Having a well-balanced diet is a very important aspect of daily life. Over time, neglecting this can lead to poor health if not carefully monitored.
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I'm highlighting this at the beginning of my post because I recently experienced a series of indigestion episodes over the past month, and only now am I realizing what caused them. In fact, I wasn’t even aware of how poor my diet had become until these episodes started. All the while, I thought the food I was eating was balanced enough, but I was wrong. This may have led to a condition known as GERD, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease—commonly referred to as acid reflux. It’s the uncomfortable sensation where gastric acid flows back up into the esophagus from the stomach.
This is critical to understand because many people think of it as just a simple case of an "acidic stomach." But if left unchecked, it can develop into something more serious. This realization made me start paying close attention to my diet and avoid certain foods and drinks that I can live without, as a way to manage the acid reflux I’m currently experiencing. Fortunately, I sought advice from my doctor early on, rather than waiting for things to get worse.
According to my doctor, I should avoid foods such as citrus fruits, chocolate, fatty and fried foods, garlic, onions, tomato-based dishes, and anything spicy. I was also advised to reduce my intake of coffee and tea. In fact, I’ve decided to eliminate them from my daily routine entirely, since I don’t really need them—I just need to make sure I sleep early so I won’t rely on caffeine to stay awake at work.
In addition to changing my diet, I’m also making lifestyle adjustments. One major issue I’m addressing is eating too close to bedtime. I used to have dinner very late, often going to sleep just an hour afterward, which is a harmful habit. My doctor recommended that I allow at least 2–3 hours between dinner and bedtime to give my stomach time to digest food properly.
Another change I’m working on is eating regular meals with consistent portion sizes. I used to eat meals in inconsistent amounts, which likely confused my digestive system and contributed to the acid imbalance in my stomach.
These are the steps I’m now taking to improve my health and prevent further issues. Hopefully, sharing this helps others become more aware of their own habits before problems arise.
Taking care of our digestive health starts with being mindful of what and how we eat. Small changes in diet and lifestyle can make a big difference in preventing issues like acid reflux. I hope my experience serves as a reminder to listen to your body and make healthier choices before problems arise.
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