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Happy Tummy Expert

1 year ago

Dear Rohit Nandy, Thank you for the question

Pain in the chest can occur due to gastric issues, cardiovascular diseases or any underlying medical health condition which requires medical attention, diagnosis, and assistance. We request you to kindly contact a health care professional for further treatment and management.

Some of the Gastric issues can be a symptom of GERD (Gastro oesophageal reflux disease).



Gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic symptom of mucosal damage. It is caused due to the entry of stomach acid into the oesophagus. The most-common symptoms of GERD include Heartburn, Difficulty in swallowing and a sour taste in the mouth or back of the throat due to fluids and undigested foods rising back in to the mouth. 

Here are a few tips to manage GERD

• It is important to modify your dietary patterns to manage the symptoms of GERD
• Weight management is necessary in people for whom the underlying cause of GERD may have been obesity.
•  Eat small frequent meals and avoid eating meals within 2-3 hours of bedtime.
•  Prevent laying down immediately after eating
•  Avoid drinking fluids in between the meals.
•  Food should be eaten slowly and chewed well as fast eating provokes gastric feeding reflex.
•  Some of the foods should be restricted or avoided, these include caffeine, raw onion, citric juices and spicy foods etc.
•  Consume low fat dairy in substitute of full fat options to prevent or manage GERD symptoms.
•  Try to limit the foods like caffeine, spices, raw onions etc.

However here are few guidelines for healthy balanced diet  and for better sleep that can be considered:

• Have a Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.
• Try to incorporate the My plate Concept by dividing your plate into 4 quadrants, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, the other two quadrants with cereals and protein. A small quantity of dairy intake is recommended.
• Include protein in your diet. Some of the sources include pulses, lentils, milk, paneer, soybean, eggs, lean meat, nuts & seeds, etc.  
• Begin your day with a well-balanced breakfast as it is an important meal of the day.
• Avoid skipping meals. Also, try to avoid fasting and feasting too often.
• Consume small frequent meals, with healthy snacking options.
• Consume minimum 5 servings of vegetables and 1 serving of fruit as they are rich in Fiber, essential minerals & Vitamins as well as they give you a feeling of satiety.
• Try to consume more of Whole grains, Millets and Multigrain foods as they are a good source of fiber.
• Limit intake of deep-fried foods. Method of cooking like baking, grilling, boiling, steaming is preferable over deep frying with excess fat/ oil.
• Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before sleep time.
• Prior to going to bed avoid/limit the intake of caffeinated beverages and foods such as tea, coffee, or Chocolate as they are a neurologic stimulant, which may lower the need to sleep and produces sleep disruption
• Foods containing tryptophan which is an amino acid is linked to a number of sleep-promoting processes in the brain. Foods with tryptophan include milk, bananas, oats, etc. While tryptophan alone may not always cause sleepiness, its effects are enhanced when eaten with carbohydrates.
• Commit to a sleep schedule and avoid screen time, bright light, noises and distractions during bed time.
• Drink adequate amount of water (minimum 8 glasses) of water daily to keep yourself well hydrated
• Engage in at least 30-45 minutes brisk walk/physical activity of moderate intensity at least 5 days a week.
• Try and follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and Quality.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions, please contact your Health care professional.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead

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