Masala in Bollywood is better than in your gut!!

Rahul, a 26 year old professional, is ambitious and hardworking employee of a reputed IT firm. His career graph has been going in the positive direction ever since he started working 3 years back. Recently just before a very important client presentation he felt severe heart burn and started with a throbbing headache and vomiting. Unfortunately his ambitious plans had to presented by one of his colleague’s because he had to be rushed to the hospital. Diagnosis by the doctor – Severe acid reflux due to wrong eating habits, obesity, smoking and erratic lifestyle!! If you can relate to Rahul’s story then please read on.

Occasional acid reflux is common but if you are experiencing acid reflux more than twice a week it might be due to the condition known as Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). The most common causes attributed to this condition are lifestyle related.

• Smoking

• Eating large meals

• Eating meals late in the night

• Eating oily, fried and extremely spicy foods

• Having too much caffeine and alcohol

• Obesity

All of these increase your chances of succumbing to GERD.

Acidity seems to be a small issue. We pop an antacid and are back to our lives but the long term complications of this simple looking problem can be severe. Narrowing of esophagus (food pipe), esopahgeal ulcer and even precancerous changes to the esophagus are some of the long term complications associated with GERD.

Lifestyle changes that can help you prevent frequent acid reflux and GERD are:

• Maintain a healthy weight with proper diet and exercise

• Avoid common triggers in your diet like oily/ fried foods, extremely spicy food, heavy intake of caffeine and tea, alcohol

• Include fibre (fruits and vegetables) in your diet.

• Avoid smoking.

• Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes around your waist.

• Eat at least 3 hours before going to sleep.

• Chew your food properly and avoid screens (TV, mobile, laptops) while eating.

We Indians love our spices and ghee/ oil but remember ‘Moderation is the key’!! Spices in moderation aide in digestion but when taken in high amounts on a daily basis can create problems, especially if you already suffer from acid reflux or ulcer.

#spice #nutrionallyfit