Acid Reflux Foods

Acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease refers to the condition, where stomach acids flow back to the esophagus. Acid reflux disease is usually caused by the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a valve like opening at the lower end of the esophagus. It opens to allow the foods to enter the stomach, and then closes to prevent the reverse flow of foods and the stomach acids to the esophagus. The regurgitation of stomach content can occur due to overeating, weakening of the muscles of the esophagus, an inherent defect in the structure of the LES and consumption of certain specific foods like, spicy and acidic foods. Dietary modifications are of immense importance for the proper management of acid reflux disease. Therefore, one needs to know the acid reflux foods that help to control the symptoms, as well as the foods to avoid with acid reflux.

Acid Reflux Foods to Eat

Acid reflux is usually characterized by symptoms like, heartburn or a burning sensation in the chest and the back of the throat, a bitter or sour taste in the mouth, sore throat, cough, difficulty in swallowing and nausea and vomiting. All these symptoms can be controlled and alleviated to a great extent by including certain foods in the food diet for acid reflux. Some of the safe foods to eat with acid reflux are:

• Vegetables like, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, green beans, green peas, asparagus, artichokes, lettuce and green leafy vegetables.
• Lean meat, chicken, fish and egg whites.
• Fruits like, apples, bananas, pears, peaches and melons.
• Grains and products made from them like, brown and white rice, pretzels, rice cakes, graham crackers, oatmeal, bread, corn bread.
• Low fat and fat free dairy products such as, fat free sour cream, fat free cream cheese and low fat soy cheese.

Along with including these foods to eat with acid reflux in your diet, be sure to drink plenty of water for the effective management of the symptoms of acid reflux disease. People having acid reflux should consume vegetables, meat and fish that are either baked, steamed, grilled or cooked in little oil. It is advisable to not use excess oil in cooking these foods. As far as sweets and desserts are concerned, individuals with acid reflux disease can consume low fat or fat free versions of these products.

Acid Reflux Foods to Avoid

Certain foods are known to trigger the back flow of acids from the stomach to the esophagus, either by relaxing the LES or by increasing the acid production. A GERD or acid reflux diet should exclude such foods that cause acid reflux. Some of the most important acid reflux foods to stay away from are:

• Fried and fatty foods, high fat meats, whole milk dairy products, mayonnaise, butter, margarine and salad dressings.
• Caffeinated and carbonated beverages and alcohol.
• Spicy foods and spices like, black pepper and chili.
• Citrus fruits like, orange, lemon, grapefruits and their juices, as well as grapes and cranberries.
• Vegetables and herbs like, onion, garlic, tomato, peppermint and spearmint.
• Tomato juice and sauce, fried meats, vinegar, ground beef, spaghetti and macaroni.
• Chocolates, ice creams, corn and potato chips, cookies, donuts, brownie, pizzas and hamburgers.

So, this was about some of the acid reflux foods to avoid and include in your GERD diet. However, it is important to keep in mind that foods that trigger acid reflux can be different for different individuals. Finally, along with following a proper GERD diet, try to eat frequent small meals instead of three large meals to get relief from acid reflux disease. People with acid reflux disease can find considerable relief from the uncomfortable symptoms by sleeping in a slightly elevated position. They should also avoid lying down immediately after having a meal. But, if all such lifestyle and dietary changes fail to manage acid reflux and its symptoms, then get the condition medically evaluated with the help of a physician, in order to ascertain the underlying causes.