Patients with reflux esophagitis should avoid eating sweet potatoes, as they may worsen acid reflux symptoms. Treatment for reflux esophagitis requires dietary adjustments, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Reflux esophagitis is an inflammation caused by stomach acid refluxing into the esophagus. Sweet potatoes are rich in starch and fiber, which may increase stomach acid secretion and intragastric pressure, thus exacerbating symptoms.
1. Dietary adjustments: Avoid high-fat, spicy, and acidic foods, such as fried foods, chili peppers, and citrus fruits. Choose low-fat, easily digestible foods, such as oatmeal, bananas, and white rice. Although sweet potatoes are nutritious, they may stimulate gastric acid secretion, so it is recommended to reduce or avoid their consumption.
2. Drug treatment: Commonly used drugs include proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole, H2 receptor antagonists such as ranitidine, and antacids such as aluminum hydroxide. These drugs can reduce gastric acid secretion and relieve symptoms. Specific medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.
3. Lifestyle improvements: Avoid lying down immediately after meals and keep your head elevated 15-20 cm while sleeping. Reduce smoking and alcohol consumption, control your weight, and avoid wearing tight clothing. These measures help reduce acid reflux.
Patients with reflux esophagitis should comprehensively adjust their diet, medication, and lifestyle, and avoid foods that may aggravate symptoms, such as sweet potatoes, in order to effectively control the condition and improve their quality of life.