Acid Reflux Diet Recommendations

Acid reflux diseases or Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the common condition is the world that is experienced by many. It is a condition when the acid in the stomach seeps back in the esophagus due to improper function of the stomach sphincter muscles. The terms acid reflux disease and heart burn are often used interchangeably which is incorrect. Acid reflux is the disease, and heartburn is merely its symptom. The following are the causes and symptoms of GERD.

Causes and Symptoms of Acid Reflux Disease
As mentioned above, the abnormal function of the muscles in the stomach results in acid reflux diseases. However, there are certain factors that lead to or trigger off this condition. The first and the foremost being one's diet and diet habits. Having large, hot and spicy meals frequently and at late night can lead to acid reflux. Secondly, certain foodstuffs, smoking, caffeine and alcoholism also causes acid reflux and in turn heartburn in people. On the other hand, immediate bending down or sleeping after meals also results in acid reflux. The symptoms of acid reflux includes heartburn, bitter taste in mouth, chest pain, loss of appetite, difficulty in swallowing, nausea, etc. As we see that the diet is the most significant cause of acid reflux diseases, one needs to make changes in it if one suffers from this condition frequently. The following are the diet recommendations that one should follow in order to prevent acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Diet Food List
As aforementioned there are certain foods that trigger off acid reflux in people. Naturally these foodstuffs must be avoided from the daily diet. Similarly the rest are foodstuffs that can be safely consumed without worrying. Let us take a look at it in detail.

Foods to Avoid
The following are the foods to be avoided if suffering from acid reflux disease or GERD. They are fewer in number and hence, easier to remember when planning one's meals.

• Spicy, fried and hot food.
• Citrus fruits like lemon, oranges.
• Coffee and soda.
• Peppers, cranberry juice, onion.
• Tomatoes, tomato sauce and other tomato based products.
• Peppermint.
• Chocolates.
• Sausage, bacon, fried meat, deli meat.
• Ice cream, cheese.
• Alcohol.

Food Safe to Consume
The following are the foods good for acid reflux, as they do not cause heartburn, neither aggravate other symptoms of it.

Fruits and Vegetables:

• Apple, bananas and melons
• Pears and peaches.
• Potato, broccoli, carrots.
• Celery, cabbage, fennel.
• Green peas and beans.

Grain:

• Bread (multi-grain or white)
• Bran, oatmeal.
• Corn bread, graham crackers, pretzels.
• Rice (brown or white), rice cakes.

Sweets:

• Jelly Beans
• Red Licorice
• Baked and fat free cookies

Meat and Dairy:

• Chicken breast, egg white, fish, steak.
• Fat free cheese and cream.

If one suffers from heart burn and acid reflux frequently, one should definitely reconsider and change their diet and dietary habits to alleviate the symptoms. Secondly, one should have smaller and frequent meals and should not rest immediately on having meals. Along with a good diet, regular exercise also helps in getting rid of acid reflux disease to a greater extent. However, if one experiences any other symptoms along with this, it is better to consult the doctor! Lastly, it is advisable to follow the acid reflux diet with doctor's advice and recommendations. Take care!