Reduce Acid Reflux Symptoms With An Alkaline Diet

 

Many naturapathic doctors share the view that an alkaline diet works best for reducing acid reflux symptoms. According to this theory, the acid – alkaline balance is an important factor in the health and functioning of the body. And diet is one factor that influences acid – alkaline balance. Hence, you ought to consider the acid or alkaline forming nature of the foods that you consume.

To understand the meanings of acidity and alkalinity, here are some background knowledge. An acid is a substance that releases hydrogen into a solution and an alkali or base is one that removes hydrogen from a solution. The amount of free hydrogen is measured on a scale ranging from 1 to 14, called ph. Ph denotes the exact level of acidity or alkalinity. A ph value below 7 is said to be acidic and above 7 alkaline.

Many functions of the body occur at a certain acidity or alkaline level. Also, any enzymes and chemical reactions in the body work best at a particular ph. A small change in ph can have a significant effect on body function. For instance, muscle contractibility declines and hormones like adrenaline and aldosterone increased as the body becomes more acidic.

Many body functions are involved in the regulation of acid – alkaline balance. These functions include respiration, excretion, digestion and cellular metabolism. The lungs assist in acid – alkaline regulation by eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood. The kidney also responds to the ph of the blood. If the blood is too acidic, the kidney excretes extra hydrogens into the urine and retains extra sodium. Phosphorus in the form of phosphate is required for this exchange. The body obtains this phosphorus from your bones if it is not available elsewhere.

In the digestive process, acid – alkaline balance is affected by the secretions of the stomach and the pancreas. Thee secretions are absorbed onto the blood stream and effect the rest of the body. When food is eaten, the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid. In response to this acid, the pancreas secretes bicarbonate which neutralizes the stomach acid so that pancreatic enzymes can work properly.

What holds true is the saying that “you are what you eat”. Generally, if you consume foods that acidic in nature, your body which absorbs these become acidic as well. Highly acidic foods include instant and highly processed foods such as hot dog, potato chips and cow’s milk, as well as red meats like beef and pork. More stomach acid needs to be produced in order to digest them. However, when this happens, acid reflux can occur because more stomach acids back up your esophagus.

If you choose to eat more alkaline foods, then you would have less of a problem with an excessive production of stomach acids. Highly alkaline foods tend to include more vegetables such as wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa spouts, broccoli sprouts, cucumber and kale, as well as certain nuts and oils.

You must also allow your esophagus a chance to heal. By refraining from foods that are acidic will help lessen the impact of irritants to it. You should also avoid anything that relaxes the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). The LES is the muscular valve separating your esophagus and the stomach. It is when this valve relaxes, that stomach acid backs up to your esophagus, causing acid reflux symptoms.

There are also other benefits of eating more alkaline foods. When you have an acid overload, your body tends to get weakened of energy. Unfortunately, this energy is required to help fight viruses and disease. An acidic body and a weakened immune system allow germs, yeast, bacteria, molds and fungi to breed and flourish. In an alkaline environment, they cannot thrive or multiply. By keeping your body alkaline, holistic experts say that that you can prevent many diseases and ailments.

It is said that 7.5 ph is the ideal alkaline body level. For optimal health, it appears imperative that you manage this acid-alkaline balance. In addition, to reduce acid reflux symptoms, stick to early dinners, eat and chewing slowly in a relaxed environment and consuming your food in smaller portions.

You can manage acid reflux symptoms through a combination of diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. More tips are available at this acid reflux resource directory here http://www.treat-acid-reflux.com