HEARTBURN/ACID REFLUX

Up to 1 in 5 people experience acid reflux every week and we are often confused about what does or does not cause heartburn and/or acid reflux.  If you are one of those who feels you need to avoid spices to prevent such problems, you may be wrong.  According to Dr. Douglas Adler, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Utah, "Seasonings won't necessarily cause acid reflux. The real culprits are usually acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes, which are used in spicy meals." Sometimes we become confused and eliminate the wrong foods.  Try eliminating the acidic foods before the spices.  Sometimes the spices are actually helpful.  And remember that caffeine and peppermint can also be culprits.

Dr. Vivek Kaul, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Rochester Medical Center said that, "Difficulty swallowing, a cough and a hoarse voice are other signs of acid reflux.  If your throat feels funny after eating acidic foods, try antacids, not cough drops."

It is recommended that anyone using over-the-counter meds more than twice a week or for more than two weeks in a row, visit their doctor.  Untreated, chronic heartburn may damage your throat and eventually lead to esophageal cancer.

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