While medication can help manage the symptoms of acid reflux, the best way to prevent recurring heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms is to make dietary changes and avoid foods which can precipitate and cause symptoms. An acid reflux diet eliminates or substantially limits foods high in acids and fats or spicy foods which may cause the stomach to produce excess acid. Patients are encouraged to keep a record of any foods which cause acid reflux symptoms in order to tailor a diet to meet their specific needs. In the following article on acid reflux diet, you will learn what acid reflux foods to avoid and the proper diet, treatment, and relief for heartburn.
Acid Reflux Foods To Avoid
For anyone who has experienced acid reflux regularly, you live to learn that certain foods and menus bring on acid reflux, while avoiding other foods offer relief. Full fat dairy products can be difficult to digest and may cause overproduction of stomach acids. Substituting low fat dairy products in an acid reflux diet can reduce heartburn and other symptoms that cause GERD. Below, find a list of the acid reflux foods to avoid:
- Coffee, tea, energy drinks and carbonated beverages are acidic and high in caffeine, which is another cause of acid reflux. Decaffeinated substitutes may reduce acid reflux symptoms.
- Acidic foods like citrus fruits, lime, and tomatoes have been known to cause heartburn.
- Spicy foods with black or red peppers, as well as ethnic menus like Indian or Ethiopian food can also cause nausea associated with acid reflux.
- Processed meat and trans-fatty acids are linked to acid reflux disease.
- Alcohol is one of the top causes of acid reflux, since alcohol irritates the stomach lining and can cause indigestion.
- Chocolate is one of the top causes of acid reflux symptoms in women.
It is important to note that not all these drinks and foods cause acid reflux in everyone, and thus every patient should research what individual foods cause symptoms in their case. If certain fruits, vegetables, or meats do not cause acid reflux in your case, then feel free to eat them, creating an “acid reflux diet menu” that is best for you.
Some Causes of Acid Reflux
After eating, acid reflux patients should avoid bending over, wearing tight clothing, especially around the waist, and lying down. Symptoms are often less noticeable during the day because individuals are upright and constantly swallowing which helps the stomach acid remain in the stomach. Activities like bending over can force stomach acid upwards and wearing tight belts or clothing can make it more difficult for the stomach to empty.
Identifying Foods That Cause Acid Reflux
While limiting or eliminating high fat and acidic foods and caffeinated beverages can reduce acid reflux symptoms, each patient is different and keeping track of foods which bring on a bout of symptoms can help individuals avoid the foods most likely to cause problems. A journal or diary can help patients identify the foods which cause heartburn and other symptoms. An acid reflux diet should be discussed with a doctor since it is still important to maintain a healthy and balanced intake of foods, vitamins, and overall nutrition.
On the other hand, there are certain foods and supplements people can try to get the best diet for acid reflux and provide relief. Pineapple and papaya, which both contain bromelain and papain, two powerful proteases or digestive enzymes, can help your body digest, break down, and process protein, thus alleviating any acid reflux and heartburn associated with meat. Additionally, iodized salt and fish oil are great diet additions to avoid acid reflux, since iodized salt prevents hypothyroidism, which is often a cause of acid reflux, and fish oil is an essential supplement that helps the body’s systems function properly.
Natural Cures For Acid Reflux
Since large meals force the stomach to work harder and produce more acid, an acid reflux diet should consist of five or six small meals eaten throughout the day, rather than three large meals. You will find it important to eat slowly and chew food thoroughly to make it easier for the stomach to digest.
To avoid symptoms at night, patients should not eat for two to three hours before bedtime, which allows the stomach time to empty before the patient lies down. Slightly inclining your mattress, sleeping on a wedge or two pillows with your head elevated 6 inches, can also ease acid reflux symptoms and avoid heartburn in the throat brought on by indigestion or regurgitation.
Other remedies may include avoiding tight clothing, such as tight pants, jeans or belts, and/or taking antacids to minimize the production of stomach acid and speed up your digestive process. However, please note that antacids are only temporary solutions to provide acid reflux relief and are not recommended as long term acid reflux treatment.
Acid Reflux Diet
An acid reflux diet and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce symptoms with or without medication and provide for natural acid reflux remedies. Smokers have more symptoms than non-smokers so quitting can help prevent heartburn, while obesity is associated with an increase in acid reflux symptoms, so losing excess weight also aids in controlling symptoms. There are many over the counter medications which can alleviate heartburn and dyspepsia-related to acid reflux and patients may have to try more than one to find the greatest relief.