Health experts have warned of a 50% surge in heartburn and acid reflux complaints over the last decade, and believe that obesity and fatty diets are the driving force behind it.
Researchers from Norway, Sweden and King’s College London discovered that the proportion of people suffering from reflux rose from 11.6% in 1995-1997 to 17.1% in 2006-2009.
Scientists also found that women and middle-aged people are more at risk of suffering severe symptoms such as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Health experts are concerned as reflux can trigger oesophageal cancer, a cancer that is on the rise. “The increasing prevalence of acid reflux is alarming, because it will most likely contribute to the increasing incidence of cancer of the oesophagus,” says a researcher from the study.
Heartburn and reflux currently effect as many as one in five people and Europe has the highest rate of oesophageal cancer in the world, contributing to 7,606 deaths in the UK alone, according to Cancer Research UK.
Experts are urging people to reduce fatty foods from their diet, as well as alcohol consumption and smoking.
If you're worried about cancer, take a look at this round-up of cancer-fighting foods you can eat.
The Best Cancer-Fighting Foods
The Best Cancer-Fighting Foods(01 of07)
Open Image Modal (credit:Alamy)
Carrots(02 of07)
Open Image ModalCarrots are rich in beta-carotene, a super strong antioxidant that helps keep stomach, prostate and lung cancer away. (credit:Flickr:clayirving)
Cabbage(03 of07)
Open Image ModalCabbages contain cancer-fighting indole-3-carbinol, which are said to help ward off cancer.Brocolli is a well-known cancer busting vegetable as its glucoraphanin enzyme protects the body from rectum and colon cancer. (credit:Flickr:TheDeliciousLife)
Tomato(04 of07)
Open Image ModalContaining a rich source of antioxidant lycopene, they protect the body from various cancer cells, plus it's also packed with vitamin C, which helps strengthen the body's immune system. (credit:Flickr:epSos.de)
Garlic(05 of07)
Open Image ModalGarlic isn't just a great way to flavor our food, but it's a clever way of incorporating a cancer-busting food into our diet.Garlic is proven to boost immunity, which helps our body fight against nasty cancerous cells. Chives, leeks and onions are also part of the allium vegetable group, which help reduce the risks of stomach, colon and prostate cancer. (credit:Flickr:lowjumpingfrog)
Flax Seeds(06 of07)
Open Image ModalFlax seeds contain a strong antioxidants called ligans which help keep cells healthy and safe from cancerous cells. They also contain Omega-3, which are believed to prevent colon cancer. (credit:Flickr:waferboard)
Blueberries(07 of07)
Open Image ModalRated as one fo the highest antioxidant foods, blueberries keep the body's cells healthy and full of oxygen, warding off cancerous cells attacking. (credit:Flickr:Andrea Pokrzywinski)