If you have ever enjoyed a tasty ethnic meal, only to have the pleasure quickly diminished by a painful case of acid reflux, you’re in good company. Spicy foods such as chili or curry, or familiar home-turf meals such as barbecued ribs, often give rise to acid reflex and its uncomfortable symptom—heartburn.
Many people experience the burning sensation of acid reflux several times a week, even when they make the effort to avoid trigger foods and beverages.
Acid reflux (properly called gastroesophageal reflux or GER) is caused by the acidic juices of the stomach flowing back into the esophagus or food pipe. When this happens frequently, the sufferer is considered to have gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). This condition is usually treated with prescription medications and over-the-counter products such as Gaviscon® liquid or convenient chewable foaming tablets.
A number of preventive actions also help control acid reflux. These are listed below.
- Avoid eating so much that you feel overly full. It is better to eat smaller meals, more frequently.
- Avoid foods and beverages that trigger reflux of stomach acid by causing the lower esophageal sphincter muscle to relax. These include caffeine-containing beverages such as tea, coffee, colas, hot chocolate and cocoa; citrus fruits and juices; tomatoes and tomato sauces; peppers and onions; chocolate; and spicy or fatty foods.
- Stop smoking. The chemicals in cigarette smoke weaken the sphincter muscle as they pass into the blood.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol also relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and increases the production of stomach acid. If you must consume alcohol, use water or club soda to dilute your drinks; consume water in between drinks, and choose white wine instead of red.
- Don’t wear tight belts, pants or skirts with tight waist bands, which can put pressure on the stomach.
- Don’t lie down for at least two hours after eating. Doing so will allow undigested stomach contents to leak into the esophagus.
Gaviscon® liquid and chewable foaming tablets provide quick, long lasting relief for heartburn by forming a protective barrier that helps block acid reflux.(The barrier protects the sensitive lining of the esophagus from contact with stomach acid.)
The tablets are available in Fruit, Peppermint with Cooling Action™ and Butterscotch flavours, and the liquid in Fruit flavour and Icy Mint with Cooling Action™. Please ask your London Drugs pharmacist if you have questions about controlling acid reflux.