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Reflux Diet

In some people, irritating acid stomach juices may leak out of the stomach and into the esophagus and throat.  This causes irritation and muscle spasm in the throat.  Some of the symptoms that people have from this include: cough, burning or soreness, hoarseness, throat clearing, excess mucous, bad taste and a sensation of a lump in the throat.

The following instructions are designed to help neutralize the stomach, reduce the production of acid and prevent acid from coming up in the esophagus.  You should use as many of these suggestions as you need to get relief.  If these measures do not help, or if your symptoms get worse, you should let your doctor know about it.
 

  1. Take an antacid in liquid form (Gelusil, Maalox or other of your choice) 20 - 30 minutes after meals and at bedtime.
  2. Diet restrictions help control symptoms.  A small bland diet divided into multiple small feedings is recommended.  You should avoid highly seasoned food that is either very hot or very cold.  Care should be taken to chew food properly.
  3. Alcohol, tobacco, and coffee are irritants to the esophagus and should be avoided.  Alcohol and coffee also stimulate stomach secretions.
  4. Do not eat for 3 or 4 hours before bedtime.
  5. For nighttime relief, sleep with the head of your bed elevated because symptoms are more likely to occur if you lie flat.  The best way to achieve bed elevation is to place cinder blocks, wood, or bricks under the legs at the head of the bed.  The desired elevation ranges from 4 to 11 inches, with 8 inches a customary average.  If this is not practical, sleep on 2 or 3 pillows.  Sometimes sleeping on the right side prevents distressing attacks.
  6. Clothing that fits tightly across the mid-section of the body should be avoided.  Women should not wear a girdle.  Men should not wear a belt, but use suspenders instead.  Use of "abdominal supporting belts" should be prohibited.
  7. Do not bend or stoop any more than is absolutely necessary.  This includes activities such as gardening and exercises requiring lifting or bending.
  8. Maintaining a relaxed attitude in your activities helps to reduce symptoms.