An acid reflux diet is particularly crucial in managing and preventing the occurrence of the disease. Acid reflux or also known as GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) is a condition where the stomach contents, that include acid, seep upward into the esophagus causing a sensation known as heartburn. The condition can be chronic or severe, and as such, can cause further damage to the esophagus leading to fatal diseases like cancer of the esophagus.
It is easy to manage and prevent acid reflux. One can do this through eating the right diet, and knowing what acid reflux foods to avoid. You see, the condition is closely related to digestion and exacerbates after meals. An acid reflux diet can greatly relieve one from the symptoms of the disease as well as free the esophagus muscle or sphincter from unnecessary pressure that triggers the reflux.
Foods to Avoid
It helps to come up with a list of the food to avoid as well as the good food to eat to help control the occurrence of acid reflux. Introducing dietary changes can dramatically improve one’s condition and prevent the reflux to turn chronic or severe.
The acid reflux foods to avoid are the following:
- Most dairy products like milk, yoghurt and cheese. One of the more common misconceptions about acid reflux is that milk helps alleviate heartburn- the most common symptoms of the disease. Fact is, milk, while providing immediate relief, can actually worsen the condition in the long run as it has the ability to slow down digestion.
- Carbonated and caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks, coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, beer and wine. Citrus fruits and their juices are also something that is best avoided when following an acid reflux diet. Water and fresh fruit juices, except for citrus fruits, are recommended.
- Other food types that worsen the condition are: spicy food, creamy salad dressings, tomato-based sauces, rich desserts, chocolates, peppermint, fried food, meat with too much fat, carbohydrate-enriched food like bread and pasta.
What Food to Eat
There are also food types that when eaten are favorable to digestion and help prevent acid reflux. Most of these contain alkaline that is found to be beneficial in the proper management and prevention of the disease. Here are some of these food types:
- Fruits like apples, lemons, and mangoes. Eating at least one apple a day can dramatically reduce the symptoms associated with acid reflux. This fruit contains antioxidants that stimulates and enhances the normal functions of the digestive system. Lemon on the other hand, while belonging to citrus fruits, is a rich source of alkaline. Mangoes, popular for their delicious taste, are also known to be rich in alkaline, anti-oxidants that can help prevent cancer.
- Vegetables like spinach that contains essential vitamins and minerals to restore the normal balance of pH in the body. Celery and carrots are also known to be beneficial in the reducing the acid reflux symptoms.
Following the right diet – including coming up with a list of acid reflux foods to avoid and the best food to eat, can effectively manage and prevent the disease. The diet is found to be one of the best natural treatments for acid reflux or GERD.