Five Best Foods To Add In Your Diet To Treat Acid Reflux:- Do you often experience heartburn or other symptoms of acid reflux? One of the first things is to make some simple changes in your diet and other everyday habits.

Acid reflux is mainly caused when there is an acid backflow from the stomach into the esophagus. This condition occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is weakened or damaged. To prevent food in the stomach from moving up into the esophagus, normally, the LES closes.

The foods that you eat affect the amount of acid your stomach produces. The key to control acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is eating the right kind of foods. A chronic form of acid reflux is GERD, that can also cause vomiting or regurgitation as acid moves into your esophagus. Other symptoms include:

- dry cough

- sore throat

- Bloating

- burping or hiccups

- difficulty swallowing

- lump in the throat

To identify your individual triggers, keep a food diary and track the following:

- what foods you eat

- what time of day you eat

- what symptoms you experience

During the hot days, one can avoid the chances of acidity by indulging in bananas, melons and coconut water.

Five Best Foods That May Help Reduce Your Symptoms:

1) Bananas

Bananas are the best antidote for acid reflux and is great for snacking purposes. The potassium present in bananas produces mucous in the lining of stomach, which in turn help in lowering the pH levels in the body. Also, bananas are a great source of fibre. During summers, eating over-ripe bananas is the best way to keep acidity at bay.

2) Melons

Melons such as cantaloupe, musk melon and watermelon are high on anti-oxidants and fibre. These fruits by maintaining the mucous membrane, help avoid acid reflux and other stomach ailments. The cooling properties and high water content in these fruits help hydrate the body and reduce pH levels. Other fruits such as apple and papaya are also great sources of fibre and help in preventing acidity.

3) Coconut Water

This refreshing natural drink has cleansing properties that help flush out toxins from your body. Coconut water is also rich in fibre content and helps with regular bowel movements.

4) Cold Milk

Another excellent way to combat acidity is milk. The acid formation in the stomach is absorbed by the milk, thus preventing any reflux or burning sensation in the gastric system. Have a glass of plain cold milk without any additives or sugar, whenever you feel an acid formation in the stomach or heartburn coming on.

5) Buttermilk And Curd

Apart from milk, other milk products like curd and buttermilk also provide relief from acidity. Make sure not to include cheese in the list. These products cool the stomach and the natural bacteria in them do not allow acid formation. They help in keeping the overall digestive system healthy. A great way to avoid chances of acidity in the long run too is by having curd and buttermilk regularly after meals.

6) Say No To Food Carts

Though these should be avoided all year round, they are definitely a strict no-no during summer season. With water scarcity the rise in temperature goes hand-in-hand, which in turn means compromise on washing properly in the kitchen. And that can have a bad effect on your system when you eat food that is not washed properly before cooking or cooked by hands that have been not thoroughly cleaned.

Gastroenteritis, amoebic dysentery and diarrhoea are common during this time of the year.

7) Swap Juice For Whole Fruit Instead

In summer, you often spot house flies especially in markets near food vendors. These are the major carriers of germs and hence, people should be careful when having juice outside. It is recommended to eat whole fruits rather than cutting fruits or blending them into juice to keep infections at bay.

SUPRAJA