Foods to Consume and What Foods to Avoid
A lot of plant based foods help with reducing the reflux. These are mainly plants such as vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains. What makes reflux symptoms worse are alcohol, coffee, chocolate, dairy, fried and greasy foods, soda and spicy foods.
We know, these last foods are great and we all love them, but a balanced diet is better if you want to be healthy.