If you’ve ever suffered from a bad bout of acid reflux, you know the pain of heartburn, bloating, nausea, and the uncomfortable sour taste in your mouth. But if your prescription drugs or home remedies just aren’t cutting it anymore (who else has skipped the extra spice and opted for apple cider vinegar instead?), a new study has revealed the diet-focused way you can actually prevent more reactions.
The latest research, published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, studied the best treatments for acid reflux and found that one type of diet was far and away the winner. Once again, all hail the mighty Mediterranean diet, which has won top prize.
Research has already proven that the Mediterranean diet improves your bad cholesterol and boosts your memory, but the latest science shows why the plant-based diet is much more effective for healing your heartburn and gut health, as well.
According to the new study, a more vegetarian diet calms inflammation in the body and doesn’t damage your intestine as harshly as processed and heavy foods do. And the best part, it’s all without medication!
“These results really show that you can treat people with a diet-based approach using a plant-based diet,” says Dr Craig Zalvan, the lead author of the study. “If you take all patients with [laryngopharyngeal reflux] and put them on a plant-based diet with alkaline water, the majority do get better. And they stop their drugs, which overall leads to much better health.”
Instead, increase your intake of fish, healthy pasta, vegetables, olive oil, fruits, nuts, and alkaline water, and go vegetarian at least 90 percent of the time. It’s the new secret to cutting out the heartburn, once and for all!
While you’re at it, eliminate these inflammation-causing foods from your diet, start celebrating meatless Monday, and rake in all of the health benefits coming your way!
