When we eat, we must be able to enjoy our food. But if you are feeling pains when trying to swallow food or you feel like there is a lump in your throat, then you may be suffering from Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Also called acid reflux, this condition is caused by excess acid in the food we eat. Aside from discomfort in the throat, the symptom may also include frequent. All of these might seem mild and just physical discomfort, but if GERD is allowed to persist without treatment, it may lead to more dangerous ailments. GERD can lead to throat cancer, diabetes, diseases of the heart, and even dementia.
Because many people do not care about the acidity of their food, acid reflux is not uncommon in the United States. One of the major ways people treat this ailment is by using an antacid. Of course, an antacid is effective in treating the immediate symptoms of acid reflux, but if the diet is not changed the underlying effects of the excess acid, like heart disease, oesophageal cancer, and dementia will still remain as treats. So how can you cure GERD?
The only permanent solution to GERD is to reduce your acid intake. So, you just have to change your diet. But first, you have to heal those parts of your digestive system that the excess acid might have attacked. How do you go about that?
Luckily our body can heal itself. All you should do is to give it an environment that is ideal for healing. It still comes down to diet. But this time, you must adhere strictly to some certain food that will enable healing. It is recommended that you give your body about four weeks to heal. Within those 28 days, you should eat only alkaline food or at least food with a minimum pH of 5. Those foods include whole grains, aromatic herbs, alkali fruits, and veggies, and lean animal proteins.
The list of food to avoid by people suffering from GERD is long. It includes all high acid foods like processed foods, corn beef, fresh meat, fish, beans, and other high proteinous foods. You must also avoid raw spices like garlic and onion as well as tomatoes, chocolates, and mints. You should avoid alcoholic drinks, carbonated drinks, sugary drinks, caffeine, coffee, and tobacco. Fruits that are high in acid like lemon juice, pineapples, limes, grapes, and apples should also be avoided.
However, after the first 28 days, the affected tissues would have returned to normal. Then you can exercise lesser restrictions. But you must still avoid carbonated drinks, tobacco, mints, lemon juice, lime, and highly acidic foods.
Effects of High Acid in Our Diet
The pH level of the stomach is important for digestion. If there is excess acid in the food we eat, it can lead to indigestion, bowel irritation, bloating, and discomfort. But it can also affect the heart and cause heartburn and other diseases associated with the heart. Over a long period, it may cause more chronic diseases like esophageal cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. So by eating foods that are low in acid, you will be able to avoid all those chronic conditions. But alkaline foods also have more benefits.
Why Do You Need Low Acid Food?
A diet that is low in acid is good for reducing weight. Except if you are really tiny, you will probably benefit from weight loss. It also provides more energy than food with a high amount of acid. Less acid means easy digestion and less inflammation. Most importantly, it prevents GERD.
With Gratitude and Love
Dewvy 
