Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons
and grapefruits are said to be acidic and these
increase the production of gastric acid with
negative consequences for those suffering from
acid reflux. However, recent studies show that
though these fruits are acidic, they actually have
an alkalizing effect in the body. But as each
person is different, they may not have the same
effect on everybody. So, if lemons cause your
acidity to flare up, it is best to give them
up.
However, in some cases what seems to be
an excess acid problem may actually be due to
excess gas and poor digestion due to lack of acid
in the stomach. Improper chewing of food or
improper combinations of food could cause gaseous
eruption due to fermentation of undigested food.
Too much of gas can also cause abdominal or chest
pain which may be so severe, that the person may
think he is having a heart attack. This
fermentation of undigested food occurs likely due
to the stomach producing too little acid. For
every decade of life the body loses about 13%
stomach acid.
The lack of stomach acid may be
corrected by drinking lemon juice with hot water
about 20 minutes before a meal. In fact, a simple
test to differentiate between stomach hypoacidity
and hyperacidity can be tried at home. Take a
tablespoon of either straight lemon juice or mild
vinegar. If the acid reflux decreases, the person
may be hypo-acidic. If the lemon juice or vinegar
increases the burning sensation then it may be
safely assumed that the person was indeed
hyper-acidic. In the second case, drinking plenty
of water immediately will decrease the
discomfort.
A recent study shows that one
serving of citrus fruit a day can reduce the risk
of esophageal cancer by 62%. Citrus fruits are
found to contain d-limonene that prevents the
cancer cells from multiplying. So, it may not be a
very good idea to avoid citrus fruits totally for
acid reflux, which is a precursor for esophageal
cancer. Many people have found relief from acid
reflux by eating lemons dipped in
salt.
Consumption of citrus fruits, however,
is just one part of the story. For permanent
relief from acid reflux, it is best to go for
holistic medicine. Disease is a manifestation of
imbalance in one or more of the physical, mental,
and emotional aspects of the body. Holistic
treatment restores the balance and boosts your own
desire to improve your health and rid yourself of
lots of future ailments. Holistic
remedy is also completely safe as it comes without
any side effects and works in perfect harmony with
your natural system without compromising it. It is
the best bet for treating your acid
reflux.
