What can you eat when have acid reflux

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, is a condition that causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. This causes burning irritation that is commonly described as heartburn or acid indigestion.

Almost everyone experiences heartburn or acid reflux from time to time. When the condition becomes chronic, it is often described as GERD.

What Are The Symptoms Of Acid Reflux

People with acid reflux or GERD frequently experience heartburn – a burning sensation in the chest – particularly after eating or at night. Acid reflux symptoms can also include difficulty swallowing or a chronic cough.

What Foods Trigger GERD?

GERD is a condition that is heavily linked to diet. Certain foods and drinks can trigger or worsen symptoms of acid reflux.

Acid reflux-triggering foods to avoid:

  • Fatty or fried foods
  • Spicy or minty foods
  • Foods with a tomato base, such as pizza, chili, pasta sauce or salsa
  • Citrus fruits
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Chocolate
  • Alcohol
  • Carbonated and caffeinated beverages

Foods That Help Reduce Acid Reflux

Certain foods can trigger or worsen acid reflux, but others can improve symptoms by reducing acid backup into the esophagus. People with GERD should adopt an “acid reflux diet” that is rich in:

  • Lean meats and seafood
  • Root vegetables, like carrots and beets
  • Green vegetables, including broccoli, cucumbers or green beans
  • High-fiber foods, such as oatmeal and brown rice
  • Alkaline foods – which have a higher pH and are the opposite of acidic foods – including melons, cauliflower and bananas

Tracking GERD Triggers

If you are experiencing frequent acid reflux or heartburn, consider creating a food journal where you track what you’re eating for two weeks. Note the days when you have acid reflux to better understand which foods may trigger your specific symptoms.

Can Changing My Diet Reduce GERD Symptoms?

Cutting back on foods that are known triggers for GERD – including coffee, fatty-rich meals, chocolate, red sauces, alcohol and carbonated beverages – can help reduce acid reflux pain.

Additionally, eating smaller meal portions throughout the day and avoiding laying down for at least two to three hours after a meal can also help reduce GERD symptoms.

GERD Risk Factors

In addition to diet, smoking or being overweight are common acid reflux causes. Additionally, some women experience heightened acid reflux symptoms during pregnancy.

Acid Reflux Treatments

If your acid reflux or heartburn symptoms are relatively mild or infrequent, you may be able to treat them at home using over-the-counter antacid medications like TUMS, Rolaids, Prilosec, Nexium or Pepto Bismol.

However, if these home remedies for heartburn do not provide adequate relief or if you have frequent GERD symptoms, talk with your care provider. They can discuss a range of prescription GERD treatment options that can help get your symptoms under control.

If you’re dealing with frequent heartburn or indigestion, ask your doctor if you might have GERD, a common gastrointestinal condition that can be successfully treated through a combination of diet modifications and medication.

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From disease-specific nutrition advice to weight loss and diet expertise, Franciscan Health's registered dietitians are here to help.

What can you eat when have acid reflux

Acid reflux happens when the acid travels from the stomach to the esophagus. Most local GI doctors believe that it can cause several complications including heartburn. Listed here are a few foods to include and avoid if you are suffering from GERD.

GERD Diet- What You Should Know?

It is a gastroesophageal reflux disease and is considered a digestive disorder. GERD affects the lower esophageal sphincter. The food pipe is responsible for transferring food from the mouth to the stomach.

People suffering from GERD often deal with stomach acid flowing to the esophagus and causing heartburn, chest disorder, and many more. It is important to understand that acid backflow is quite dangerous in multiple ways. The DNA tissues damage and cause cancer.

Due to this reason, the doctors recommend consuming a GERD-friendly diet since it helps in reducing gastroesophageal reflux. Foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and oatmeal are recommended since these are easy to digest. If you want to get better results, it is better to avoid citrus foods, smoking, and chocolate products.

Things you can eat if you have GERD

Following a GERD diet, does not mean that you have to quit all your favorite foods. All you need to do is make some modifications. Here are some of the healthy food items that you can include.

High fiber food

We all know that vegetables are low in fat content and are useful in reducing acid in your stomach. The few best options are beans, cauliflower, leafy greens, cucumber, etc. You can also include ginger due to its exclusive anti-inflammatory properties.

Thus, you will experience less heartburn as well as gastrointestinal problems. Do not forget to consume apples, pears, bananas with your meals. You will notice a significant change in your acid reflux symptoms.

Lean meat and seafood

Lean meat like fish, turkey, seafood, or low-fat food is an excellent source of healthy protein and fat. Due to this reason, every gastroenterologist in Edmond, OK, recommends consuming these in their daily diet. Also, it is better to consume them in boiled, baked, or frilled form.

Egg whites

If you love eggs, instead of consuming the whole egg, try to eat the white part. Egg yolk is high in fat and can increase the symptom of acid reflux.

Healthy fats

People who are conscious about their often face the issue with fat intake. However, you need to keep in mind that fat is required since it is an essential nutrient.

Foods to avoid

You should avoid certain foods at any cost if you want to get relief from the acid reflux symptoms. Here are a few foods that you should eliminate.

Fried foods

The fat content is high in fried foods, which forces LES to relax. Consequently, the stomach brings more acid to the esophagus. French fries, onion rings, whole milk, sour cream, ice cream, or potato chips work as the trigger factors.

Chocolate

Chocolate is high in methylxanthine, which helps in relaxing the muscles in LES. This, in turn, increases the chances of acid reflux.

Need proper diet assistance for GERD?

There is no food, which is useful in preventing GERD. But, avoiding certain foods can definitely help in reducing acid reflux symptoms. At Digestive Disease Specialists, you get gastroenterologists who can guide you on the right way and provide you GERD-friendly diet. Book your appointment today!

**Disclaimer: This blog content does not offer a doctor's advice and creates no relationship between any patient and care provider.