A diet for acid reflux is filled with delicious, tasty foods that most people enjoy. Among the many acid reflux solutions, treating acid reflux naturally through diet makes the most sense, since in sensitive patients foods can aggravate or health acid reflux. Based on the recommendations of the Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology Group of physicians, the following foods are recommended for a diet for acid reflux. Additional ideas for what to do for acid reflux include losing weight, stopping smoking and other lifestyle changes that can improve the health of people with this disease.
A Healthy Diet for Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when the muscles near the lower esophagus weaken and allow the acidic contents of the stomach to flow back into the esophagus. Symptoms of acid reflux disease include sore throat, an acidic taste in the mouth, indigestion, gas, burping, a burning feeling in the stomach, and pain in the throat. Patients may also have a hoarse voice. Doctors diagnose acid reflux disease or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) based upon symptoms, physical examination and tests.
A diet for acid reflux patients seeks to calm the excess production of acids in the stomach. Foods for an acid reflux diet are good for health and meet government recommendations for a health diet.
Acid reflux patients should base their diet around the following foods, according to the Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology Group and Web MD:
- Fresh fruit
- Vegetables of all types
- Whole grains
- Low fat dairy
- Fish, chicken, meat
- Heart-healthy fats, such as olive oil
The following foods may contribute to acid reflux symptoms. They either create conditions favorable for acids to rise back into the esophagus or increase the acidity of the stomach. Foods to avoid when you have acid reflux include:
- Soda pop
- Coffee, tea
- Wine and alcoholic beverages
- White sugar products
- Hard candy
- Chewing gum
- Chocolate
- Fatty, fried foods
- Creamy soups, ice cream, creamy foods
Other Natural and Home Remedies for Acid Reflux
Lifestyle changes can help patients with acid reflux. Most doctors recommend that patients who are overweight lose weight. It goes without saying that patients are also cautioned to stop smoking, as smoking can increase the likelihood of acid reflux disease.
Other lifestyle changes recommended by doctors who specialize in treating the gastro-intestinal system include:
- Avoiding big, heavy meals. Instead, eat smalls meals more frequently.
- Remaining upright after eating. Do not rest on the side or lay down to sleep immediately after eating. When sitting upright, gravity helps pull down the stomach contents, preventing them from bubbling back up.
- Avoid tight clothing, which increases pressure on the abdomen and pain.
While there are many medications to treat acid reflux, patients often seek alternatives. Even over the counter medications can become expensive or do not offer sufficient relief for acid reflux symptoms. Making dietary changes takes time. Taking slow, small steps daily is often easier for people than trying to overhaul their entire lifestyle overnight. Choose one habit that's easy to change, such as reducing the amount of alcohol consumed or eating smaller meals. After that becomes a habit, create a second healthy habit, and so on until the diet is completely changed. The healthy diet recommended by most health professionals to treat acid reflux disease can only help, since it is packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants and other healthy substances known to encourage wellness.
Please see a physician for specific advice about acid reflux disease and to receive the proper diagnosis if experiencing pain, discomfort, or unusual symptoms.
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