The do’s and don’ts for reflux sufferers
Symptoms of reflux, such as heartburn, hoarseness, chronic cough or the feeling of a lump in your throat, should be evaluated by a doctor, says Dr. Peter Belafsky, medical director of the Voice and Swallowing Center at UC Davis: “If the exam is normal … the first line of treatment for this should be diet modification, exercise, weight loss. You can do a lot to help yourself.”
In “Dropping Acid: The Reflux Diet Cookbook and Cure,” by Dr. Jamie Koufman and Dr. Jordan Stern with French master chef Marc Bauer, 10 foods are cited as typically bad for most people with reflux:
Chocolate
Soft drinks (including diet soda)
Alcohol
Fried foods
Fatty meats (such as bacon, sausage and ribs)
Mints
Hot sauces and barbecue sauce
Citrus fruits and juices
Tomatoes
Onions
And 10 foods are listed as typically good for most people with reflux:
Bananas
Egg whites
Potatoes and sweet potatoes
Melons
Broccoli
Oatmeal
Whole grain breads
Rice
Chicken (skinless)
Legumes
The book also offers five tips:
• No eating within three hours of bedtime.
• Eat smaller meals.
• Raise the head of your bed.
• Quit smoking.
• Drink lots of water.
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