3 Ways to Pick Safe Foods for an Acid Reflux Diet

1. Know Your Trigger Foods

Acid reflux patients will each tolerate foods differently. One sufferer may have the ability to digest spicy foods with no problem while other patients will double over in pain after eating dinner at a Mexican restaurant. As you eat different things, you'll note some food items cause your symptoms to flare up while others don't bother your digestive system. You may benefit from keeping a log of your trigger foods and avoid eating these items. Sticking to an acid reflux diet can help you avoid heartburn and reduce the need for you to rely on GERD medications to help ease your symptoms.

2. Good Foods vs. Bad Foods

When you have acid reflux, you'll want to stay away from foods that can prove difficult to digest and increase stomach acid production. Foods with a high fat content can stay in your stomach for a long time and produce more acid. Acidic fruits and fruit juices can also prove difficult for many patients. Citrus fruits, like oranges, grapefruit and lemons, can cause a GERD patient difficulty. Certain vegetables also have a high acid content, like onions and tomatoes. Spicy foods with chilies and peppers can prove hard to digest as well. Some foods have a weakening effect on the esophagus and can allow acid to get into the esophageal lining. Foods in this category include chocolate, alcohol and different types of mints. To pick safe foods for your acid reflux diet, avoid making or ordering entrees that contain any of these food items.

3. Simple and Safe Foods

You'll want to eat simple and healthy meals to prevent your acid reflux symptoms from occurring. Foods which contain a high amount of complex carbs can help ease digestion and reduce heartburn symptoms. Pick whole grain rice, breads and cereals as part of your acid reflux diet. When you eat vegetables and fruits, pick safe menu options with little chance of causing heartburn. You may eat apples, bananas, broccoli, carrots, green beans and peas. Lean meats and other protein options should not give you much of a problem either. Prepare lean cuts of chicken, ground beef and steak. Substitute dairy items with their lower fat or non-fat versions to avoid problems with your GERD. Keep your snacks low fat as well to avoid acid reflux symptoms. Pick fat-free cookies and chips to satisfy your snack cravings.