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During the holiday season, heartburn is a common complaint. This is because heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, and acid reflux can be caused by overeating. While overeating is an avoidable problem, it tends to sneak back into the forefront during the holidays. To lessen your symptoms of acid reflux this holiday season, read on.
Most people have experienced acid reflux at some point in their life. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels back up into the esophagus and throat, resulting in an unpleasant sensation. Acid reflux can present itself in different ways, feeling like indigestion (burning stomach pain) or heartburn (burning chest pain.)
Acid reflux is most likely to occur “at night or while lying down, after a large or fatty meal, after bending over, [or] after smoking or drinking alcohol” (1). While the occasional sensation of acid reflux is normal, it is considered chronic if symptoms occur at least twice a week for multiple weeks. Chronic acid reflux is known as GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Acid reflux is a biological phenomenon that occurs when the sphincter, a muscle in the esophagus, does not close after swallowing. If the muscle does not close properly, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus (2).
Certain conditions can increase your risk of GERD. These include pregnancy, obesity, and connectivetissue disorders.
While unpleasant, acid reflux is treatable. To avoid acid reflux entirely, try to eat meals slowly. Some people find eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day is helpful to avoid the stomach becoming overly full and triggering acid reflux. Additionally, avoid laying down immediately after eating. Oftentimes, it is gravity that will move stomach acid up and out of the stomach, so staying upright can help prevent acid reflux. Also, it is encouraged to wait a few hours after eating to perform rigorous exercise, as exercise can send acid into the esophagus.
A doctor may advise some people to lose weight as a treatment plan for acid reflux (3). They may also advise to quit smoking, as smoking relaxes the sphincter muscle in the esophagus, leading to acid reflux. Certain medications may also cause acid reflux, but it is important to consult your doctor before taking action concerning your medications.
For people suffering from GERD, a change of diet is often the most effective way to treat acid reflux. The GERD diet is a trial-and-error diet that can help identify what foods are likely causing acid reflux, and limiting those particular foods. Foods that may cause heartburn include: fatty and fried foods, carbonated beverages, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, spicy foods, citrus, vinegar, chocolate, and peppermint. Identifying the foods that trigger symptoms is an important first step in limiting acid reflux.
While alkaline water itself does not prevent acid reflux, it can help relieve symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn. Research conducted by Harvard Health finds that alkaline water can provide temporary relief from heartburn caused by acid reflux, as alkaline water helps neutralize the effects of pepsin, a type of acid found in the stomach (4).
Another study conducted at UCLA notes that drinking alkaline water with a pH of 8.8 can help abate symptoms of acid reflux temporarily, but lifestyle changes are necessary for addressing GERD in the long-term (5).
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid travels back up into the esophagus and throat, causing heartburn or indigestion. Chronic indigestion is known as GERD, and oftentimes requires a change in diet to address its symptoms. For a temporary relief for acid reflux, studies show that drinking alkaline water can help improve heartburn. To make alkaline water from the comfort of your own home, try an alkalizing water pitcher, like those offered at Seychelle. Seychelle guarantees your water will be safely filtered while increasing its pH. To relieve symptoms of acid reflux, try alkaline water.
Should people with GERD drink alkaline water?
Yes. Alkaline water can help temporarily relieve symptoms of GERD.
What is the best water to drink for acid reflux?
Alkaline water can neutralize pepsin, which can relieve symptoms of acid reflux.
How to make alkaline water for acid reflux?
Alkaline water can be made by running tap water through an alkalizing water filter. It can also be made at home by adding lemon or baking soda to your water.
References
Cleveland Clinic,https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17019-acid-reflux-gerd
Mayo Clinic,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/symptoms-causes/syc-20361940
Harvard Health Publishing,https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/9-ways-to-relieve-acid-reflux-without-medication
Howard LeWine,Harvard Health Publishing,https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/is-alkaline-water-better
UCLA Health,https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/alkaline-water-can-help-with-heartburn
