Do you ever suffer from heartburn? It is something that can range from a mild burning in your chest or throat to a horribly uncomfortable “flame” shooting up your throat, feeling like food is “stuck” in your chest, sore throat or nausea. Some of the things that contribute to acid reflux include alcohol, Hiatal hernia (a condition in which part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities), obesity, pregnancy, and smoking. It is not only uncomfortable, but it is also damaging to the upper-digestive tract and therefore, worthwhile to treat.
Certain foods can be “triggers” for people and it may help you to avoid them when you have relfux (Note: to determine your personal reflux triggers and before cutting out any food groups, consult a Registered Dietitian-it will make long-term changes safer and more manageable):
- Tomato products
- Alcohol
- Coffee, tea
- Citrus products
- high-fat foods
Though it is tempting to lie down when you aren’t feeling well, this is one of the worst things your can do when experiencing reflux. Make sure to sit upright for at least one hour after eating, sleep with your head slightly propped up (because reflux can be worse at night), and eat smaller, more frequent meals. Losing weight and quitting smoking also yield big time benefits not only for acid reflux, but virtually every other ailment.
I recently contributed my Tummy Soother Granola recipe to The Complete Idiot’s Guide to The Acid Reflux Diet by Registered Dietitian, Maria A. Bella, MS, RD, CDN. This recipe is great for anyone but perfect for preventing acid reflux because it contains soothing oats, and ginger. The book is full of amazing recipes and loaded with information about Acid Reflux.
And guess what?! I am giving one lucky reader this amazing book AND a $10 Whole Foods Gift Card to buy the ingredients for the granola for FREE! Here is what you need to do to win:
Between today, 2/6/12 and Friday, 2/10/12:
FOR 1 CHANCE TO WIN: “Like” Eat Simply on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eat-Simply/138044062952868 and comment on this blog post with your name
FOR 2 CHANCES TO WIN: “Like” Eat Simply on Facebook and Share the Eat Simply Facebook page on your wall and comment on this blog post with your name.
Easy right? So is the recipe:
Tummy Soother Granola
Print recipe
| Serves: | 15 |
| Prep time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook time: | 30 minutes |
| Total time: | 40 minutes |
| Region: | Worldwide |
| By author: | Ayla Withee |
Ingredients
- 3/4 cups honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup flaxseed
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup crystallized ginger
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup almond or peanut butter
Optional
- 1 teaspoon salt (you don't need this if the almond or peanut butter is salted)
Directions
| Step 1 | Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a glass or metal baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. |
| Step 2 | In the prepared baking dish, combine rolled oats, crystallized ginger, coconut, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, and ground cinnamon. Toast for about 10 minutes. |
| Step 3 | Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine almond butter, salt (if using), honey, and water. |
| Step 4 | Remove the baking dish from the oven, and mix in almond butter mixture using a spatula. Flatten granola into an even layer. |
| Step 5 | Bake for about 20 minutes. Let cool, and slice into bars or break into clusters. |
I’ve been noticing that I’ve been getting acid reflux a lot more lately and didn’t know why? I’ll definitely try your recipe with ginger! It sounds easier than cutting out alcohol all together!
Can’t wait to try this!
My dr just recommended I go on a daily Prilosec. No thank you! I eat super healthy to begin with and rarely drink alcohol, so I’d rather take a more natural route and include foods that will help.
The granola recipe sounds delish! Will definitely try making it this weekend.
Good work! Studies show that heartburn drugs may be bad for women’s bones. Learning what foods are triggers for you and following some of the strategies I listed in the post can bring relief naturally.
i like on FB!! steph sweeper
i shared! steph sweeper http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=344916382198184&id=100002939351950
I Like Eat Simply on Facebook (meredith montgomery)