Binging on alcohol can cause acid reflux

Do you often experience a sharp pain in your chest? Think twice before assuming that you might be suffering from some serious cardiac issues. It’s probably just acid reflux.

Do you often experience a sharp pain in your chest? Think twice before assuming that you might be suffering from some serious cardiac issues. It’s probably just acid reflux.

This is a condition in which the acids (digestive juices) in the stomach move up into the esophagus (food pipe). It is developed when the food in the stomach is not digested properly by the liquid content (acid) and enzymes. Symptoms could include the feeling that food is stuck behind the breastbone, heartburn or nausea. Drinking too much alcohol, obesity, pregnancy, smoking and overeating may cause worsening of the symptoms.

Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux can be aggravated by certain medications. If you suspect that one of your medications may be causing heartburn, talk to your doctor. Natural remedies

You can change certain eating habits to prevent and stop the occurrence of this condition.
Avoid trigger foods (fried foods, processed foods).
Try to eat smaller meals throughout the day and eat more raw vegetables.
Avoid eating three hours before bedtime.
Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables and choose lower-fat dairy products.
Reduce your consumption of greasy and spicy non- vegetarian food.
Limit sugary foods, maida, and fried salty snacks.
Dramatically reduce transfats found in salty fried snacks.
Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption. Drink plenty of water.

More remedies

Dr Anjali Mukerjee is a nutritionist and founder of Health Total, a nutrition counselling centre