Reduce Acid Reflux

You eat some tasty food, wash it down with a cold drink, and excuse yourself from the table. But instead of just feeling satisfied and well-fed, you get a little reminder that something's gurgling, churning, and digesting in your stomach. So you reach for some antacids and assume it was just something you ate.

If that sounds familiar, you might have more than occasional heart burn or indigestion. You may have acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease. An estimated 60 million Americans suffer from acid reflux and heartburn at least once a month. If you have acid reflux disease, muscles that close off your stomach after your meal arrives don't close all the way.

When this happens, a small amount of stomach acid escapes and rises back to your throat or esophagus. It can feel like food is stuck in your chest (heartburn), upset your stomach after eating, or even cause you to feel burning in your mouth. It's important to reduce acid reflux disease, because it can damage the lining of your throat and even lead to certain types of cancer.

Fortunately, dietary changes can make a big difference, according to Dr. Jorge Rodriguez, author of _The Acid Reflux Solution_. In his book, he shares how to reduce acid reflux by eating and avoiding certain foods. He recommends eating lots of fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds, and whole grains. Instead of fried foods, go for baked, roasted, or grilled. Replace butter or margarine with extra-virgin olive oil. And if you are going to include dairy in your diet, go for low-fat or fat-free options.

You can choose a variety of healthy, and easy-to-make meals at MagicKitchen.com in the a la carte section that meet these guidelines to help prevent acid reflux from becoming a problem. And if you're still experiencing symptoms regularly after you eat, check with your doctor about antacids, over-the-counter-medications, and other options that can help.