Dr. Huynh Van Trung, Center for Endoscopy and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said gastroesophageal reflux is a quite common disease, caused by acid from the stomach refluxing up.

Symptoms include heartburn, nausea, bitter mouth, sore throat, prolonged cough, hoarseness, epigastric pain, inflammation, ulceration or narrowing of the esophageal mucosa.

According to Dr. Trung, some of the foods below help prevent acid reflux.

Foods rich in fiber are found in vegetables and whole grains such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, and beets.

Alkaline foods such as bananas, cauliflower, fennel, and nuts neutralize acid in the stomach, limiting reflux.

Foods that contain a lot of water such as celery, cucumbers, lettuce, watermelon, and herbal tea dilute and reduce stomach acid.

Lemon juice: Using a small amount of lemon juice mixed with warm water and honey has an alkalizing effect, helping to neutralize stomach acid.

Drinking a cup of hot lemon honey tea helps relieve heartburn.

Skim milk helps saturate stomach acid, protect the stomach lining, and reduce heartburn.

Ginger supports digestion, especially when heartburn symptoms appear.

Apple cider vinegar is effective in controlling gastric reflux symptoms.

Besides foods to eat, people with gastric reflux need to limit foods high in fat, grease, coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and sour foods.

Some other ways to prevent reflux include maintaining a reasonable body mass index (BMI), not eating too much, abstaining from alcoholic beverages, dividing meals into small portions, not lying down, avoiding exercise or other activities.

Dr. Trung added that patients should see a doctor if they have heartburn two or more times in a week despite changing their diet.

If the disease is persistent or recurs frequently, resistant to medical treatment and lifestyle changes, the doctor may recommend surgery.

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