Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or stomach acid disease is the disease that most people avoid. Because GERD can cause a burning feeling in the chest, causing unbearable pain that interferes with activities.
GERD is a condition that occurs when stomach acid rises into the esophagus due to excessive stomach acid production. GERD is caused by weakening of the valve at the bottom of the esophagus, aka the sphincter.
There are various ways to relieve GERD symptoms, one of which is by consuming certain foods and drinks.
Launching from Prevention, assistant professor of clinical medicine at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, Dr. Niket Sonpal and nutrition expert, Robin Foroutan, there are a number of foods that can relieve GERD symptoms and are easy to find in the kitchen.
Anything? Here’s the summary.
1. Banana and Apple
Very acidic fruits, such as oranges or berries, are known to worsen stomach acid conditions. Therefore, Foroutan advises GERD sufferers to consume softer fruits, such as bananas.
“Foods that are easy to digest but also high in fiber are a good combination to prevent reflux,” said Foroutan, quoted Monday (13/11/2023).
“Fruit is good because it consists mostly of water and is able to move quickly through the stomach,” he added.
Foroutan and Sonpal say that bananas are an excellent choice because they are soothing to the stomach and can help neutralize stomach acid so it doesn’t collect in the esophagus.
Apart from that, the metabolic and bariatric surgery program coordinator at Inspira Health, Bradee Rojas, also recommends apples to relieve GERD symptoms. According to Rojas, apples are similar to bananas because they are low in acid, high in fiber and have a lot of water content.
“Apples are able to move easily through the digestive tract. Apart from that, their water content can help dilute stomach acid,” explained Rojas.
2. Oatmeal
In Indonesia, oatmeal is famous as a diet menu. However, oatmeal which is rich in fiber turns out to be very effective in closing the valve at the bottom of the esophagus, thereby preventing stomach acid from rising.
“Oatmeal may be very effective because its thick texture can close the esophageal sphincter so that not much stomach acid “splashes” into the esophagus,” said Sonpal.
3. Wheat Bread
For GERD sufferers who love bread, whole wheat bread is the right choice for you. According to Rojas, whole wheat bread which contains fiber can “absorb” stomach acid and provide a feeling of relief.
“That’s why this diet, also known as the BRAT diet, is often prescribed by doctors for those who are recovering from a stomach virus or something similar,” said Rojas.
4. Honey
In Indonesia, honey is quite popular because it has a delicious sweet taste. It turns out, honey can also be an effective food for relieving GERD symptoms because it helps coat the throat.
“Manuka honey, which is known to be rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, is good for relieving sore throats triggered by excess acid, especially when mixed with herbal tea,” said Sonpal.
5. Lettuce
Lettuce is one type of vegetable that is easiest to find in Indonesia. In fact, this vegetable is also easy to find in Korean restaurants and is often used as an accompaniment to main dishes.
According to Rojas, lettuce is very good to consume for GERD sufferers because it contains high water content so it can help dilute and neutralize stomach acid.
6. Brown Rice
Similar to oatmeal, brown rice is also often used as a substitute for white rice for someone on a diet.
Apart from being able to control body weight, it turns out that brown rice, which is high in fiber, can also help “absorb” some stomach acid and reduce reflux. Therefore, Rojas highly recommends brown rice for GERD sufferers.
7. Ginger
In Indonesia, ginger is a type of spice that is often processed into traditional drinks that warm the body, such as wedang, bandrek, bajigur, bir pletok, and sekoteng.
Apart from warming the body, ginger is also thought to be able to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.
“Try making a soothing tea by steeping sliced fresh ginger in hot water or chewing unsweetened ginger candy. This may help soothe the stomach,” says Sonpal.
8. Avocado
Fried and high-fat foods are very difficult for the stomach to break down and digest. As a result, these two types of food can be the main trigger for GERD.
“However, healthy unsaturated fats, such as those found in avocados, can help prevent heartburn and maintain healthy acid levels,” says Sonpal.
9. Melons
Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Julie Stefanski, and Rojas said that melon can “refresh” an inflamed digestive tract so it is very good for consumption by GERD sufferers.
According to Stefanski and Rojas, melon has a high water content so it can dilute stomach acid and help movement in the digestive system without causing irritation.
10. Low Fat Milk
Similar to yogurt, Rojas said that low-fat milk can provide a refreshing coating on the esophagus which feels hot due to stomach acid.
Apart from that, low-fat milk, which can act as a temporary buffer for the stomach, is not easily affected by changes in the acidity level (pH) of the environment, so it does not worsen the condition of the stomach.
[Gambas:Video CNBC]
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