What is diet?

Diet covers both the quantity and quality of food that you eat. However, it may also be important to consider how and when you eat if you have an acid-related disorder. Your general health will benefit if you can maintain your bodyweight within the normal range for your height. This can be achieved if you can balance the energy in your diet with the energy you use each day.

Excess weight can lead to health problems in the long-term and it can also worsen reflux symptoms. If you are overweight, the fat in your abdomen leaves less room for your stomach so that if you consume a large meal, some of the contents of your stomach may be squeezed back into your gullet (oesophagus), leading to heartburn. Bending or wearing tight clothing may also worsen reflux symptoms, particularly if you are overweight.

Large meals and large quantities of fluid make reflux more likely, especially if you have them before lying down or going to bed. “Little and often and not late at night” will make reflux less likely.

Smaller meals and fewer calories, combined with increased exercise, will help you lose weight. However, if you are considerably underweight for your height, you should seek medical advice about your diet.

A healthy diet depends on variety and balance. Some people with reflux or an ulcer find that certain foods can aggravate their condition but, in general, a normal balanced diet is all you need if you have an acid-related disorder.