AIIMS gut doctor shares 'No 1 tip to reduce acid reflux': Are caffeine, spicy food, mint chewing gum safe for you?
How to deal with acid reflux?
In his Instagram post on July 15, Dr Sethi shared his 'No. 1 tip to reduce acid reflux', which included avoiding common trigger foods, such as citrus fruits, spicy foods. According to the gastroenterologist, you could also reduce symptoms of acid reflux by eating smaller, more frequent meals.
He further suggested you limit caffeine, which can also relax the lower oesophagal sphincter and worsen acid reflux symptoms. Some natural remedies that may help alleviate acid reflux symptoms include ginger or chamomile tea, he added.
In his caption, Dr Sethi wrote, 'No. 1 tip to reduce acid reflux from a gastroenterologist.' In the post he shared, Dr Sethi said, 'Avoid citrus fruits and spicy foods. Eat smaller, more frequent meals, and make dinner your lightest. Skip mint-flavoured gum (It can relax the lower oesophageal sphincter). Stay hydrated with water, not soda or caffeine. Try ginger or chamomile tea to soothe symptoms.'
What are the symptoms of acid reflux?
Dr Meghraj Ingle earlier told HT Lifestyle that the symptoms of acid reflux are nausea, chest pain, sore throat, burning sensation, headache, sour taste of the acid in the mouth, stomach cramping and pain, chronic coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing.
As for the treatment, Dr Ingle advised, 'One has to savour each bite, chew the food properly and also recognise the hunger cues. Doing so can help to keep an eye on food consumption, allowing for better digestion, and even fostering a deeper connection with food that can reduce overeating. Remember, overeating causes acid reflux. Even probiotics help manage acid reflux. Probiotics and fermented foods restore digestive balance and improve the gut microbiome.'
He added, 'Opt for yoghurt, kimchi, or kombucha to be able to ensure smooth gastrointestinal function. Stress is also a cause of acid reflux. Hence, stress reduction through yoga or meditation can help you to prevent acid reflux. Exercise daily, avoid acidic foods such as onions, tomatoes, and spicy food, eat smaller meals, refrain from wearing tight clothes, quit smoking and alcohol, and do not sleep immediately after eating. Follow these vital tips and you will surely be able to manage acid reflux.'
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
3 best and worst foods for fatty liver disease, according to a leading US doc
Fatty liver disease is increasingly affecting even teenagers, often due to poor diet. Gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi highlights sugary drinks, deep-fried foods, and ultra-processed items as detrimental to liver health. Conversely, he recommends healthy beverages like coffee and tea, turmeric, and the '3 B's' – blueberries, broccoli, and beetroot – to support liver function and potentially reverse the condition. The incidence of fatty liver disease is on the rise. Though many people believe that this liver condition only affects older or overweight individuals, that's not true. Even teenagers are now being diagnosed with fatty liver . Poor diet is a major contributor to this condition. With proper lifestyle changes, including diet, one can reverse fatty liver. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist, has shared a list of foods that are good for liver health, and some that worsen liver disease, including fatty liver. Let's take a look. What is fatty liver disease Fatty liver disease is a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver, disrupting its function. The liver is the largest organ in the body, responsible for digesting food, storing energy, and removing toxins from the body. There are two main types of fatty liver disease: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), aka Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Alcoholic fatty liver disease, also called alcoholic steatohepatitis 3 worst foods for fatty liver disease Studies have consistently shown that diet plays a key role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Consumption of certain foods can lead to fat buildup in the liver, and the fatty liver could progress to fibrosis, scarring, or even cirrhosis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Have Arthritis Avoid This Food Active Life Journal Learn More Undo Dr. Sethi has listed three foods that damage the liver. Sugary drinks: The first of the gastroenterologist's list is sugary drinks. These include sodas and juices. They are empty calories, which are loaded with harmful sweeteners and preservatives. Even your diet soda is harmful as it contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame. 'Soft drinks are liquid poison,' Dr. Sethi said. He also added that instead of sugary drinks, he prefers to drink plain water, sparkling water, coffee, or tea. Deep-fried foods: Regardless of how tempting those samosas or fritters look, you must avoid them if you care about your liver health. Most of such foods are cooked in unhealthy oils, which harm the liver. Well, if you really cannot avoid deep-fried foods, Dr. Sethi suggests frying them in an air fryer, which requires no oil. 'While not perfect, it is a better alternative to deep frying.' Also, if you like to brush a little bit of oil for extra crunch, he suggests using oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or olive oil. Ultra-processed foods: Dr. Sethi has also suggested avoiding ultra-processed foods such as chips, candies, hot dogs, instant noodles, and even sugary cereals. These foods are highly processed, which is detrimental to liver health. 'Sugary cereals, which millions of kids all around the world start their morning with, are more like serial killers. Instead, switch to healthier breakfast options like oatmeal or eggs, or multigrain breads,' Dr. Sethi said. Diljit Dosanjh's Diet Diaries: Neem, Dalia & Desi Sass 3 best foods to reverse fatty liver disease Healthy beverages: Yes, you read that right. According to Dr. Sethi, beverages such as black coffee, black tea, green tea, and matcha are great for liver health. 'These beverages are rich in antioxidants that can support liver health. Just keep these to 1 to 2 cups a day and avoid adding sugar," the doctor suggested. If you really want sweetness, you can add a dash of honey. People who have trouble sleeping can pick the decaf option. Turmeric: The gastroenterologist also suggested taking turmeric, as it contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. "Aim to incorporate half to 1 teaspoon of turmeric in your diet daily," the doctor said. He also emphasized consulting your doctor before taking turmeric. 3 B's: Dr. Sethi also pointed out to add 3 Bs in the diet - Blueberries, broccoli, and beetroot. Berries such as blueberries and strawberries are high in antioxidants (anthocyanins), which improve liver function. Broccoli, on the other hand, contains sulforaphane, which enhances liver detoxification. Beetroots are high in betalains, which support blood flow and help in detoxification.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Liver health: Can tattoos and piercings increase hepatitis risk? Here's what science says
Image credits: Getty Images Tattoos and piercings have become a global trend these days. With people becoming more and more aware and accepting of their body and self, tattoos and piercings have become forms of self-expression and adornment, with people of all ages, professions and backgrounds using them to feel more beautiful and free. However, both these processes involve changes in the body, leading to a risk to health. Various experts and individuals have concerns about the health risks associated with tattoos and piercings, and how to tackle them. These include serious questions about the possible infection of hepatitis from both processes. Know more about this below! Do tattoos and piercings cause hepatitis? Image credits: Getty Images Hepatitis is a condition where the liver becomes inflamed due to various factors, such as infections. In the process of tattooing, small needles pierce the skin numerous times to implant the dye permanently into the dermis. This can increase the risk of hepatitis (A to E). Among these, hepatitis B and C are more dangerous. One can even contract deadly infections like HIV from this. How? The major risk here is the needles, which, if reused, unsterilized, or shared in an ink depot with multiple users without gloves, can transmit infections from one to another. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo "Hepatitis viruses are blood-borne and can be transmitted through dirty needles, tattoo ink or tattooing equipment," Dr Akhil Deshmukh, consultant, hepatology and liver transplant, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru told HT lifestyle. 'If the equipment is not sterilised, when a needle is reused after being removed from a sealed package, or if the ink pots are reused, or if the tattooing is done in a dirty place, like a roadside stand, the infection risks are boosted three to four times. Even a few droplets of infected blood can spread the disease," he warned. In the case of piercings, the doctors say the risk of hepatitis is higher. In the procedure a larger needle is used to pierce through skin, tissues or cartilage, to create a small hole so that jewellery may be worn. Here, the exposure to blood is higher, and hence the risk of hepatitis transmission is higher. Hepatitis can also be transferred if the jewellery worn after the piercing has been used by others previously. What does science say? Image credits: Getty Images According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, tattooing is known to have a documented risk of HCV infection. Another study published in Journal of Infection and Public Health stated that hepatitis is the most well-documented infection transmitted by tattoos in the twentieth century. In most reported cases of transmission, the tattooist used the same needle for multiple customers without proper cross-infection control. The most transmissible forms of the virus through tattooing are B and C, which are the most dangerous ones. Up to 5% of adults infected with the hepatitis B virus and up to 80% of those infected with the hepatitis C virus are chronic carriers. Up to 205 of them die due to liver disease, and the problem with hepatitis C is that people infected may not show any systemic manifestations of the disease for some time. What precautions can one take? Image credits: Getty Images The experts suggest getting tattoos at certified studios that ensure proper sterilisation and hygiene practices. Those with liver issues and compromised immune systems must consult hepatologists before getting tattoos. When getting tattoos, ensure that the station is cleaned and that the artist uses gloves during the entire process.
Mint
3 hours ago
- Mint
Kerry Riches sheds 42 pounds, reveals reason behind dramatic weight loss
Former Big Brother 2023 contestant Kerry Riches is turning heads once again, this time for her impressive transformation. The 41-year-old Essex native has lost three stone (42 pounds) in just over three months, thanks to fat-fighting injections, reports The Sun. Riches documented her weight-loss journey on social media. In side-by-side images shared on Instagram, she could be seen wearing a similar green and white patterned maxi dress, showing her progress with identical poses that highlight her slimmer body. While dropping her before-and-after weight loss photos on Instagram, reality star and former NHS manager opened up about the changes she feels in her body. Alongside the snaps, she wrote, "I have felt a noticeable difference in my multiple sclerosis symptoms and long may my health improve as my journey continues." She added, 'Three stone loss in 14 weeks. I'm starting to notice now.' The ITV2 reality personality is also known for her appearances on Good Morning Britain's heated debates. Kerry Riches shared lost 42 pounds According to the outlet, Kerry had previously shared a candid update on her health journey, highlighting the impact of her weight loss treatment. Reflecting on her progress, she told followers, "Day 56. Eight weeks on My Juniper Journey and 2 stone 2lb gone forever. I'm already feeling incredible health benefits and it's so nice to be doing this now with my Dad by my side." Beaming with pride, she added, 'I can feel actual cheekbones and a chin.' Earlier in the year, also opening up about her health struggles, Kerry had revealed, "I'm 41 years old and have lived with multiple sclerosis for almost 17 years, but the last few months have been particularly difficult." However, determined to make a change, she added, "MS symptoms are nothing short of debilitating and I know I have to do something fast. I've been advised that losing weight would be a good idea! I promise to be true and honest throughout." In 2024, she had also broken down in tears following a cancer scare. Kerry, a former Big Brother star, is making headlines for her striking weight-loss transformation and multiple sclerosis diagnosis. She has lost 3 stone (42 pounds) in three months using fat-jab injections. Her multiple sclerosis symptoms worsened earlier this year, prompting her to take control of her health. Kerry Washington follows a vegan diet that includes lean proteins, vegetables, lots of water, and smoothies. Modest weight loss means losing about 5 per cent to 10 per cent of your body weight.
