If you have acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, certain foods and beverages in your diet may worsen your symptoms. Generally, a "bland diet" is recommended for people with acid reflux, but other dietary changes can help as well. Although dietary changes can significantly reduce your symptoms in many cases, they won't necessarily cure your acid reflux.
Foods to Avoid
If you suffer from acid reflux, you should avoid eating fatty and acidic foods that may irritate your stomach and cause digestion problems, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. Also avoid drinking caffeinated beverages, coffee, orange or other acidic juices, chocolate and alcohol. Peppermint and spearmint can relax your lower esophageal sphincter and further aggravate your acid reflux. On a bland diet for acid reflux, you should avoid any drinks, foods and condiments that seem to irritate your gastrointestinal tract or cause acid reflux, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. These typically include foods prepared with fatty oils or butter, whole-fat or high-fat dairy products, citrus fruits, pepper, vinegar, chili powder, mustard and ketchup. A very low-carbohydrate diet may also help treat acid reflux and GERD, says the University of Michigan Health System. In fact, a study found that consuming less than 20 grams of carbohydrates daily for just six days substantially improved symptoms in people with GERD, according to a 2006 issue of Digestive Diseases and Sciences. Eating large, heavy meals can also cause or worsen acid reflux.
Foods to Add
Replace high-fat foods with low-fat dairy and dishes, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. Eat fruits that are low in acidity like bananas, and opt for grilled foods instead of fried. On a bland diet, you can eat any grains or pastas and vegetables that aren't prepared with fats like oils and butter, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Choose lean meats, fish, soy products, beans, nuts and poultry for your proteins, and drink water, caffeine-free sodas, herbal teas and low-fat milk. Eating smaller portions at mealtime can also ease your acid reflux, MayoClinic.com notes.
Considerations
In addition to certain foods and drinks, smoking cigarettes and exposure to second-hand smoke can aggravate your acid reflux, says the University of Michigan Health System. Also, being overweight or obese can increase your risks of acid reflux and GERD. If you often have acid reflux at night, try to eat your last meal or snack of the day at least two hours before bedtime and elevate your head 6 inches or more while lying down, MayoClinic.com advises. Certain medications and stress can also cause or worsen acid reflux, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Complications
Depending on the severity and frequency, acid reflux can damage your esophagus, causing ulcers and Barrett's esophagus, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Acid reflux can lead to a narrowing of your esophagus and cause tooth decay, as well as conditions of your nose, ears and throat. GERD and chronic acid reflux can also cause esophageal cancer, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Treatments
Many different over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for treating acid reflux. You can take natural supplements like digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid to reduce acid reflux and improve digestion, says the University of Michigan Health System. Over-the-counter antacids like aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate can reduce the excessive production of stomach acids. Other medications for acid reflux include proton pump inhibitors that inhibit stomach acid secretion and histamine H2 blockers that suppress stomach acid production, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your doctor can recommend the treatment that's right for you.
