To treat gastroesophageal reflux it is necessary to make some changes in habits, such as avoiding foods that ferment in the stomach, large meals or those that are difficult to digest.
Among pharmacological treatments, that is, those based on medicines, one can use antacids, proton pump inhibitors and gastric protectors.
They act directly on the stomach, for example, by decreasing the secretion of gastric acid or by balancing the stomach pH (the body’s acidity and alkalinity index). This aids in proper digestion and reduces reflux.
But it is important to remember that reflux does not always need drug treatment. Some cases can be mitigated and avoided through some simple precautions, such as:
- Avoid heavy meals;
- Fractionate meals, avoiding large food intakes;
- Reduce the consumption of fats;
- Do not lie down after eating;
- Avoid foods that are aggressive to the stomach, such as citrus fruits.
But, when necessary, there are pharmacological treatments that can be instrumental in relieving symptoms.
Read more: Excessive acidity in the stomach may favor the appearance of ulcers
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Remedies: what is good for gastric reflux?
There are different classes of medications that can provide relief from the discomfort of reflux. The choice will depend on the causes and origins of the problem.
Therefore, only the doctor can assist in the correct choice. But, among the options, there are:
Antacids
Antacids can be used to treat reflux, balancing stomach acid and giving more immediate symptom relief.
However, constant use is not recommended and they can even cause reverse effects, called rebound.
Among the options are:
- Aluminum hydroxide ;
- Mylanta plus.
Proton pump inhibitor
Proton pump inhibitors are highly recommended for the treatment of reflux, as they help control the production of gastric acid.
Its use is safer even in the long term. Among the options are:
- Esomeprazole ;
- Pantoprazole ;
- Omeprazol;
- Rabeprazole .
Histamine H2 receptor antagonists
These drugs also reduce gastric secretion, but work by inhibiting histamine and gastrin.
Among the options:
- Cimetidine ;
- Famotidina.
Gastric protectors
Gastric protectors help to prevent symptoms such as burning and stomach burning, caused by reflux.
Many of the gastric secretion inhibitors also function as gastric protectors, but some substances act in isolation, promoting an increase in stomach mucus.
It is this mucus that prevents symptoms.
Among the options are:
- Sucrafilm ;
- Peptosil.
Attention!
NEVER self-medicate or stop using a medication without first consulting a doctor. Only he will be able to tell which medication, dosage and duration of treatment is the most suitable for his specific case. The information contained in this website is only intended to inform, not in any way intended to replace the guidance of a specialist or serve as a recommendation for any type of treatment. Always follow the instructions on the package insert and, if symptoms persist, seek medical or pharmaceutical advice.
Reflux in pregnancy: can I take medicine?
Yes, but it needs to be done only with medical advice. In this way, the professional will prescribe which medication is most appropriate for your case.
In general, reflux medications are safe for pregnant women and babies. However, just like any other medication, the use needs a specific and careful medical evaluation.
Ideally, non-drug measures should be adopted to reduce or prevent reflux, such as small meals, healthy eating habits and stress reduction .
But, if necessary, the use of gastric secretion regulators, antacids and gastric protectors may be part of the treatment.
Diet for gastroesophageal reflux and heartburn
There is no precise diet to prevent reflux. This depends on a number of factors, such as the person’s adaptation, the intensity of the symptoms and the eating behavior already practiced.
But in general, a diet based on fruits, fibers, vegetables and whole foods is recommended, as they facilitate digestion.
Read more: Why should we eat fiber and what is the ideal daily amount
It is also necessary to cut out other foods that can cause the famous “burning”, in addition to heartburn , poor digestion and burning or discomfort in the throat.
In a study published in the scientific journal The Journal of the American Medical Association , he indicated that diet is just as important and effective as medication.
In that survey, 54% of people who were treated using only medications had a reduction in reflux symptoms.
But 62% of people who changed behaviors, without using medication, had signs of improvement.
This does not mean that the drugs are not effective, but that adequate nutrition is also important for treatment .
So, thinking about it, we have separated some important tips for those who suffer from reflux:
Reflux and stomach pain: what to eat?
It is important to add foods to the diet that do not harm the stomach, for example:
- Fruits : prefer those with low acidity, such as papaya and bananas.
- Vegetables : lettuce and cabbage, for example, are rich in fiber and aid digestion.
- Whole foods : oats and whole grains are good for digestion and do not harm the gastric mucosa;
- Teas : bilberry and mint stimulate digestion and facilitate gastric emptying without affecting or irritating the stomach lining;
- Ginger : contains anti-inflammatory properties and can be a good ally in digestion;
- Roots and tubers : potatoes and sweet potatoes, for example, have properties capable of controlling the secretion of gastric acid.
Read more: Why eat vegetables?
What to avoid in cases of burning?
Among the foods you should avoid are:
- Caffeine : coffee, teas and chocolate;
- Simple carbohydrates : flour, pasta and bread;
- Fats : fried foods, fatty meats (sausage, sausage and bacon);
- Alcoholic beverages ;
- Strong spices : peppers.
- Fizzy drinks : soft drinks and sparkling water.
These foods, in general, attack the stomach lining, stimulate the secretion of digestive acid or cause the stomach to swell.
All of these conditions favor reflux or aggravate conditions.
Home remedy: is tea good for reflux?
Teas can be good allies for reflux sufferers. They can help with digestion and better gastric emptying, reducing reflux.
Meet some who have few contraindications and can be used to complement your diet:
- Mint : the leaves of this plant contain anti-inflammatory substances capable of relieving aggression to the stomach mucosa;
- Chamomile : has a calming and digestive action;
- Ginger : aids in gastric emptying and facilitates digestion;
- Licorice : able to soften the effects of stomach acid and also assist in the digestive process;
- Bilberry : stimulates digestion and improves intestinal transit.
Read more: Mint tea: benefits and contraindications
Home care to prevent reflux
For those who suffer from gastric reflux, teas can really be an ally to prevent this problem from interfering with the routine. But, in addition, adopting some habits is important:
- When making the dish, take care that it is not too full, large meals are difficult to process and are left standing in the stomach for a long time;
- Avoid excessive fluid intake during meals, as gastric juice is diluted and this hinders the digestive process;
- I prefer smaller and more frequent meals throughout the day;
- At bedtime, wait up to two hours after eating to be able to fall into bed, as it is necessary for the food in the stomach to be digested.
- Avoid lying down after eating, as this facilitates the flow of the acid into the esophagus.
Reflux is quite common and can have a major impact on the well-being and diet of many people.
Therefore, care must be taken. From medical monitoring to attention to food , to control the problem.
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