A Harvard research team recently reported that many could avoid heartburn with certain diet and lifestyle factors. By studying surveys over a period of 12 years, they were able to single out the lifestyle characteristics that reduce heartburn.
The researchers found that 22% of people who suffered from heartburn were considered to be obese, showing that a large part of avoiding heartburn is maintaining a healthy weight. This can be done through regular exercise and a healthy diet. The study also found that 20% of smokers suffer from heartburn because tobacco can affect the acid foods in the esophagus. Thus, it showed a direct link between the risk of smoking and getting frequent heartburn, which can eventually lead to greater health problems. Regularly consuming two cups and more of tea, coffee, and soda showed to increase the risk of GERD symptoms.
Exercise was a determining factor for those that were able to reduce their GERD symptoms. Just 30 minutes of exercise per day greatly reduced heartburn and GERD symptoms. Following a heart-healthy diet was also a very big factor in helping to avoid heartburn. This diet included plenty of plant-based foods, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats and proteins.
A combination of these lifestyle and dietary factors greatly lowered the risk of people developing GERD symptoms as well as heartburn, helping those who had GERD to better control it.
Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home!
Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental wellbeing, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, prostate cancer and has many side effects.
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