Reflux Lowdown

Acid reflux is a medical condition that affects people of all ages. Acid reflux happens when the stomach produces acid to digest food and that acid regurgitates into the esophagus. Heartburn is the most common symptom of acid reflux. Heartburn is typically uncomfortable, but can be very painful as well. No cure has been found for acid reflux, but the symptoms can be controlled with a good acid reflux diet.

The following is a short list of foods that are high risk for causing acid reflux symptoms. These foods may bother some people with acid reflux and not others because everybody’s system is different. These foods are common foods that are avoided in an acid reflux diet.

Fatty meats

Dairy foods high in fat

Coffee and tea (both caffeinated and decaf)

Alcohol (beer is especially bad)

Most citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables

French fried and mashed potatoes

Reducing these high risk foods in your acid reflux diet can potentially reduce acid reflux symptoms.

Some low risk foods that should be included in your acid reflux diet are:

Extra lean beef

Lean chicken or turkey breasts

Fish

Breads and grains

Low citrus fruits such as bananas and apples

Green vegetables, carrots and cabbage

Low or non-fat dairy foods

This is certainly not a complete list of foods considered safe for an acid reflux diet. It is a general compilation that should be enough to get your first menu planned. Even though these are considered low risk for causing acid reflux symptoms, some people may be sensitive to certain foods and have problems from them regardless of which list they are on.

Overeating can cause symptoms of acid reflux. This happens because when you overeat your stomach has to produce more acid in order to digest the extra food. When there is more acid in the stomach, there can be more symptoms as a result. The best acid reflux diet consists of three small meals per day and two healthy snacks to prevent overeating.

Keeping a diary of the foods you eat and when you have symptoms for at least two weeks. Once you have determined which foods are causing your symptoms you can eliminate them from your acid reflux diet.

Acid reflux symptoms can be especially problematic for babies and older adults. Bleeding ulcers, difficulty breathing, gagging, and the feeling of choking are other symptoms of acid reflux. A baby with acid reflux can experience coughing and vomiting. Babies are unable to express their symptoms and they should be discussed with a pediatrician. Older adults should chew and eat slowly to avoid choking and regurgitation from acid reflux.

Acid reflux disease should be taken seriously as it can be dangerous. Some treatments for acid reflux include antacid tablets, foam tablets, and exercise. Surgery is a last resort acid reflux treatment when other treatments fail. A lifestyle change, including the implementation of a good acid reflux diet, is a step in the right direction toward fighting acid reflux.