(22-01-13) Avoid these six foods that could trigger acid reflux and IBS symptoms

by PF Louis

(NaturalNews) Acid reflux or heartburn is a fairly common digestive problems
that is annoying and uncomfortable, but not serious unless it becomes chronic.
Then it's called GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease), which gets to the
point of seriously irritating the esophagus.

Symptoms include chest pains, upper chest or lower throat burning sensations,
spontaneous regurgitation, and nausea. These symptoms are the result of stomach
acids coming through a not fully closed lower esophagus sphincter and flooding
the esophagus.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon obviously effects the lower
end of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It usually shows up with lower
abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, or a weird combination of both with
irregular, sporadic bowel movements and stool consistencies.

Foods that are common triggers for IBS and acid reflux
Both gastrointestinal ailments can be triggered by certain foods or food
groups, of which six are common to both and should be avoided if you're prone
to acid reflux or IBS:

(1) Fried foods, especially those fried with hydrogenated oils containing
trans-fatty acids. These are your common fast food and restaurant varieties.

(2) Meat and dairy, especially fatty meats from factory farms, processed
meats, and big dairy pasteurized milk. Some do well with raw milk and cheese
and some meat from grass fed free range livestock without antibiotics and
growth hormones.

(3) Processed baked goods, including most packaged breads, pastries, cakes,
and cookies. They contain refined sugar and bad fats as well as refined,
bleached white flour. Sometimes they may contain MSG or HFCS (high fructose
corn syrup).

If you are acid reflux prone or suffer from IBS, you may get around this by
purchasing baked goods directly from a bakery you trust or make your own with
excellent whole ingredients.

Sourdough and/or sprouted wheat, wheat substitutes, such as buckwheat, spelt,
or other grains used in baked goods without harmful additives may also be
tolerable. Read your labels and ask the right questions.

(4) Coffee and alcohol, both can create acidic responses from the lower
esophagus sphincter and the ileocecal valve (ICV), which is the sphincter
between the large and small intestines that opens only briefly and shuts most
of the time to keep the small and large intestinal fluids from mixing.

ICV syndrome, the ileocecal valve remaining open too long, may be the most
overlooked basis of many IBS issues and other more serious digestive diseases.
All the other recommendations regarding foods and eating habits are relevant
for ICV syndromes.

Apparently, most chiropractors and some and naturopathic doctors (NDs)
understand ICV syndromes more than most MDs.

(5) MSG and artificial sweeteners: Sorbital may not be as neurologically
dangerous as aspartame and other artificial sweeteners. But it does stimulate
IBS symptoms.

(6) Non-soluble fiber foods Yes, we all need fiber. But non-soluble fiber
alone can cause IBS problems. Here's a list of non-soluble fibers. (http://www.
helpforibs.com/diet/fiber2.asp)

It's recommended that you eat mostly soluble fiber foods. Here's that list:
http://www.helpforibs.com/diet/fiber1.asp. IBS expert and author Heather Van
Vorous explains that non-soluble fibers form a gel that is gentle and
consistent to help avoid spastic colon.

Heather adds that you can judiciously mix soluble and insoluble fibers if you
start with a base of soluble fiber foods. Follow soluble fiber meals with non-
soluble salads instead of starting meals with salads.

Avoid overeating. Stop at 75 percent percent of your capacity. Chewing more
and eating consciously and more slowly helps determine when to stop.

Never go to sleep or lie down after a meal. If you must rest, lie on your left
side. But it's better to take a walk, which assists your digestion. Try eating
three or four small meals instead of one or two big meals.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.helpforibs.com/

http://digestiveawareness.drupalgardens.com

http://www.helpforibs.com/diet/trigger2.asp

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com

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In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.