Food Diet for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux also referred to as Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease, is a condition caused by the back flow of the acid, from the stomach into the esophagus. The esophagus or the swallowing tube, carries the food from the throat to the stomach. The lower part of this tube has a specialized muscle around it, known as the lower esophageal sphincter which usually stays closed, opening only to allow food and liquid into the stomach. This prevents the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. However, with the weakening of this muscle, the liquid contents of the stomach are regurgitated into the esophagus, leading to the symptoms of acid reflux, such as heartburn and nausea. This not only causes painful discomfort for the sufferer but can also results in inflaming and injuring the esophagus. Additionally when these acidic juices make their way into the throat, mouth and air passages of the lungs, they can cause hoarseness, dental erosion and asthma respectively. Although it affects people, irrespective of their age and sex, people suffering from obesity, hiatal hernia, recurring vomiting, or scleroderma are more prone to be affected by the condition.

While there are antacids, very conveniently available over the counter, the best way to combat acid reflux disease is to follow a proper food diet. Most dietitians who have worked out the food plans for acid reflux diet say, that the safest foods to eat are alkaline or basal in make up. Therefore, an acid reflux alkaline diet is the most widely recommended diet. In addition, there are certain foods that need to be completely avoided or taken in moderation. Here is a look at the list of safe foods to eat with acid reflux and the foods to be avoided or limited.

Recommended Acid Reflux Diet Plan

Fruits: The fruits which can help neutralize stomach acids and are considered safe to include in your acid reflux diet plan are apples, berries, melons, bananas, peaches and pears.

Vegetables: Include vegetables like carrots,broccoli, cabbage, peas and green beans in your GERD diet.

Bread and Grains: Corn bread, white bread, bran or oatmeal cereal, pretzels, brown or white rice and rice cakes, can be included in the diet for acid reflux.

Dairy: You can also include dairy products like fat-free sour cream, fat-free cream cheese, low-fat soy cheese.

Meat: Opt for low fat meat, chicken, fish and turkey in the diet.

Sweets and Desserts: The sweets should ideally be made with low or no fat content in it. Try out the fat-free cookies and the jelly beans.

Beverages: While planning your acid reflux disease diet stick to mineral water, juices or herbal tea.

Diet for Acid Reflux: Foods to Avoid

There are certain foods which need to either, be completely avoided or consumed in moderation. These include, high fat content or spicy foods, junk foods and foods with lots of refined sugars. People suffering from acidity, should avoid citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit. Avoid fatty meat, such as, sausage and bacon and refrain from using all animal or vegetable oils while cooking. A strict no-no for any acid reflux diet, is the intake of beverages like alcohol, coffee, carbonated beverages, tea and mint tea. Unfortunately chocolate seems to have made its way into the acid reflux - foods to avoid list.

Along with this, it is recommended that people suffering from the disease stop smoking immediately, as smoke has a tendency to damage the sensitive lining of the esophagus, making it difficult to recover from the harmful effects of acid reflux. It is also important to remember that frequent meals are much better than the three large meals, as they exert less pressure on the stomach. A great idea to make your diet, based on the recommended foods, is by maintaining a food log which will allow you to adjust the diet accordingly. Remember that a food diet for acid reflux, is basically a trail and error method for those who suffer from its painful symptoms.