Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1444914
10 | Health Matters: Providence Mission Hospital W e've all experienced occasional indigestion, acid reflux and heartburn. It happens when stomach contents back up into the esophagus. Normally, when food travels from the esophagus into the stomach, a muscle closes to keep the food in the stomach. When that muscle loosens, it may allow some material to travel backwards, causing discomfort. When this happens frequently, it may signal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD causes more than symptoms such as heartburn and belching. It can also result in health problems that include inflammation, ulcers and bleeding of the esophagus. In some cases, asthma, chronic cough and hoarseness may also develop due to GERD. "Diet modifications can play a key role in controlling symptoms of acid reflux. Simple changes such as avoiding certain foods late at night, sitting up following meals or eating small frequent meals instead of large meals can make a positive impact," says Julie Barrette, senior clinical dietitian at Providence Mission Hospital. Certain foods and drinks tend to exacerbate GERD. They include: • Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons and limes • Tomatoes and tomato-based products, onions and garlic • Chocolate • Mint • Coffee and other caffeinated beverages • Spicy foods • Fatty foods • Carbonated drinks • Alcohol While it's difficult to avoid these foods and drinks completely, it's best to minimize how much of them you take in. Moderation is key. Some foods affect you more or less than others. Try not to eat GERD-causing foods, nor full meals, in the three to four hours before going to bed. Just as some foods can trigger GERD symptoms, others may help prevent or ease symptoms. They include: • High-fiber foods from whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole- grain bread and brown rice • Non-acidic fruits such as bananas, melons, apples and watermelon • Most vegetables (other than tomatoes, onions and garlic), such as carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, lettuce and cucumber • Lean cuts of beef, veal or chicken (served grilled, broiled, baked or poached rather than fried) If diet modifications haven't helped relieve your acid reflux symptoms, it may be time to consult a doctor. A gastroenterologist can help determine what treatment options might be best for you. Coffee Alcohol Fatty foods Carbonated beverages Whole-grain bread Leafy greens Brown rice Lean meat Cucumbers Berries Melon Carrots Apples Oatmeal Bananas Chocolate Garlic Onions Tomatoes Citrus Mint Spices The new Digestive Health Institute at Providence Mission Hospital delivers exceptional gastrointestinal care by physicians who rank in the top of their fields. The institute provides comprehensive care with treatment plans tailored to each individual. Visit us on the third floor of the Mission Health Center, home of the Judi and Bill Leonard Institute for Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Wellness. Join Dr. Louise Bacon to discuss treatments for GERD in a webinar at 5 p.m. on March 15. RSVP at providence.org/missionclasses. Subduing Heartburn Know which foods trigger heartburn and GERD. Dr. Wanjun Bae, Katharine Tariq, David Jason Balogh