The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle is located between the stomach and the esophagus (throat). It opens to allow food to pass from the esophagus to the stomach. It closes to prevent food and acid from flowing from the stomach into the esophagus. Acid is produced in the stomach to help break down food for digestion. When the lower esophageal sphincter muscle is weak, acid flows into the esophagus and can irritate and burn the internal parts of the body.
So, have you discovered that you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? Many people don’t even know they have it. It affects both babies and adults. Heartburn is the most common symptom of GERD. Other terms for heartburn are acid indigestion and acid reflux. More than 25 million adults suffer from heartburn every day.
Causes of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Some doctors believe that a hiatal hernia can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter muscle and cause reflux. Reflux means the back flow of a liquid. A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach moves up into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm. Coughing can cause a hiatal hernia. A person of any age can have one. Many healthy people over the age of 50 have a small one. If it is severe, you may feel constant pain behind the chest plate. The pain can last for months.
The soy problem
Isoflavones are chemical compounds. Glycythein, genistein, and daidzein are isoflavones found in soybeans. They mimic estrogen. Estrogen weakens the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. Soy is found in most foods today because it is a cheap product. If you examine the ingredients on the packages you buy, you will see that soy is found in bread, peanut butter, non-dairy creamer, salad dressing, and infant formula. The list is endless. The vegetable oil on grocery store shelves is usually soybean oil, unless the oil is specifically labeled olive, safflower, sunflower, almond, etc.
Other meals
Certain foods and drinks can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. It would be helpful to avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee (caffeinated and decaffeinated), caffeine, carbonated drinks, chocolate, mint, sugar and refined cakes, citrus fruits, fried foods, fatty and fatty foods , soy products (unless fermented) avoid tomatoes and tomato products. Tomatoes are very acidic. Think twice before eating that delicious pizza.
You should be very aware of reading the ingredients on the packages of the foods you buy. Sugar is always harmful to the body and is found in most foods. Tomato is also found in many packaged foods.
Foods to find
Aloe Vera Gel Gets Two Thumbs Up
Aloe vera gel (whole leaf) can be taken before meals in the morning and in the afternoon. It is a natural remedy for acid reflux. Suggested dosage is 4 oz. per day. If you have ulcers, it would be a good idea to take a tablespoon (less than a dose). Until you feel the ulcers heal. Otherwise, too much aloe vera gel can make the ulcer condition worse.
Aloe vera gel coats the throat and stomach. Aloe vera is a healing plant. Over time, the lower esophageal sphincter muscle will get stronger. I would give it a good year. One year is a normal period of time for anything in the body to recover from illness and heal.
Ginger is beneficial
Drinking ginger tea can help keep stomach acid in check. It may take a couple of weeks for you to notice a difference. The suggested dose is 3 cups a day, with distilled water. It is best to drink the tea without sugar, honey or lemon juice. Refined sugar doesn’t do the body any good. This and citrus should be avoided anyway. The tea must be steeped.
How to steep the tea
- Boil distilled water
- Per 6 oz. boiled water over a tea bag in a cup
- Place a saucer on top of the mug for 5-10 minutes.
After you have steeped the tea, it is a good habit to press the tea bag with the spoon against the inside wall of the cup. Doing that and steeping increases the strength of the tea.
Enjoy!
Other tips to control acid reflux
Modify eating habits:
- Eat lots of small meals throughout the day.
- Do not eat anything 3 hours before bedtime (especially spicy foods)
- Avoid lying down after eating
- Eat slowly
- Eat in an upright position.
Sleep in an upright position or at a 45-degree angle when:
- Using a wedge pillow
- Using an adjustable chair or bed
- Sleeping on your left side at a 45-degree angle so that the sphincter valve closes
- Elevate the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches with blocks
Try to avoid using abdominal pressure such as:
- Heavy facelift
- Bending the waist
- Tight belts, clothing, etc.
- Slump into chairs
- Straining with bowel movements
Note: With the above diet you can lose a few kilos.