Gelisim News

This disease is also seen in desk job workers: Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, which is caused by factors such as wrong diet, smoking and alcohol use, is a burning sensation that happens when some of the acid content of the stomach flows up into the esophagus as a result of bending over or lying down after eating. If care is not taken, it can cause problems such as burning in the anterior region of the rib cage, difficulty in swallowing and coughing. Specialist Dietitian Hasan Fatih Akgöz from Istanbul Gelisim University underlined that this disease can be seen in individuals with low physical activity.

ONE SHOULD NOT OVEREAT IN MAIN MEALS

Reflux is one of the most common public health problems. Specialist Dietitian Res. Asst. Hasan Fatih Akgöz from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Gelisim University, stated that the incidence of acid reflux disease is increasing day by day and that wrong lifestyle practices are the most significant problem for this disease. Akgöz also added the following:
“Eating high-fat foods, spicy foods, acidic foods and drinks, foods high in sugar and salt increases the occurrence of reflux. In addition to the frequent consumption of these foods, reflux can also be seen in those who consume cigarettes and alcohol, and in individuals with low physical activity who work at a desk.

7 NUTRITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO PROTECT FROM ACID REFLUX

The incidence of obesity increases after a while in individuals who are generally fed with fat and carbohydrate. Thus, the mechanism between the stomach and the esophagus is disrupted, and as a result, burning and stomach acid contents flow up. Specialist Dietitian Res. Asst. Hasan Fatih Akgöz made 7 nutritional recommendations to prevent reflux:

• Meals should not be consumed quickly, very hot or very cold foods should be avoided.
• One should not go to sleep right after the meal. Food consumption should be stopped 2-3 hours before bedtime.
• A balanced diet with low-fat, high-fiber and protein-rich foods should be preferred instead of a diet that includes foods rich in fat and carbohydrates.
• Fatty foods such as margarine, butter, mayonnaise and cream should be avoided.
• Fatty fried foods, roasting, fermented meat products (sausage) and offal products should be avoided.
• Consumption of foods such as spices, tomatoes, onions, garlic, pickles and citrus fruits that may irritate the esophagus must be minimal. Tea and coffee consumption should be paid attention to.
• Water consumption should be given importance, consuming water frequently during the day has a positive effect on acid reflux complaints.