Foods that Cause Acid Reflux

When you experience symptoms such as belching, stomach irritation, and heartburn, you are likely to be suffering from acid reflux disease. Though this cannot be established until you have consulted a physician, there are several natural remedies that you may adopt to rid yourself of this condition. Acid reflux, also known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), is mainly a condition where the acids that aid digestion in the stomach are imbalanced, and thus, cause the food to go back up the esophagus. As mentioned above, you may have already experienced the symptoms of an acidic stomach. One of the ways to control this problem is to identify and avoid foods that cause acid reflux. By doing so, you are preventing this condition from worsening, and manifesting in severe other problems such as esophageal cancer.

Foods You Should Avoid to Prevent Acid Reflux

Enlisted here are the foods that you ought to avoid in order to control the symptoms of acid reflux disease. Only after you do so, will you notice the difference it makes to your condition.

• Spicy Foods
  It is natural that the consumption of foods rich in spices will start causing the symptoms of acid reflux, such as esophageal irritation and heartburn. Thus, these are to be avoided at all costs, to prevent acid reflux, and to keep it at bay if you already suffer from it.
• Caffeine
  Foods and drinks that contain caffeine are mainly chocolate, coffee, tea and soda. Though they may be consumed in small amounts, regular and prolonged consumption is bound to aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux.
• Citrus Fruits
  Though many scientists argue that the consumption of citrus fruits has nothing to do with acid reflux, several people who suffer from this problem have complained otherwise. Since citrus fruits and their juices, such as lemons, oranges, grapefruits, pineapples and even tomatoes, have citric acid, they are likely to worsen the condition. Since tomatoes are a part of this list, food items made from tomatoes such as ketchup, sauce and tomato paste should be avoided.
• Garlic and Onions
  Both garlic and onion, are known to contain compounds that cause foods to back up in the esophagus, resulting in heartburn, and therefore, should be avoided.
• Mint
  Mint has always been considered as a soothing agent for stomach problems. However, research studies have now proven that consuming too much mint in the form of peppermint and spearmint, may actually trigger acid reflux and its symptoms.
• Milk and Other Dairy Products
  What we've all perhaps considered as a remedy to acid reflux till today, is probably one of the most common foods that causes this problem. Dairy products including whole milk, cream and cheese, are all foods that take very long to digest and thus increase the production of acids in the stomach. This actually 'adds fuel to the fire'.
• Deep-Fried and Fatty Foods
  Foods that have been deep-fried, and other fatty foods, are likely to initiate acid reflux, and further aggravate it, if not avoided. Thus, all types of pizzas, hamburgers, cheese, fries, and even your favorite dessert, should be kept away. Even meat products that are rich in fats, should be avoided.
• Alcohol
  The prolonged consumption of alcohol is likely to weaken the stomach muscles, and make the process of digestion further difficult. This means the stomach will require to produce more acids for digestion, and thus, result in acid reflux. As such, a social drink will do no harm, but a drink everyday should definitely be avoided.

These foods also cause acid reflux during pregnancy. It is thus important, to keep these away at such a crucial time in a woman's life. This is because, not only do these affect the mother, but also their babies, via the means of breastfeeding. Another cause for acid reflux in babies may be the introduction of solid food too early in life. Babies have weak stomachs which develop over time, and are unable to easily digest solid foods, thus causing this problem at an early stage. Thus, this problem should be eliminated at the root, rather than allowing it to manifest further in infants.

Foods to Eat if You Suffer from Acid Reflux

Since several foods are off the list, you ought to know about the various foods good for acid reflux, if you suffer from this problem. These foods are enlisted below.

• Fibrous Foods and Vegetables
  Eating foods that are rich in fiber are not only helpful in combating acid reflux, but are generally good for the digestive system. Green, leafy vegetables are included in this list. However, do not overcook these vegetables and definitely do not use too much oil in preparing them. You would rather boil, steam or grill them and consume them. Other fibrous foods include nuts, legumes, and whole grains that are rich in complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, multi-grain bread, and whole-wheat pasta.
• Lean Meat
  Instead of indulging in red meat, consume white meat in the form of fish and chicken. These can be prepared in delicious non-fattening ways and can easily help take care of your problem of acid reflux. These are also rich in proteins and omega-3 fatty acids (particularly fish), that are healthy for the body in more ways than one.
• Fruits
  Apart from the citrus fruits, feel free to indulge in bananas, apples (found to be the most natural remedy for acid reflux), melons and berries. These you may consume in any manner as you please, though it has been found that juices are not as effective as the fruit itself. So, try to consume them fresh, in their raw form.
• Drinks
  Drinks that are free of caffeine, and low fat milk or skimmed milk are perfect choices for those who suffer from acid reflux. Also, soy milk is an option but you may have to develop a taste for it to enjoy it. As mentioned before, carbonated drinks are a no-no. Have some fresh buttermilk instead.

Thus, it is wise to nip the problem in the bud, than to suffer its more severe forms in the future, simply by following this guide on foods that cause acid reflux, and instead eat foods that are safe for acid reflux. Do note that if you do not feel any difference upon following this diet, you should consult a physician immediately to identify and eliminate the root cause of this problem.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.