Carnival season officially started. There is an air of festivities and sweets, often fried and stuffed. Whether they are called pancakes, tarts or crostini, those who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux should avoid them. True or false? Dr. Beatrice Salvioli, gastroenterologist of the Humanitas hospital, replied.
“True. Even if there are drugs to control reflux, i.e. the return of gastric juices to the esophagus after eating, it must be prevented by changing the lifestyle – says the expert. Fried and sweet foods rich in fats are among the foods to avoid if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux. According to the data, 1 out of 4 Italians should avoid them, a proportion that identifies how widespread this disease is. However, it is not only a matter of avoiding carnival sweets but, above all, it means following a lifestyle that also reduces the amount of food per meal, thus avoiding abundant and fried portions; avoid being overweight, do not smoke, reduce alcohol, and limit foods such as chocolate and coffee, but also acidic foods such as tomatoes, citrus fruits and lettuce, because it contains long fibers that can be difficult to digest.”
