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Health Conditions / Digestive Health / Reflux and Indigestion

Reflux and Indigestion

Also known asAcid Reflux · GERD · Gastro-oesophageal Reflux · Heartburn · Dyspepsia · Indigestion · Upset Stomach · Gastric · Gastrik · 胃酸倒流 · 消化不良 · 胃食管反流

What it is

Acid reflux (and GERD when it is frequent) happens when stomach acid flows back up the food pipe, causing a burning feeling behind the breastbone (heartburn) and sometimes a sour taste. Indigestion (dyspepsia) is discomfort, fullness or pain in the upper abdomen, often after meals, and is sometimes called "gastric" in everyday speech.

How food and lifestyle can help

Eating smaller meals, avoiding lying down for two to three hours after eating, and raising the head of the bed can help. Losing weight, if you are overweight, is one of the most effective changes, and stopping smoking and cutting alcohol also help.

Foods and nutrients to focus on

  1. Oats and other wholegrains, vegetables, and non-citrus fruit such as bananas and melon.
  2. Lean protein: fish, eggs, poultry and tofu.
  3. Regular, smaller meals, eaten slowly.
  4. Water between meals.

Foods and drinks to limit

  1. Large, late or very fatty meals, and fried or greasy food.
  2. Your personal triggers: for some people spicy food, coffee, tea, chocolate, mint, citrus, tomato, fizzy drinks or alcohol. Triggers vary, so keep a short diary instead of cutting out everything.

Good to know

  1. Antacids give short relief. If you need them often, or take acid-reducing medicines long term, ask your doctor to review them.
  2. Chest pain can be heart-related, not reflux: if it is new, severe, or comes with breathlessness, sweating or pain in the arm or jaw, call your local emergency number.

When to see a doctor

  1. Difficulty or pain when swallowing, repeated vomiting, black stools, or unexplained weight loss.
  2. Heartburn on most days, or lasting more than a few weeks despite changes.
  3. Persistent indigestion if you are over 55, or you also look pale or feel breathless.

This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have a medical condition or take medicines, check changes to your diet with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

NHS — Heartburn and acid reflux, used for the main facts: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heartburn-and-acid-reflux/

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