How are eating and living habits related to reflux?
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of Surgery, Phuong Dong General Hospital, eating and living habits play an important role in the development and condition of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some habits can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), increase stomach acid production or create pressure on the stomach, thereby increasing the risk of reflux.
Foods that easily increase reflux
Some foods have the ability to stimulate or increase gastroesophageal reflux.
Fatty foods such as fried foods, fatty meats, cheese and greasy foods can slow down digestion, causing lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. Chocolate contains methylxanthine, a substance that can relax lower esophageal sphincters, increasing the risk of reflux.
Chili, pepper and spicy spices can irritate the stomach and esophageal mucosa and increase acid production. Tomatoes, oranges, pineapples, and acidic foods can also irritate the esophageal mucosa. Onions and garlic can cause lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, increasing the risk of reflux.
Drinks that easily cause reflux
Alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and stimulate stomach acid production. Coffee and caffeine-containing drinks can also relax the lower esophageal sphincter and stimulate acid production.
Carbonated soft drinks and beer can put pressure on the stomach, pushing acid into the esophagus. Orange, lemon, pineapple juices and high-acid juices can worsen reflux symptoms.
Ways of eating and living that easily cause reflux
Eating too much or eating quickly makes the stomach full, increases pressure and causes reflux. Lying down immediately after eating makes stomach acid easily overflow into the esophagus. Eating and drinking within 2-3 hours before going to bed also increases the risk of reflux because the stomach has not had time to digest food. Tight clothes, especially in the abdomen, can put pressure on the stomach.
Food and lifestyle advice to limit reflux
To reduce the risk and limit symptoms, you should divide meals into small meals, avoid foods and drinks that cause reflux, do not lie down for 2-3 hours after eating, and raise your head of the bed about 15-20 cm when sleeping.
In addition, it is necessary to control weight, exercise regularly but avoid exercises that put pressure on the abdomen immediately after eating. Wearing loose clothes also helps reduce pressure on the abdomen and stomach.
