1. The Problem With High fat Foods
Acid reflux occurs when some of the acid in your stomach travels back up the esophagus because the sphincter muscle doesn't close properly. When the muscle doesn't close all the way, some of the acid in your stomach can leak and produce the symptoms of acid reflux. Some of the symptoms include pain and burning from the acid. When you eat foods high in fat, the fat takes longer for your stomach to digest. Because the food stays in your stomach longer, the stomach produces more acid to digest it. This is also the reason that high fat foods keep us satisfied for a longer period of time. If high fat foods aggravate your acid reflux, doctors recommend either limiting their intake or avoiding them altogether. Never eat a high fat meal just before bedtime, because acid reflux gets worse when you lie down. If you are going to eat a high fat meal, limit the portion size to less than 4 ounces. Limiting the portion size helps to reduce the amount of acid released by the stomach.
2. High fat Foods to Avoid
Certain types of meat have a high fat content and are best to avoid if you have acid reflux. Red meat with heavy marbling, like prime cuts of steak, have a higher fat content that can aggravate acid reflux. Other meats that may contain high fat content include chicken with the skin on, pork ribs or roasts and lamb. Cheese has a high fat content as well. Foods with cheese such as cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, cheese omelets, cheesecake, pizza, lasagna and pasta with cheese can aggravate acid reflux. Breakfast sandwiches with eggs, cheese and meat are very high in fat. Butter and some dairy products are also high fat foods, unless the dairy is low fat. Foods that are prepared with butter can aggravate acid reflux, including specialty butters like garlic butter. Some of the foods prepared with butter include chicken Kiev, shrimp scampi and croissants. High fat dairy foods to avoid include cream, whipped cream, ice cream and half-and-half. Don't forget soups with a cream base. Cakes, cookies and candy can all be high fat so make sure you read the food label thoroughly first.
3. Check for Hidden Fats
Many of the foods we eat contain fat, even if we are unaware of it. Some non-dairy creamers are high in fat. Other foods that may be high in fat include gravies and sauces, frozen or prepared dinners and fried foods. Foods fried in oil or shortening (even if they are healthy vegetables) can be very high in fat. Low sodium foods often use either more sugar or fat to enhance flavors. The best way to check for hidden fat is to read the food label thoroughly.
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