Researchers have found a
well-built correlation between rise in 'per capita
consumption' of 'Carbonated Soft Drinks' and
rising rates of GERD in past twenty years. Usage
of soft drinks containing carbon has gone up by
almost 450%, from around 10.8 gallons/ year in the
year 1946 to 49.2 gallons/year in the year 2000.
Nevertheless, rates of GERD have risen by >570%
among while males of theUS in
last twenty-five years.
Researchers
have set up published data with a proper
biological basis for explaining ever increasing
duration of exposure of oesophagus to acid due to
the increase in usage of carbonated soft drinks.
These soft drinks have been related to 'Gastric
Distension' that has the capacity of triggering
reflux. Studies have proved that usage of a can of
'Soda'/day pertains to around 53.5 minutes of
elevated levels of acids in
stomach.
When
all this is outlined on a yearly basis, it comes
out to about 53 soda gallons/year, with an
additional time of 32100 minutes of elevated
reflux of acid/year, with exposure of oesophagus
to it. Researchers have suggested that this
correlation can by no means be taken casually. As
per the opinions of experts, there exists a
biological connection between increased 'Gastric
Pressure' and consumption of soft drinks. This can
increase reflux. The fact that recurring reflux of
acid highly contributes to oesophageal
adenocarcinoma cannot be
ignored.
Researchers
have stated that of around ¼ liter of water is
drunk at a time, the stomach tends to distend by
that amount, but if it happens to be any carbonate
drink, the distension would be only half of a
liter. The end result is reflux. This causes the
acid contained in stomach to be thrown back in to
food pipe.
So,
GERD sufferers! Stay miles away from such
beverages and foods which are likely to increase
the acid reflux risk. These drinks cause damage to
other sensitive body parts. At times, such drinks
act as catalysts to certain in-born disorders in
some people. For instance- acid reflux can be
caused by hiatal hernia as well. Hiatal Hernia is
said to occur when stomach's upper part is above
diaphragm. If carbonated soft drinks are consumed
under such conditions, the risk of GERD increases
manifolds.
Other
drinks triggering GERD include alcohol, and
coffee. One should avoid having food which is
heavily spiced. Junk food should also be averted.
Smokers! Beware! If you intend leading a peaceful
life, quit smoking as quickly as possible. Doctors
have advised a time interval of at least 3 hours
between having dinner and going to bed. This helps
in proper digestion and hence, tremendous
reduction of acidity. Eventually, GERD would also
be staying away.
Foods
and drinks which need to be strictly avoided
before going to bed
The
foods and drinks to be strictly averted before
bedtime include peppermint, chocolate, acidic
foods, like tomatoes and oranges, cruciferous
vegetables like onions, cauliflower, cabbage,
spinach, broccoli, and brussel sprouts. Milk-based
products and milk have a high content of fat and
calcium, hence need to be kept away prior to
bedtime.
