A new study in JAMA sought to answer a question that many people would love to know the answer: Is it true that the plant-based reduces Acid Reflux?
Imagine if your symptoms of Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) could improve without the use of medication.
I personally know they can; read my story here. Acid reflux is actually one of the reasons I started ThePlantBasedDiet.com
What Is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is a condition that causes acid made in your stomach to travel up your esophagus (your swallowing tube) into your throat. Many describe a burning or sharp pain in their sternum. The “attack” can come on after eating or sometimes wake you in the middle of the night. A quick fix is often drinking a glass of milk or alternative milk like oat, soy or almond milk. You can also try a teaspoon of baking soda in an eight-ounce glass of water. Drink it slowly.
While these remedies may help the symptoms, the real cure is in a consistent healthy diet that’s easy on your digestion.
This new study is welcome evidence to show just how powerful clean, green eating can be for your body.
The study included 184 patients who were either put on PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) or given alkaline water and plant-based, Mediterranean-style meals.
After six weeks, researchers recorded changes in patients using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI).
The results?
The study found, “The symptoms of LPR can improve with alkaline water and a plant-based diet with results not significantly different from the use of a standard PPI regimen.”
Which means you can improve from both, but the plant-based method offers a healthier way to reduce acid reflux with added benefits that might also include weight loss, improved cholesterol readings, and lower blood pressure.
What’s even better is that reducing acid reflux symptoms by using a healthy, whole-food, plant-based diet instead of PPIs, not only helps you feel better but also can alleviate bad side effects caused by the use of PPIs. And, changing your diet is less expensive than continuously buying medicine.
In another previous study, researchers found that PPI use was associated with a 25 percent heightened risk of death from all causes.
So, following a plant-diet to improve acid reflux may reduce your symptoms but also help you live a healthier life.
