People with chronic heart burn must avoid high FODMAP diet

Heartburn is an irritation of the esophagus that is caused by acids in the stomach, which in turn cause discomfort in the upper abdomen or below the breastbone. Occasionally heartburn isn’t dangerous but chronic heartburn or GRED (Gastro esophageal reflux disease) may lead to serious problems. Anybody who is above 45 years old, with more than 2 weeks of history with the heartburn, it is ideal for them to have a checkup with the doctor.

It is primary to have a balanced diet at a regular time. Certain foods in one’s diet that can worsen the heartburn are onions, garlic, legumes and cabbage. Excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes, will worsen the condition. It is necessary to see that one should not fall asleep immediately after eating, especially for people with chronic heartburn. To reduce heartburn at night; avoid beverages, limit your meal, avoid smoking and elevate your bed to 30 degrees.

An individual associated with obesity or a hiatal hernia, ignoring your long-term chronic heartburn triggers the risk of stomach cancer. Reducing weight will help the condition to get better. For a person with short history a very good medication, diet and regular exercises are very important. For a long-term condition avoiding high fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, Monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet is advisable.

These are complex names for a collection of molecules found in food that is poorly metabolised by some people. No matter how much you’ve tried all the antacids, followed by a balanced diet with giving up on certain foods and if you still wake up in middle of the night with deep pain in your throat or a sore throat or find it difficult to breathe it is important to consult a doctor immediately.

A recent Endoscopic procedure “Stretta” that was introduced about 6 months ago helps to tighten the muscular valve called lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that keeps the stomach acid in the stomach. The advantage of this procedure is that it is done in the mornings and takes around 2hours to be done.And still, if the patient is not cured there are even more surgical options that will help to clear the chronic heartburn.

Due to the changes in the modern lifestyle of the people an upsurge of heartburn is found mostly among youngsters. “Heartburn is a lifestyle disorder frequently seen among youngsters; a balanced diet and regular exercise will help you to better your condition,” says Dr Rakesh Kumar (Gastroenterologist) at Gleneagles Global Hospitals.Written by Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Gleneagles Global Hospitals.

By Dr Rakesh Kumar Adi