Managing Heartburn
HEARTBURN (pyrosis) is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus just below the breastbone, caused by regurgitation of gastric acid. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw.
WHAT YOU SHOULD AVOID
Avoid acidic, high-fat and spicy foods Alcohol, including wine Citrus foods (oranges, lemons, lime, etc.) Tomatoes and tomato sauce Coffee and colas Chilli powder and other spices Raw garlic, raw onions Mint and chocolate Oregano Pure ghee, sweets, cheese (eg. pizza and burger), deep-fried foods (eg. french fries, chips, etc.)
EATING HABITS
Avoid large meals and try to eat more smaller meals throughout the day Avoid bedtime snacks Eat early in the evening Lie down only after 2 to 3 hours of your meal intake Eat your main (larger) meal at noon and a lighter meal at night Whenever possible, eat in a relaxed manner and in stress-free surroundings
SAFE FOODS
Non-citrus fruits Most vegetables and salads, except onions and garlic Most grains and cereals Low-fat cheese and butter Lean meat, fish and white of an egg
Exercise
Exercise to reduce your weight. An obese person is more prone to heartburn Avoid bending down exercises as gravity increases heartburn Yoga is also helpful
Inputs from Dr M H Chawla, consultant gastroenterologist, Guru Nanak Hospital, Mumbai
Courtesy :: Sunday Times (6th May 2007)
HEARTBURN (pyrosis) is a painful or burning sensation in the esophagus just below the breastbone, caused by regurgitation of gastric acid. The pain often rises in the chest and may radiate to the neck, throat, or angle of the jaw.
WHAT YOU SHOULD AVOID
Avoid acidic, high-fat and spicy foods Alcohol, including wine Citrus foods (oranges, lemons, lime, etc.) Tomatoes and tomato sauce Coffee and colas Chilli powder and other spices Raw garlic, raw onions Mint and chocolate Oregano Pure ghee, sweets, cheese (eg. pizza and burger), deep-fried foods (eg. french fries, chips, etc.)
EATING HABITS
Avoid large meals and try to eat more smaller meals throughout the day Avoid bedtime snacks Eat early in the evening Lie down only after 2 to 3 hours of your meal intake Eat your main (larger) meal at noon and a lighter meal at night Whenever possible, eat in a relaxed manner and in stress-free surroundings
SAFE FOODS
Non-citrus fruits Most vegetables and salads, except onions and garlic Most grains and cereals Low-fat cheese and butter Lean meat, fish and white of an egg
Exercise
Exercise to reduce your weight. An obese person is more prone to heartburn Avoid bending down exercises as gravity increases heartburn Yoga is also helpful
Inputs from Dr M H Chawla, consultant gastroenterologist, Guru Nanak Hospital, Mumbai
Courtesy :: Sunday Times (6th May 2007)