First class I have coming up is the next Wellbeing Cooking Class held at Matters of Taste Cooking School in Bicton. The topic is "Get Up and Go!" and I'll be speaking on how to eat to get the maximum energy all day long. We'll be cooking some great recipes such as the apple breakfast muffins, pictured left. This class is on Saturday 24th July from 1.00pm to 3.00pm. You can book directly with Matters of Taste here.

On Wednesday evening of 4th August I will be speaking on Nutrition for Winter Wellness at my new practice home - Remede - Wellness Medicine. You contact Remede for information or bookings directly on:
Remède - Wellness Medicine
13 Glyde Street,
Mosman Park
Tel:  9286 1166
F:  9286 1883
reception@remede.com.au

Keep reading for some information on how to prevent reflux. We tend to indulge in hearty foods over winter and with these go robust wines. Sometimes this pair can lead to reflux so you might find it helpful to read about managing this condition.

Keep warm and eat well!

Sometimes it's a little tempting to overindulge and this is one trigger for reflux or heart burn.  

Some foods that are common triggers for reflux are coffee, citrus fruit and citrus juices, peppermint, spearmint, curry, chilli, fatty foods, alcohol, onions, tomatoes, chocolate, creamy sauces or desserts, and pastries. Eating a large meal too close to bedtime is a common trigger for reflux too. Stress is a major factor in those with chronic reflux.

My suggestions for helping to prevent or manage reflux are:

• avoid the above trigger foods and drinks as much as you can, particularly if you already know they are a trigger;
• mix 1 tsp of slippery elm powder into a glass of water and drink just before each meal (slippery elm protects and coats the oesophagus and helps reduce reflux). You can take a few slippery elm capsules before meals instead if you prefer. People with a hiatus hernia should take the slippery elm about an hour after meals;
• at the first sign of reflux drink a big glass of water to help reduce the symptoms;
• eat smaller meals to reduce the load on your stomach;
• don't eat a large meal too close to bedtime;
• if you have a hiatus hernia raise the head of your bed by about 15cm to help prevent acid travelling upwards from your stomach when you lie down;
• you may need a supplement to help with stomach digestion - check with us first; and,
• take some time out each day to relax if you think stress is the trigger and spend a minute or five each day taking some long slow deep breaths to help release tension from your body.