The disease secondary to backflow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus is called acid peptic disease (APD). Acid peptic disease is one of the commonest reasons for the visit to the office of Internal Medicine specialist in Lahore. The key to controlling acid reflux is: eating right, as the amount of food eaten affects the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Read on to know more about the foods to eat if you have acid peptic disease.
Table of Contents
1. Vegetables
Vegetables are a healthy option for people with acid peptic disease, as they are low in sugar and fat. Mild green vegetables like—lettuce, sweet peppers and celery—are filling and go easy on the stomach; they don’t also cause painful gas.
APD can lead to peptic ulcer formation, if untreated; foods like fiber-rich vegetables help the ulcer to heal as well, because soluble fiber coats the ulcer and prevents the contact of stomach acid with the ulcer. DASH diet, Mediterranean diet and Canada’s food guide are examples of some eating patterns that are helpful in dealing with acid peptic disease.
Vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and kale are rich in sulforaphane, a phytochemical that works to inhibit the growth of H. pylori, a bacterium associated with causing acid peptic disease. Research shows that eating as much as 70 grams of broccoli every day significantly reduces inflammation and infection in patients of APD.
2. Egg whites
While egg yolks can trigger acid reflux, egg whites are rich in healthy proteins and safe to eat in acid peptic disease.
3. Non-citrus fruits
Non-citrus fruits such as apples, pears, bananas, melons and berries are good for people with acid peptic disease. Watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe are some other low-acid options that are safe for APD.
Berries and their extract are shown to inhibit the growth of H. pylori in the gut. There is some evidence that use of cranberry extract is also useful in controlling and treating H. pylori.
4. Lean meat
Lean meats like seafood, turkey, fish and chicken lower the symptoms of acid reflux and are excellent sources of protein. They can be taken in grilled, broiled or baked forms.
5. Fermented foods
Fermented foods improve the balance of microbiota in the gut. Foods such as kimchi, tempeh, kefir, miso and sauerkraut are good sources of microbes including yeast, fungi and bacteria. The good microbiota inhibits the disease-causing H. pylori, and restores the microbe balance in the gut that is disturbed by medication, infection and certain illnesses.
6. Ginger
This tummy tamer in the form of tea is ideal for acid peptic disease. This is because ginger has natural anti-inflammatory agents, which form treatment for acid peptic disease. Ginger can be consumed by adding it to the recipes in grated or sliced forms, drinking ginger tea or adding ginger to smoothies.
7. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber and if taken in breakfast, is ideal for people with acid peptic disease. High fiber diet has long been linked to lower risk of APD and acid reflux. Some other options include whole-grain rice and whole-grain breads.
8. Honey
Honey has been used since long both as food and as medicine. The antimicrobial properties of honey make it a potent drug for management of acid peptic disease, by combating H. pylori. Studies show positive effect of honey on indigestion and dyspepsia if taken even once a week.
People with acid peptic disease should be careful when taking over-the-counter medication as well, as certain drugs—like aspirin—worsen the condition. They should always ask Internal Medicine Specialist in Islamabad before taking any prescribed medication.