Acid Reflux Diet

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is also known as acid reflux disease. It is a very common condition wherein liquid content of the stomach leaks back ('reflux') into the esophagus. Stomach contents contain acid and when this abnormally refluxed gastric content touches the inner lining of esophagus you experience a burning sensation in the chest or throat, which is known as heartburn. If overlooked, a chronic acid reflux disease can result in serious health complications. It is observed that following an acid reflux diet is the most beneficial and natural way of avoiding severe acid reflux symptoms.

Acid Reflux Diet Recommendations

It is obvious that foods that cause heartburn should be avoided in an acid reflux diet plan. For example, tomatoes, tangy citrus fruits, spicy foods, foods high in fat, garlic, onion, chocolate, ice creams, sodas, caffeine, alcohol, etc. should be strictly avoided. Foods which cause heartburn may vary from person to person. So you have to observe your food intake minutely and then find out which foods should be excluded.

Chewing food properly, not eating hastily, enjoying smaller and more frequent meals than big meals, not lying down for about two hours after your meal, keeping your upper body elevated while lying down, avoiding too much of water or drinks during meals, avoiding late nights, can help avoid acid reflux. Here is a small list of foods to eat with acid reflux.

Foods to be Included in Acid Reflux Diet

• Bread (multi-grain or white)
• Bran, oatmeal
• Corn bread, graham crackers, pretzels
• Rice (brown or white), rice cakes
• Red Licorice
• Jelly Beans
• Baked and fat free cookies
• Fat free cheese like feta or goat cheese, soy cheese and fat free cream
• Skinless chicken breast, egg white, fish, steak, extra lean ground beef
• Green peas and beans
• Potato, broccoli, carrots
• Apple, bananas and melons
• Pears and peaches
• Celery, cabbage, fennel
• Water, mineral water
• Decaffeinated tea
• Non-citrus juices or non-fat or low fat milk
• Low fat salad dressing

Including lot of fruits and vegetables will make your diet a high fiber diet and it will help throw away toxins, thereby improving your digestive health. Follow a low calorie diet. You must have observed that the above list suggests that a low fat diet is the best acid reflux diet. Leading an active life also helps avoid heartburn. You can easily notice that physical inactivity leads to heartburn or acidity. Acid reflux symptoms experienced once in a while, can be overlooked but experiencing those symptoms often should not be neglected. Regular exercise and a proper diet are the only heartburn cures which can help you get rid of the problem naturally.

Acid Reflux Diet for Children

If milk is the cause of acid reflux experienced by your child, you may try soy milk and replace other dairy products with soy alternatives. All the above instructions apply to children also. Children facing the problem of acid reflux should have low calorie, low fat diet consisting of whole grain breads, rice, oatmeal, low fat cheeses, baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, pears, apples, bananas, baked chicken and other lean meats, as mentioned above. Encourage your children to engage in regular outdoor games and activities rather than indoor games or watching T.V.

Mothers need not worry about acid reflux diet recipes as hundreds of simple but useful recipes are available on the Internet. Food included in the acid reflux diet should be selected in such a way that it provides you with proper nutrition, and at the same time doesn't aggravate the symptoms of the disease.