Heartburn Diet You Should Follow

One of the things I noticed when trying to find a cure for my constant heartburn was that much of the advice was similar to the healthy eating plans that I had researched when thinking about losing weight. It is fairly widely accepted that obesity will contribute to heartburn (excess weight, particularly around the middle, will put pressure on the stomach forcing acid into the esophagus). What didn't occur to me immediately was that the foods that aggravate heartburn are the same foods that should be avoided if you want to lose weight. A double whammy. A heartburn friendly diet will also help me to lose weigh which in turn will also help cure my heartburn. I was suddenly more motivated to dust off those diet plans and to start taking action. You should find that motivation too. Just think by committing to a healthy diet you will get pretty much instant relief from your heartburn and at the same time lose a few pounds which will also help the acid reflux and contribute to you becoming a generally healthier person.

Let's make one thing really clear here. I am definitely not talking about a fad diet; most of those could upset your digestive balance. I simply mean a healthy diet plan and a couple of simple life-style changes. If you are up for a few small changes that will make for big benefits – read on.

The first thing to do is to commit to a healthier diet regime. You may want to discuss diet with your doctor before making major changes. Cut out processed food and buy fresh ingredients. Unfortunately a great deal of process food contains added fats, sugar and preservatives that make the food last long and taste good but are terrible for both your weight and your digestive difficulties.

Your diet should consist of lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, good proteins like lean meat, fish, eggs, beans and lentils. Try to cut down on wheat which can cause bloating and any foods that are high in fat.

Milk can cause acidity so reduce your intake if possible and don't drink milk late in the evening. Carbonated soft-drinks are also quite acidic and the fizz will fill you stomach creating unnecessary pressure.

Do you see how this low fat/high fibre diet for heartburn will also help with obesity?

Like any change of habit this eating change will be most challenging in the first few weeks. But if you get through those first weeks the change will become a habit. You won't be on a diet; you will simply have a new relationship with food. Help yourself in those first few weeks by placing reminders of your goals wherever there may be temptation. Stick pictures showing how you would like to look or labels from antacid products on the fridge door. Make sure your family and friends know about your targets and get them to help you in moments of weakness. Always remember you can succeed, but if you do fall, just pick yourself up and get back on your healthy eating cycle.

The next thing to do is make some changes to your life-style. Modern lifestyle doesn't encourage healthy eating. We rush about and skip meals or eat on the go. Be kind to yourself and make time for healthy eating. If possible eat 5 small meals rather than 3 big ones. Make your last meal of the day very light and easy to digest. Try to eat more slowly, chew your food thoroughly, and put your fork down between mouthfuls. All these changes to your style of eating will help both heartburn and obesity

Eating late at night is particularly bad. You will fill your stomach before 7 hours of inactivity. The food creates pressure, which along with lying down will cause night heartburn. The full stomach of fuel is not needed at nigh so your body does the sensible thing. It stores the food, and the body's storage system is fat.

Again, a simple life change that will benefit your weight and your acid heartburn.

The final step to recovery from your two tormentors is to take some light exercise. There is no need to pound the streets or spend hours at the gym. All you really need to do is incorporate a little more physical activity into your life. Start by taking a brisk walk each day; take the stairs instead of the elevator. Maybe you could take up a fun activity that involves some exertion – dancing, ten pin bowling, swimming or a yoga class. Start with a little more exercise than you currently do and build slowly. Perhaps while you are discussing diet with your doctor you could mention you intend to increase your exercise, so that they can advice the level of activity that is appropriate for you.

Most of these changes are fairly easy to start. With some commitment you should be able to stick to them. Your motivation will be helped when you notice the reduction in your acid reflux and then the gradual loss of weight. I don't know about you, but I love it when one action has a double benefit. It's the buy one get one free of the health world. Try it you will appreciate the double reward.

One of the things I noticed when trying to find a cure for my constant heartburn was that much of the advice was similar to the healthy eating plans that I had researched when thinking about losing weight. It is fairly widely accepted that obesity will contribute to heartburn (excess weight, particularly around the middle, will put pressure on the stomach forcing acid into the esophagus). What didn't occur to me immediately was that the foods that aggravate heartburn are the same foods that should be avoided if you want to lose weight. A double whammy. A heartburn friendly diet will also help me to lose weigh which in turn will also help cure my heartburn. I was suddenly more motivated to dust off those diet plans and to start taking action. You should find that motivation too. Just think by committing to a healthy diet you will get pretty much instant relief from your heartburn and at the same time lose a few pounds which will also help the acid reflux and contribute to you becoming a generally healthier person.

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Proper Diet – the Best Heartburn Treatment
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