By Dr. Acosta Then
Sep 30, 2023, 10:31 AM EDT
In my practice as a gastroenterologist and endoscopist, it is very common to receive patients who report symptoms of heartburn and abdominal distention. When doing an endoscopy, which is a thin and flexible camera that allows us to diagnose the real state of the gastric mucosa, we find lesions such as gastritis, ulcers and reflux. Among the recommendations, a vital ally is diet, especially with the peptic acid diet.
And what does this eating plan consist of, which, apart from being curative, is recommended as an adjuvant to treatments?
The acid peptic diet eliminates acid-causing foods and increases the alkalinity of the stomach. Although it is true that it is not for weight loss, it is essential to achieve gastric rest and restore the mucosa to its original state.
Foods to develop the acid peptic diet:
You can carry out this plan between 15 and 30 days. Let’s talk first about the prohibited ones, which must be eliminated: dairy products, coffee, energy drinks, soft drinks, spicy foods, seasonings, complementary condiments inside the tubers; the cassava and the sweet potato, within the vegetables and the tomato. And from fruits, pineapple and all citrus derivatives such as lemon, orange and others.
Among the foods to include in the diet are white rice, bread and all vegetables, except those that cause gas, such as broccoli. Pasta and white meats, such as fish and chicken, are allowed.
Along with this diet, it is recommended to discontinue non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
* Dr. Acosta Then is a bariatric endoscopist, director of the Salutte Clinic Obesity and Specialties Clinic, in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. She belongs to the US Bariatric Endoscopy Society and directs the “Happy Weight Without Surgery” program. https://www.instagram.com/dra.acostathen