Acid reflux is a common disorder where stomach acid backs up into the throat, resulting in a sore throat, excessive throat clearing and coughing. This can be a bothersome experience for those affected, but it is equally as difficult to try to cure. Physicians will often prescribe medications used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Although GERD is closely related to acid reflux, they are in fact two different conditions. And many will not find relief from their acid reflux from a GERD medication. From a medical perspective, the damage caused by acid reflux is not from the acid itself, but from the inflammation caused by the acid.
There is recent research to suggest that the cure to acid reflux lies within a dietary approach of a mostly vegetarian diet. One study found that 63 percent of participants showed an average six point drop on the reflux symptom scale in six weeks. The diet prescribed was mainly vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains and nuts and consisted of only a small amount of meat and dairy. Many plant foods have properties that can calm inflammation, healing the damage caused by acid reflux.
It is easy to get caught up in all the trends and emerging technologies when it comes to health and wellness, but sometimes all our body needs are the basics. Not only are fruits and vegetables good for your overall health, but they may be able to provide more relief from acid reflux than your current medications.
Written by: Meghan McGillvray, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern. Learn more about Wellness Workdays and our wellness program offerings by downloading our brochure.
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