Nut shell acid reflux

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Living in acid reflux is often a guessing game, wondering which foods cause symptoms. Shelled nuts contain many beneficial nutrients, including fiber, protein and healthy fats. But if they cause reflux symptoms, such as heartburn and hiccups, they may be a personal trigger. If eaten in moderation, certain nuts and nut milk may not disturb you. The acid reflux symptoms associated with shelled nuts can be caused by different factors, including fat content, allergic reactions and carbohydrate types of certain varieties.

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span= "article-image inner caption-block"> three bowls of nuts on the surface of wood. Nuts are rich in vitamins and minerals, but they also contain fat. (Image: yingko/istock/getty images)

Nuts are rich in vitamins and minerals. If you eat too much, nuts may be an important source of dietary fat. A study published in the October 2014 Review of Gastroenterology concluded that participants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) had more reflux symptoms after eating high-fat foods. The authors point out that high-fat foods can aggravate reflux symptoms by delaying gastric emptying or relaxing lower esophageal sphincter (les). LES is a muscle that prevents gastric contents from flowing back to the esophagus. Eating a large amount of nuts at a time can cause digestive system impacts and reflux symptoms. Allergies and eosinophilic esophagitis are common and usually cause reactions within minutes to hours. But a different, slow food allergy can mimic acid reflux symptoms. This food allergy, EOE, may occur in people who are sensitive to nuts, according to an article published in November 2010 in the Newest Views on Immunology. EOE is a chronic immune response to certain foods that can cause swelling and irritation of the esophagus. Dysphagia is the most common symptom. But heartburn, chest pain and upper abdominal pain can also occur, similar to acid reflux. People with EOE are usually sensitive to several foods, including nuts. The EOE Clinical Guidelines of the American College of Gastroenterology in 2013 recommend eliminating symptomatic foods as a cornerstone for the treatment of the disease.

FODMAP Food

FODMAP-Fermentable Binary Monosaccharides and Polyols-refers to certain carbohydrates that may not be fully digested in various foods. This can lead to diarrhea, bloating and stomachache in some people. Cashew nuts and pistachios are considered high-fat foods, according to the Stanford University Medical Center. Walnuts, peanuts, pecans and their nut butter were identified as low FODMAP foods. A study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology in April 2003 found that people with GERD had more frequent LES relaxation and acid reflux symptoms if they ate carbohydrate-containing foods that were usually difficult to digest. The next steps and preventive measures of

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for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms related to eating nuts depend on the underlying causes. Although occasional heartburn is usually harmless, it is important not to overlook frequent or troublesome reflux symptoms. If chest pain, dyspnea, vomiting, bloody stool or tar stool, stomachache, asphyxia or dysphagia occur, please consult a doctor immediately. If diagnosed as GERD, ACG Clinical Practice Guidelines for 2013 recommend the use of acid-lowering drugs and lifestyle improvements to alleviate symptoms, including: - Lose weight - eat less and eat more meals - do not lie down within 2 to 3 hours after meals. If nuts do not cause reflux symptoms, there is no need to exclude them from a healthy diet. If you suspect nut allergy, consult your health care provider to discuss your symptoms and treatment.

Medical Consultant: Jonathan E.Aviv, M.D., FACS

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